Spanish Meatballs with Beans and Greens Recipe

Name: Spanish Meatballs with Beans and Greens
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 slices stale white bread crust trimmed; 1/2 cup milk, to soften bread; 12 ounces ground beef; 12 ounces ground pork; Salt and pepper; 3 tablespoons grated onion; 1 round tablespoon smoked sweet paprika; 2 cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped; 1 egg, beaten; Handful fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped; Handful fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped; Olive oil cooking spray; 2 tablespoons EVOO; 4 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 red chile pepper, seeded and chopped; 1 Spanish onion, chopped; Salt and pepper; 1 large bundle flat lacinato kale or other dark greens such as escarole, stemmed and chopped or thinly sliced; 6 to 8 cups of chicken stock; One 15- to 18-ounce can garbanzo beans or white kidney beans; Crusty bread, to pass

Servings: persons

2 slices stale white bread crust trimmed
1/2 cup milk, to soften bread
12 ounces ground beef
12 ounces ground pork
Salt and pepper
3 tablespoons grated onion
1 round tablespoon smoked sweet paprika
2 cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped
1 egg, beaten
Handful fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
Handful fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
Olive oil cooking spray
2 tablespoons EVOO
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 red chile pepper, seeded and chopped
1 Spanish onion, chopped
Salt and pepper
1 large bundle flat lacinato kale or other dark greens such as escarole, stemmed and chopped or thinly sliced
6 to 8 cups of chicken stock
One 15- to 18-ounce can garbanzo beans or white kidney beans
Crusty bread, to pass

1
For the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Soak the bread in milk to soften in a small dish.
2
Place the beef and pork in a mixing bowl.
3
Squeeze out the milk from the bread and crumble into small bits as you add to bowl.
4
Sprinkle the meats with salt and pepper, and add the onions, paprika, garlic, egg, cilantro and parsley.
5
Mix thoroughly.
6
Roll into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and arrange on a baking sheet.
7
Spray with olive oil spray and bake until crispy on the outside, about 20 minutes.
8
For the greens and beans: Meanwhile, heat the EVOO in a Dutch oven over medium to medium-high heat.
9
Add the garlic, chiles and onions.
10
Season with salt and pepper, and stir for 5 minutes.
11
Wilt in the greens, and add the stock and beans.
12
Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, and add the meatballs.
13
Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
14
Remove from the heat and cool completely.
15
Store in the refrigerator for a make-ahead meal.
16
Reheat the soup over medium heat and serve with crusty bread.

853

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 21 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 slices stale white bread crust trimmed, 1/2 cup milk, to soften bread, 12 ounces ground beef, 12 ounces ground pork, and more.

Yes, Spanish Meatballs with Beans and Greens falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Spanish Meatballs with Beans and Greens

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions