Meatball and Creamed Spinach Skillet

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Retrieved From: Eating Well

Need a quick meal for dinner tonight? This is the perfect recipe for someone on a time constraint. The preparation and cook time for this dish is only about 20 minutes combined. Did I mention the incredible flavor? Meatballs, Mozzarella, Mariana, and Spinach make the perfect medley.

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
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium marinara (see Tip), heated
  • 4 ounces sliced fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded or torn into pieces

Instructions:

  1. Prepare meatballs according to package directions.
  2. 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.
  3. Nestle the cooked meatballs into the creamed spinach. Drizzle with marinara and scatter mozzarella on top.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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)

Nutritional Information

Serving size: 2 oz. meatballs & ½ cup spinach; 262 calories; 13 g fat(5 g sat); 3 g fiber; 19 g carbohydrates; 18 g protein; 103 mcg folate; 35 mg cholesterol; 7 g sugars; 0 g added sugars; 8063 IU vitamin A; 16 mg vitamin C; 260 mg calcium; 4 mg iron; 498 mg sodium; 338 mg potassium