Sauces & Condiments Healthy Sauce Recipes Healthy Pasta Sauce Recipes Healthy Tomato Sauce Recipes 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. By Carolyn Malcoun Carolyn Malcoun As EatingWell's Associate Editorial Director, Carolyn Malcoun searches for cool farmers, chefs and other food stories to tell. She has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin and a culinary arts degree from New England Culinary Institute. She started at EatingWell as an intern in the Test Kitchen in 2005 and joined the editorial team soon after. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 18, 2024 Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well. Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters. Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen Reviewed by Dietitian Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD Reviewed by Dietitian Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H, RD, is a Chinese and Jewish chef and dietitian who has worked in all facets of the food world. She is a recipe developer, culinary nutritionist and marketing specialist with more than 15 years of experience creating editorial and digital content for top food and kitchen brands. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Rate PRINT Share Trending Videos Close this video player Cook Time: 35 mins Total Time: 35 mins Servings: 6 Yield: 6 servings Nutrition Profile: High-Calcium Bone-Health Nut-Free Healthy Pregnancy Healthy Aging Healthy Immunity Egg-Free Low-Calorie 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) Originally appeared: EatingWell Magazine, September/October 2016 Rate It Print Nutrition Facts (per serving) 262 Calories 13g Fat 20g Carbs 18g Protein Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label Nutrition Facts Servings Per Recipe 6 Serving Size 2 oz. meatballs & 1/2 cup spinach 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. Powered by the ESHA Research Database © 2018, ESHA Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved