Best 8 Florentine Meatballs Recipes

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"Florentine meatballs" are an Italian dish consisting of ground beef, spinach, herbs, and spices. They are typically served with a tomato sauce over pasta or as part of a soup. The meatballs have a tender and juicy texture, and the spinach adds a vibrant green color and a slightly bitter flavor. The combination of the beef and spinach creates a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Florentine meatballs are a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, and they are also a good source of protein and iron. They are also a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

FLORENTINE MEATBALLS



Florentine Meatballs image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 box frozen spinach, defrosted in the microwave
1 1/3 pound (1 package) ground turkey breast
1 medium onion, finely chopped, divided
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 large egg
1 3/4 cups milk, divided
3/4 cup bread crumbs, 3 handfuls
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, 2 palm fulls
Coarse salt and black pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken stock
1 (10-ounce) sack shredded provolone or blend of Italian cheeses, available on dairy aisle
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, eyeball it
1/4 cup parsley leaves, chopped

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Wring defrosted spinach dry in a clean kitchen towel. Place turkey in a bowl and make a well in the middle of it. Add the spinach, all but 3 tablespoons of the onion, all of the garlic, 1 large egg, about 1/4 cup milk, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, salt and pepper. Mix well. Form into 12 large balls and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil. Arrange on a nonstick cookie sheet and roast 20 minutes, or until cooked through.
  • While balls are in the oven, heat a small sauce pot over medium heat. Add a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. Melt butter, add remaining finely chopped onion and cook 2 minutes then whisk in flour. Cook flour 1 minute, then whisk in 1 1/2 cups milk and 1 cup stock. Bring liquid up to a boil then stir in shredded provolone or blended Italian cheeses. Season the sauce with salt, pepper and nutmeg, turn heat to lowest setting.
  • Place 3 balls on dinner plates and top with sauce, garnish with parsley.

FLORENTINE MAC AND CHEESE AND ROAST CHICKEN SAUSAGE MEATBALLS



Florentine Mac and Cheese and Roast Chicken Sausage Meatballs image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

Salt
1 pound cavatappi corkscrew shaped hallow pasta
1 1/2 pounds ground chicken
Black pepper
2 to 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves stripped and finely chopped
2 teaspoons fennel seeds
3 cloves garlic, grated
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups grated Parmigiano Reggiano, divided
1 egg
3/4 cup bread crumbs, plus more, if needed*
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 boxes, 10 ounces, chopped frozen spinach
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup whole milk
1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg, eyeball it

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
  • Place a large pot of water on to boil for pasta. When it comes to a boil, salt it and add the pasta to cook to al dente. Strain pasta reserving 1 cup cooking liquid.
  • While the water is coming to a boil, in a large mixing bowl combine the chicken, salt and pepper, rosemary, fennel seeds, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano - a rounded handful, egg and bread crumbs. *If the mixture seems too wet, add a handful of bread crumbs and mix together.
  • Form 8 large round balls, about 3 to 4-inches. Coat balls in a couple of tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil and lightly grease a baking sheet with 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil. Arrange balls on the baking sheet and roast 17 to 18 minutes until juices run clear.
  • Defrost spinach in microwave 8 to 10 minutes on "defrost" setting depending on the microwave. Place the boxes in a shallow dish to catch any run off.
  • While the meatballs roast, in a medium sauce pot over medium heat, melt butter, whisk in flour, cook 1 minute then whisk in stock and milk, season with salt, pepper and nutmeg and thicken 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in the remaining 1 cup grated Parmigiano and reduce heat on lowest setting.
  • Wring spinach completely dry in clean kitchen towel then separate as you add it to the sauce. Also add the reserved 1 cup pasta cooking liquid.
  • Toss pasta with the spinach-white sauce and adjust seasonings.
  • Serve Florentine Mac-n-Cheese with 2 meatballs per person along side.

CHICKEN FLORENTINE MEATBALLS



Chicken Florentine Meatballs image

Served over squash and a chunky, mushroom-tomato sauce, these tender meatballs are tops when it comes to great flavor. -Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dried minced onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 pound ground chicken
1 medium spaghetti squash
SAUCE:
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Crumble chicken over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls., Place meatballs on a rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until no longer pink. Meanwhile, cut squash in half lengthwise; discard seeds. Place squash cut side down on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 15-18 minutes or until tender., For sauce, in a large nonstick skillet, saute mushrooms in oil until tender. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes or until slightly thickened. Add meatballs and heat through., When squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to separate strands. Serve with meatballs and sauce. Freeze option: Place individual portions of cooled meatballs and squash in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Microwave, covered, on high in a microwave-safe dish until heated through, gently stirring and adding a little water if necessary.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 303 calories, Fat 12g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 123mg cholesterol, Sodium 617mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

INSTANT POT® SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS FLORENTINE



Instant Pot® Spaghetti and Meatballs Florentine image

There's a lot your Instant Pot® can do to make family dinner easier, but one of its best tricks is making this homemade spin on spaghetti and meatballs into a truly delicious one-pot meal. Part of the magic comes from combining the sauté and pressure-cooking functions. Herbed turkey meatballs get seared and the insert gets deglazed, so the browned bits left behind by the meatballs infuse the entire dish with savory flavor. Then, meatballs, pasta and sauce ingredients are put under pressure, which turns three steps into one: making the cheesy sauce, finishing the meatballs and cooking the pasta. After a short time under pressure, all that's left to do is stir in fresh spinach until it's silky. A final dusting of Parmesan and pepper, plus a squeeze of lemon will make this dish truly perfect.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 lb ground turkey (at least 93% lean)
3/4 cup Progresso™ Panko Italian style crispy bread crumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1 egg, slightly beaten
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 carton (32 oz) Progresso™ chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
12 oz uncooked spaghetti, broken in half
4 oz (from 8-oz package) cream cheese, softened and cubed
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus additional for serving, if desired
1 package (5 oz) fresh baby spinach
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Steps:

  • In large bowl, mix turkey, bread crumbs, onion, egg, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper. Shape mixture into 12 (2-inch) meatballs.
  • On 6-quart Instant Pot®, select SAUTE; adjust to normal. Heat oil in insert until very hot. Add meatballs; cook 4 to 5 minutes without moving, until meatballs release easily from bottom of insert. Turn; cook 2 to 3 minutes or until browned on second side. Turn one more time; cook 2 to 3 minutes on third side, until browned. Select CANCEL. Using slotted spoon or tongs, transfer meatballs to plate.
  • Stir broth and whipping cream into meatball drippings in insert. Stir mixture to loosen browned bits from bottom of insert. Stir in spaghetti; coat in sauce mixture.
  • Place meatballs evenly over spaghetti mixture. Secure lid; set pressure valve to SEALING. Select MANUAL; cook on high pressure 8 minutes. Select CANCEL. Set pressure valve to VENTING to quick-release pressure.
  • Gently stir cream cheese and Parmesan cheese into mixture 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese is melted and spaghetti is completely separated. Spaghetti will appear to be stuck together but will separate while stirring. Stir in remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper, the spinach and lemon juice until spinach wilts. Top with additional Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 610, Carbohydrate 65 g, Cholesterol 120 mg, Fat 3 1/2, Fiber 3 g, Protein 35 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, ServingSize 1 1/2 Cups, Sodium 1200 mg, Sugar 3 g, TransFat 1/2 g

FLORENTINE MEATBALLS



Florentine Meatballs image

Because these meatballs freeze and reheat well, we use them as a quick addition to spaghetti, on subs or as an appetizer. -Louise Graybiel, Toronto, Ontario

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings plus 16 cooked meatballs.

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 jar (26 ounces) spaghetti sauce
Hot cooked spaghetti

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 32 balls., Place meatballs on a greased rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 24-28 minutes or until no longer pink. Drain on paper towels., Save half of the meatballs for Italian Stroganoff (recipe also in Recipe Finder) or save for another use. In a large saucepan, heat spaghetti sauce; add the remaining meatballs. Serve with spaghetti.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 403 calories, Fat 19g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 130mg cholesterol, Sodium 1197mg sodium, Carbohydrate 27g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 32g protein.

FLORENTINE MEATBALLS



Florentine Meatballs image

Make and share this Florentine Meatballs recipe from Food.com.

Provided by E.A.4957

Categories     Poultry

Time 30m

Yield 12 meatballs, 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

8 ounces frozen spinach, defrosted in the microwave
1 1/3 lbs ground turkey breast
1 small onion, very finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 large egg
1/4 cup milk
3/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
coarse salt
black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Wring defrosted spinach dry in a clean kitchen towel.
  • Place turkey in a bowl and make a well in the middle of it.
  • Add the spinach, onion, garlic, 1 large egg, about 1/4 cup milk, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, salt and pepper. Mix well. Form into 12 large balls and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil. Arrange on a nonstick cookie sheet and roast 20 to 25 minutes (depending on your oven).
  • Top with alfredo sauce.

CHICKEN FLORENTINE MEATBALLS WITH FONDUDITA



Chicken Florentine Meatballs With Fondudita image

Giant chicken meatballs with a creamy cheese sauce. A great way to sneak spinach into your kids meals. Serve with egg noodles and broccoli.

Provided by JHOmade

Categories     Poultry

Time 50m

Yield 9 Meatballs, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 20

2 lbs ground chicken or 2 lbs ground turkey
8 ounces frozen spinach spinach, thawed and drained of excess water
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 large egg
1/4 cup whole milk or 1/4 cup half-and-half
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup parmigiano-reggiano cheese, freshly grated
1 teaspoon hot sauce
sea salt, to taste
black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 shallot, finely minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup whole milk or 3/4 cup half-and-half
4 ounces provolone cheese, Shredded
nutmeg, freshly grated, to taste
2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, minced

Steps:

  • Place the ground chicken or turkey in the largest mixing bowl you own, and make a well in the middle of the meat. Add the spinach, onion, garlic, egg, milk, hot sauce, Panko crumbs, and Parmigiano-Reggiano; season with salt and pepper. Using your hands, mix well.
  • Form the mixture into 9 large balls, about the size of baseballs, and arrange on nonstick baking sheets. Roast for 35 minutes, or until they're browned to your liking. When finished, use a spatula and some heft to remove them from the pan to your serving dish of choice.
  • While the meatballs are baking make the sauce.
  • Heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter to the pan and about 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Melt the mixture, add the onion, and cook until the onions are soft and translucent. Whisk in the flour. Cook for 1 minute; then whisk in the milk, and the broth. Bring the liquid to a boil. Slowly add the cheese. Once cheese is melted stir in parsley and season to taste with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  • Serve meatballs with a spoonful of the sauce over the top.

FLORENTINE MEATBALLS



Florentine Meatballs image

Make and share this Florentine Meatballs recipe from Food.com.

Provided by dicentra

Categories     Poultry

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 (10 ounce) box frozen spinach, defrosted
2 lbs ground turkey
1 onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 egg
1 3/4 cups milk
3/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
salt and pepper
olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup chicken broth
10 ounces provolone cheese, shredded
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400.
  • Wring the defrosted spinach dry in a clean kitchen towel. Place the turkey in a large bowl and make a well in the center. Add the spinach, all but 3 tablespoons of the onions, all the garlic, the egg, about ¼ cup of the milk, the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Mix well.
  • Form into 12 large balls and drizzle with oil. Arrange on a cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes. (If you are doing OAMC, allow to cool and label and freeze at this point).
  • While the meatballs are in the oven, heat a small sauce pot over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil and the butter. When the butter is melted, add the reserved onions and cook for 2 minutes.
  • Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, then whisk in the remaining milk and the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, and then stir in the shredded cheese. Season the sauce with salt, pepper and nutmeg; turn the heat to the lowest setting and stir until the cheese melts. Keep warm.
  • Place 3 meatballs on each dinner plate and top with sauce.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your meatballs.
  • Don't overwork the meat. Overworking the meat will make the meatballs tough.
  • Use a light hand when breading the meatballs. Too much breading will make the meatballs dry and heavy.
  • Fry the meatballs in hot oil. This will help them brown evenly and develop a crispy crust.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the meatballs. This will cause them to steam instead of fry.
  • Simmer the meatballs in sauce for at least 30 minutes. This will help them absorb the flavors of the sauce.
  • Serve the meatballs hot, over pasta or with a side of mashed potatoes or rice.

Conclusion:

Making Florentine Meatballs is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic Italian dish. With a few simple tips, you can make meatballs that are moist, flavorful, and perfectly browned. So next time you're looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, give these meatballs a try. You won't be disappointed!

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