Baked Spinach and Ricotta Meatballs: Your New Favorite Family Dinner

Delight your family with these incredibly easy-to-make and utterly delicious Baked Spinach and Ricotta Meatballs. Perfect for a cozy Sunday Supper, weeknight meal, or any occasion where you crave comforting, homemade goodness. This recipe combines classic meatball appeal with a nutritious and flavorful twist that everyone will adore!

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There’s something truly magical about homemade meatballs. They evoke a sense of warmth, tradition, and pure comfort that few other dishes can match. In my household, meatballs are met with enthusiastic cheers – a guaranteed hit that brings everyone to the table. Despite their hearty reputation, making them from scratch is surprisingly simple, and the rewards are immeasurable. This recipe for Baked Spinach and Ricotta Meatballs takes that beloved classic and elevates it with fresh flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for your next family dinner, especially for a relaxed Sunday Supper.

One of the best secrets to always having a delicious meal on hand is batch cooking. When you decide to whip up a batch of these flavorful meatballs, consider doubling the recipe! Prepare them without sauce and freeze the cooked meatballs for future meals. This simple trick transforms meal prep, offering a convenient solution for busy weeknights when time is short but you still want a wholesome, homemade dinner. Simply pull them from the freezer, simmer in your favorite marinara, and serve!

My culinary journey with meatballs is deeply rooted in my family history. Whenever we gather at my grandparents’ house, it’s almost a given that a generous serving of meatballs will accompany our pasta. My grandfather, a true master of the craft, prepares large quantities, ensuring a consistent supply in his freezer. This means he’s always ready for any spontaneous visits from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a testament to his enduring love and hospitality. He often sends me home with bags of his culinary treasures – a gesture that always fills my heart and my freezer. Having pre-made bags of meatballs, chicken cutlets, polenta, and even stuffed cabbage rolls waiting for me at home is more than just convenient; it’s a profound comfort.

Living an hour away from my family, though not an immense distance for some, often feels quite far to me. While I strive to visit as often as possible, it’s not the same as the closeness I experienced growing up, living just a few houses down from my grandparents. These homemade provisions bridge that distance, offering a tangible connection to my roots and the loving hands that prepared them. Each bite is a reminder of family gatherings, shared laughter, and the rich traditions passed down through generations. It’s a culinary hug that warms the soul and makes dinner preparation a joy rather than a chore.

These particular Baked Spinach and Ricotta Meatballs truly exceeded expectations. While they diverge from my grandfather’s traditional recipe – I can’t imagine him adding ricotta or spinach – I was eager to experiment with this flavorful twist. I’ve previously incorporated spinach into turkey meatballs, and to be honest, most people don’t even detect its presence. What it *does* add, however, is a wonderful boost of nutrients and a vibrant, appealing color to your meatballs, making them even more inviting.

The addition of creamy ricotta cheese gives these meatballs an incredibly tender, moist texture that simply melts in your mouth. It’s a subtle yet significant difference that sets them apart from more conventional recipes, adding a delicate richness without overpowering the other flavors. Combined with the freshness of spinach and a blend of savory spices, these meatballs offer a balanced and sophisticated profile that’s still approachable and family-friendly. It’s a fantastic way to introduce extra vegetables into your diet in a delicious and appealing manner, especially for picky eaters.

When it comes to preparation, I highly recommend browning the meatballs on the stovetop before baking. This searing step creates a beautifully firm, caramelized exterior that adds another layer of flavor and helps the meatballs hold their shape. While it’s certainly possible to bake them entirely in the oven from raw (just add a little extra baking time before introducing the sauce), I find that the quick sear makes a noticeable difference in texture and depth of flavor. It’s a small extra step that yields significant results, elevating the overall quality of the dish.

For an extra touch of indulgence, a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese in the final minutes of baking is entirely optional, but trust me, no one will be complaining if you add it! Even a small amount provides a delightful gooey topping that enhances the comfort food experience. The melting mozzarella creates a delicious, savory crust that complements the tender interior of the meatballs and the rich marinara sauce.

These versatile Baked Spinach and Ricotta Meatballs can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways. I often serve them over creamy polenta, a tradition inspired by my Nonno, whose homemade polenta is legendary. However, they are equally fantastic on their own as an appetizer, nestled in warm rolls for a hearty meatball sub, or served alongside your favorite whole wheat pasta for a classic Italian-American meal. For those looking to reduce carbohydrates, they pair wonderfully with a bed of sautéed kale or spaghetti squash, offering a lighter yet equally satisfying option. Their adaptability makes them a perfect addition to any meal plan, whether you’re aiming for traditional comfort or a healthier twist.

More Comforting Recipes to Elevate Your Sunday Supper:

Looking for more inspiration to make your Sunday dinners truly special? Here are some other delightful recipes that promise warmth and flavor, perfect for gathering around the table:

Baked Lemon Chicken Spaghetti Primavera | Recipe Girl

Make Ahead Manicotti | Valerie’s Kitchen

Roasted Italian Turkey Sausage, Potatoes and Peppers

Slow Cooker Risotto with Italian Sausage and Butternut Squash | The Food Charlatan

Swiss Chard with White Beans over Pasta

For more wholesome and delicious meal ideas, be sure to check out my Pinterest Board dedicated to favorite recipes. There you’ll find a wealth of culinary inspiration, from healthy weeknight dinners to special occasion treats. Follow Aggie’s Kitchen’s board Aggie’s Kitchen Recipes on Pinterest.

When preparing dishes like these meatballs, having the right kitchen tools can truly transform your cooking experience. I’m particularly fond of a good quality braiser, such as the 3 1/2 qt. Braiser from Le Creuset. It’s not just a beautiful piece of cookware; its functionality is unparalleled. This type of pan is perfect for any one-pot meal where you need to brown ingredients, like the meatballs in this recipe or even dishes like my Stuffed Cabbage Casserole, before adding liquids and finishing in the oven. It also excels at braising greens, as shown in my recipe for Stewed Kale and Tomatoes. Investing in versatile, high-quality cookware makes cooking more enjoyable and efficient, allowing you to create delicious meals with ease.

Happy cooking, and enjoy these wonderful Baked Spinach and Ricotta Meatballs!