The Pioneer Woman Tasty Kitchen
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Spinach Meatballs with Vegetable Marinara

5.00 Mitt(s) 4 Rating(s)4 votes, average: 5.00 out of 54 votes, average: 5.00 out of 54 votes, average: 5.00 out of 54 votes, average: 5.00 out of 54 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5

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Level: Intermediate

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Description

The kids will never know! Best of all, it’s made in your slow cooker! Don’t let the list of ingredients discourage you, it’s well worth it.

Ingredients

  • 2 whole Carrots, Finely Chopped
  • ½ whole Bell Pepper, Finely Chopped
  • 2 whole Celery Stalks, Finely Chopped
  • 1 whole Medium Onion, Finely Chopped
  • 3 Tablespoons Butter
  • 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 2 Tablespoons Minced Garlic
  • ½ cups Chicken Stock
  • ¼ cups Red Wine
  • 1 box (10 Oz. Box) Frozen Chopped Spinach, Defrosted Drained And Liquid Squeezed Out
  • 1 can (28 Oz. Can) Crushed Tomatoes
  • 2 cans (28 Oz. Can) Tomato Sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon Dried Basil
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 Tablespoon Dried Parsley
  • ½ teaspoons Salt
  • ¼ teaspoons Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar
  • 2 slices Bread Crusts Removed
  • ½ cups Milk
  • 1-½ pound Ground Beef
  • 1 whole Egg
  • ¾ cups Grated Parmesan Cheese

Preparation

In a food processor, process vegetables (separately) until fine, almost a paste.

Melt butter and olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the carrots, bell pepper, celery, onions, and garlic, cook until soft, about 10 minutes (you want this super soft). Add chicken stock and wine and cook another 10 minutes until reduced by 1/4. Add spinach, mix well and remove from heat.

In a slow cooker place heat on high. Add cans of tomatoes, sauce, half of the cooked vegetable mixture and all dried spices, salt, pepper and sugar. Cover and bring to a boil.

While you are waiting for sauce to boil, soak bread in milk in a shallow dish. In a stand mixer, crumble meat, add soaked bread, the egg, the remaining half of the vegetable mixture, the parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to taste. Mix on high speed for 2 minutes until slightly whipped. (I find whipping the meat makes a light and airy meatball).

Roll meat into 1-inch balls, drop into boiling sauce, place heat on low and cook 4 to 6 hours. Serve over your favorite pasta.

One Comment

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randrok on 2.21.2011

These sounds so good! I can’t wait to try them. I like that I can sneak veggies into my husband!

4 Reviews

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samsmom on 8.3.2013

Have made this several times and it’s my son’s favorite sauce and meatballs!

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Debbie on 1.15.2012

I made this with some changes love the texture of the meatballs I have been looking for a version of this for my ravioli filling. thanks.

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michellejoan5 on 3.30.2011

I only made the meatball part (i put the spinach in them also) and they were great! My little ones loved them! It made about 35 small meatballs so I had some to freeze.

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whitecallalily on 3.8.2011

My kids didn’t even notice the veggies!!

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