Florentine meatballs are a cozy and flavorful twist on the traditional meatball, infused with the richness of spinach and a blend of Italian herbs that make each bite hearty and satisfying. The term “Florentine” usually refers to dishes that feature spinach, and in this case, the leafy greens are mixed right into the meatballs, adding depth, moisture, and a pop of vibrant green that makes them as visually appealing as they are delicious.
These meatballs are typically made with a combination of ground beef and pork or sometimes ground turkey for a lighter option. The addition of chopped cooked spinach gives them a tender texture and a subtly earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with grated Parmesan, garlic, onion, and fresh herbs like parsley and basil. A bit of breadcrumbs and egg help bind everything together, while a touch of nutmeg – a classic pairing with spinach – adds warmth and complexity.
Once shaped, the meatballs can be browned in a skillet for a crisp outer layer before being simmered in a rich tomato sauce. The sauce is usually a simple blend of crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and Italian seasoning, allowing the flavors of the meatballs to shine through while still adding moisture and tang. As they simmer, the meatballs soak up the sauce, becoming even more tender and flavorful.
Florentine meatballs are wonderfully versatile. They can be served over spaghetti or creamy polenta, tucked into a sandwich with melted mozzarella, or simply enjoyed on their own with a slice of crusty bread to mop up the sauce. They also make a great party appetizer when served in smaller portions with toothpicks.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or something special for a weekend gathering, Florentine meatballs bring the familiar comfort of Italian cooking with a little twist. The blend of spinach, savory meat, and tomato sauce creates a dish that feels both wholesome and indulgent – a flavorful, home-cooked meal that’s sure to be remembered.
Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef lean
- 1 cup spinach fresh, chopped
- 1 egg large
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs plain
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, spinach, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and black pepper until well mixed.
- Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve hot with your favorite pasta or a side salad.
These meatballs are amazing! So juicy and tasty. Thanks for the recipe!
The instructions were confusing. I mixed everything but the egg and the meatballs fell apart. 🙁
Delish! I added some Italian herbs too. Yum!
Sounds great! Italian herbs really do make everything better. I’m gonna try it with rosemary next time!
They taste good, but I feel like there needs to be more spices. Like, where’s the kick?
I made these with my kids, and they loved helping out! Will make again for sure!
That’s awesome! Cooking with kids is the best! 😍
Yum! Best meatballs I’ve had in a while. Perfect with marinara sauce.
I don’t know… they came out too dry for me. Maybe I cooked them too long.
These meatballs came out amazing! The spinach adds a nice touch. Will definitely make again!
Pretty good! But I think more cheese would make it better. Just my opinion tho.
I tried making these but ended up with a mess. What’s the secret to keeping them together?
Maybe try adding a bit more breadcrumbs or another egg? That might help them stick together better! 😊
I tweeked it. Added a bit of chili flakes for heat. Super duper tasty!
Chili flakes? That sounds awesome! I gotta try that next time! Thanks for the tip!
Made this recipe last night. My whole family loved it, even the kids! Will def make again!
That’s awesome to hear! My kids are picky, so I can’t wait to try this! Thanks for sharing!
These meatballs are a game changer! The spinach gives them a nice color and taste. My kids loved them too!
Florentine meatballs? Thought it was just spaghetti! Will try this out for sure.
Took too long to cook! Next time, I might just stick to frozen ones.
Y’all gotta try this, they taste so good! Much better than store bought!
I made these last week and they were a hit! Way better than frozen!
I don’t know, they look kinda dry in the pics. Store bought is easier too!
Spinach? Yikes! I thought meatballs was just meat and spices. Never made these.
Just meh… I’ve had better meatballs before. My grandma’s recipe is way better.
These meatballs are amazing! So juicy and flavorful.
They were okay, but mine turned out a bit dry. Maybe I overcooked them? Not sure if I’ll try again.
I agree! These meatballs have the perfect blend of flavors. Can’t wait to make them myself!
These meatballs were amazing! So much flavor and super easy to make. Will def make again!
These meatballs are a game changer! Who knew spinach could taste this good in meat. Yum!
So quick & yum! Perfect for dinner! Love it 💖
I tried making this but my meatballs fell apart in the oven. What did I do wrong? Very frustrating.
They were okay, but I feel like they needed more flavor. Maybe add some Italian spices?
Nah, I thought they were fine as is. Maybe you’re just not used to simple flavors? 🤷♂️
I totally agree! A good sprinkle of Italian herbs can make such a difference. I usually add oregano and basil too!
My kids wouldn’t eat these, they said green stuff is yucky 😒.
So good, made them twice already!
Perfecto! Just like mama used to make, but a healthy twist. Thanks for the recipe!
Easy recipe. I like how it sneak veggies into dinner.
Yeah, sneaking veggies is a clever idea! Helps kids eat healthy without fuss. Will try this out!
I don’t know about the spinach in meatballs. Seems kinda weird to me. I like my meatballs plain.
I totally get you! Spinach in meatballs does sound odd at first, but it actually makes them really juicy and adds a nice flavor. Give it a try before writing it off! 😊
Why would you ruin meatballs with spinach? Just stick to the classic plain ones… way better! 🤷♂️
I added some chopped sun-dried tomatoes and they turned out amazing! Highly recommend!
Easy and tasty! But next time I’ll add some Italian herbs to the mix for more flavor.
Absolutely delicious! I made these meatballs for dinner and my kids loved them. Will definitely make again!
Meatballs are boss but too much garlic for me. Might do less next time.
Why do you put spinach? I don’t get it. Just stick with meat and cheese.
These tasted weird, do you really need spinach? Like, can’t you just use beef?
I think the spinach adds a nice texture and flavor! You might be missing out if you skip it.
Nah, beef is the best. Spinach ain’t needed at all! Just makes it taste funny.
How many meatballs does this make? I made them small and got like 15, didn’t think they’d be so filling!
Meatballs = life! 👏 So easy to make and SO tasty!
Eh, too healthy for me. Just give me the pasta without the greens.
I wasn’t sure about spinach in meatballs, but it turned out really good! Sneaky way to get veggies in.
I didn’t have Parmesan, used cheddar instead. Still tasted good but not exactly same.
I tried this, but I used chicken instead of beef. Works too, guys!
These meatballs are amazing! So juicy and flavorful. I added some extra spices for a kick.
They were okay but not as juicy for me. Maybe I did something wrong?
Totally agree! I also add some red pepper flakes for more heat. Makes them irresistible!
I’m not much of a cook, but I followed the recipe step by step and it worked! Pretty easy.
Disastor! 😱 They came out dry and I cooked them for exactly 30 min! Never again!
Hmmm, kinda bland. I might just stick to my grandma’s recipe. Sorry!
Don’t be too hard on it! You gotta season it right, maybe add some herbs? Try using basil or oregano, that could help! 🌿
Grandma’s recipe sounds great, but give this one a shot with some hot sauce or something. Spice it up! 🔥
They were okay, but I think the mixture was too dry. Maybe add some sauce next time?
I was skeptical at first about the spinach, but wow! It really works. Thanks for sharing.
I totally agree! The spinach adds a unique flavor. I’m making these again this week.
Meatballs? With spinach? Sounds like a scam, but I’ll give it a try. 🤔
These meatballs are sooo good! I loved adding a bit of cheese on top before baking. Yum!
Meatballs? YES! Love ’em! Gimme gimme!
I don’t have an oven. Can I fry these? 🤔
Yes, you can fry them! Just heat some oil in a pan and cook the meatballs until they’re brown on all sides. Should work great!
I dunno, frying seems different. Aren’t they supposed to be baked? What if they fall apart?
So easy to make and pretty healthy! I added some herbs I had in the fridge and it was delicious. Definitely making again!
Are you serious? Meatballs with spinach? Sounds weird. I prefer the original recipe, without all the extra greens.
I used to think greens don’t belong in meatballs either, but spinach adds moisture and a nice flavor! Give it a shot! 😊
Nah, man! Meatballs gotta be meaty, not leafy! This is just wrong. Just stick to the original. 😒
Just okay. They tasted fine but weren’t very filling. I needed to add more sides to my plate.