Spinach Turkey Meatballs
Spinach Turkey Meatballs are a healthy and flavorful dish that combines lean ground turkey with nutrient-rich spinach. Quick and easy to prepare, these meatballs are perfect for weeknight dinners, versatile for multiple serving options, family-friendly, and freezer-safe for convenient meal prep.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 16-20 meatballs) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American/Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (lean)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped (or thawed and drained frozen spinach)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or mozzarella/feta as variation)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Spinach: Wash fresh spinach thoroughly and finely chop it, or pulse briefly in a food processor for an even mix. If using frozen spinach, make sure to squeeze out all excess water to prevent soggy meatballs.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, egg, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated without overworking the meat.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into bite-sized balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate as you form them to keep them from sticking.
- Cook the Meatballs: You can either bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes until golden and cooked through, or pan-fry them over medium heat in a little olive oil for 10-12 minutes, turning frequently to ensure even browning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the meatballs hot with your favorite sauce or side dishes. They also make great additions to salads or sandwiches when cooled.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender, avoiding a dense texture.
- Drain excess water from spinach thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
- Make meatballs uniform in size for consistent cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Allow meatballs to rest a few minutes after cooking so juices redistribute and remain moist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Spinach turkey meatballs, healthy meatballs, easy dinner, lean protein, kid-friendly meatballs, freezer-friendly meal, low fat meatballs