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Spinach Turkey Meatballs

Spinach Turkey Meatballs
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Spinach Turkey Meatballs combine lean ground turkey and fresh spinach to create a nutritious, protein-packed dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prepping. Mildly seasoned and easy to make, these meatballs are kid-friendly, versatile, and delicious either baked or pan-fried.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped (after sautéing)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs/almond flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or substitute with feta or mozzarella)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or fresh basil, parsley, or rosemary as alternatives)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing spinach and optional for cooking meatballs)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spinach: Lightly sauté the fresh spinach in a bit of olive oil until wilted. This releases excess moisture and intensifies the flavor. Let it cool slightly, then chop finely to blend evenly into the meat mixture.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the ground turkey, cooled spinach, breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until fully combined, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
  3. Shape the Meatballs: Form uniform balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter using your hands or a small ice cream scoop. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy handling and cleanup.
  4. Cook the Meatballs: Choose your cooking method: bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway through, or brown them in a skillet over medium heat with olive oil until golden and cooked through. Both methods lock in moisture and flavor.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes after cooking. Serve them with your favorite dishes such as pasta, salads, wraps, or enjoy as appetizers.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatballs light and moist.
  • Drain wilted spinach thoroughly to avoid soggy meatballs.
  • Use a scoop or measuring tool to ensure uniform meatball size for even cooking.
  • Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried for better flavor.
  • Test cook one meatball first to check seasoning before shaping the entire batch.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently in microwave, oven, or simmered in sauce to prevent drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: spinach turkey meatballs, healthy meatballs, low-fat meatballs, gluten-free meatballs, easy turkey recipe, meal prep meatballs, kid-friendly dinners

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