Name: Meatball & Creamed Spinach Skillet
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 12 ounces frozen meatballs; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1 6-ounce package frozen chopped spinach; 2 tablespoons white whole-wheat flour; 1 cup reduced-fat milk; 0.25 teaspoon ground pepper; 0.125 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1.5 cups low-sodium marinara (see Tip), heated; 4 ounces sliced fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded or torn into pieces

Meatball & Creamed Spinach Skillet

4.3

(4)

3 Reviews

Spaghetti and meatballs is a no-brainer, but pairing meatballs with a pile of creamed spinach topped with marinara and cheese is a flavorful twist. Pick your favorite frozen meatballs--beef, chicken or veggie--for this healthy dinner recipe.

Carolyn Malcoun

Updated on August 16, 2019

Cook Time:

35 mins

Total Time:

35 mins

Servings:

Yield:

6 servings

Nutrition Profile:

Low-Calorie Egg Free Nut-Free High Calcium Bone Health Healthy Aging Healthy Immunity Healthy Pregnancy

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

12 ounces frozen meatballs
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 6-ounce package frozen chopped spinach
2 tablespoons white whole-wheat flour
1 cup reduced-fat milk
¼ teaspoon ground pepper
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 ½ cups low-sodium marinara (see Tip), heated
4 ounces sliced fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded or torn into pieces

Directions

Prepare meatballs according to package directions.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large, broiler-safe skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add spinach and cook, stirring occasionally, until thawed, 6 to 8 minutes. Sprinkle with flour and stir to combine. Add milk and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in pepper and nutmeg.
Nestle the cooked meatballs into the creamed spinach. Drizzle with marinara and scatter mozzarella on top.
Position rack in upper third of oven and turn broiler to high. Broil the casserole until the cheese is browning in spots, 3 to 4 minutes.

Tips

Marinara sauces can be high in sodium (often more than 20 percent of your daily limit per 1/2-cup serving). Opt for one labeled “low-sodium” or check the nutrition panel and go for one that's lower in sodium, about 250 mg per serving or less.

Meatballs: Pick one with less than 450 mg per serving and skip brands with added sugar. Our Favorites: Bove's Italian Style (beef) and Al Fresco Italian Style (chicken)

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

262	Calories
13g	Fat
20g	Carbs
18g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 262
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 20g	7%
Dietary Fiber 3g	11%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 18g	37%
Total Fat 13g	17%
Saturated Fat 5g	24%
Cholesterol 35mg	12%
Vitamin A 8063IU	161%
Vitamin C 16mg	18%
Folate 103mcg	26%
Sodium 498mg	22%
Calcium 260mg	20%
Iron 4mg	21%
Magnesium 60mg	14%
Potassium 338mg	7%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.