Print

Spinach Turkey Meatballs

Spinach Turkey Meatballs
Print Recipe

These Spinach Turkey Meatballs are a quick, nutritious, and flavorful meal combining lean turkey with fresh spinach and simple pantry staples. Perfect for meal prepping or wholesome dinners, they offer a healthy twist on a classic favorite with minimal fuss and family-friendly taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and sautéed
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for GF option)
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning or 1 tbsp fresh herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spinach: Wash the spinach thoroughly, then sauté it lightly in a pan with a touch of olive oil until wilted. Let it cool, then finely chop or squeeze out any excess moisture to avoid soggy meatballs.
  2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, sautéed spinach, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, minced onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
  3. Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This size promotes even cooking and tender texture.
  4. Cook the Meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, browning each side for 3-4 minutes. After all sides are golden, reduce heat, cover the pan, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the meatballs from the skillet and let them rest briefly. Serve them alone or with your favorite sauce and sides.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meat to keep meatballs tender.
  • Remove excess water from spinach to prevent sogginess.
  • Use a cookie scoop or spoon for uniform meatball size and even cooking.
  • Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safety.
  • To bake instead, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Freeze cooled meatballs in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or gently in a skillet. Avoid microwaving to retain moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: spinach turkey meatballs, healthy meatballs, lean turkey recipe, gluten-free meatballs, easy dinner, meal prep meatballs, family-friendly dinner

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/spinach-turkey-meatballs/