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- 1 pound ground turkey - 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped - 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking) - 1 jar (about 24 ounces) marinara sauce (for serving) You can swap ground turkey for chicken or beef. This keeps the dish tasty. If you want a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free version. Instead of fresh spinach, frozen spinach works too. Just thaw and squeeze out the water. These meatballs are healthy and packed with nutrients. Each serving has about: - Calories: 250 - Protein: 28 grams - Carbohydrates: 12 grams - Fiber: 3 grams - Fat: 10 grams (mostly from olive oil) These meatballs are a great choice for a balanced meal. They are low in carbs and high in protein. Plus, they have good fats from olive oil. Enjoy this healthy dinner idea with confidence! {{ingredient_image_2}} In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, spinach, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic next. Then, crack the egg into the bowl. Sprinkle in the oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like heat. Use your hands to mix everything together. Make sure it is well blended but don’t over-mix. This keeps the meatballs tender. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. With slightly wet hands to avoid sticking, form the turkey mixture into meatballs. Aim for meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Place them on the baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Bake for about 20 minutes. They should be golden-brown and fully cooked. While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pour in the marinara sauce and let it warm up. Once the meatballs are done, carefully transfer them to the sauce. Gently toss them to coat with the sauce. Let them simmer together for 5 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well. Now, they are ready to serve! To keep your meatballs moist, use fresh turkey, not lean turkey. The fat helps keep them juicy. You can also add more chopped spinach. It adds moisture and flavor. Mixing gently is key. Over-mixing makes them tough. Aim for a soft texture. Do not skip the breadcrumbs. They help bind the meatballs and keep them from falling apart. Avoid using too little seasoning. A pinch of salt and pepper can make a big difference. Lastly, don't crowd the baking sheet. Space them out for even cooking. Want more heat? Add extra red pepper flakes. For a milder taste, leave them out. You can also mix in herbs like basil or thyme. Fresh herbs add a bright flavor. A dash of lemon juice can lift the taste. It gives a fresh twist to the meatballs. Pro Tips Keep It Moist: Adding a splash of milk or a bit more olive oil to the mixture can help keep the meatballs moist and tender. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh spinach and garlic for the best flavor. If using frozen spinach, ensure it's thoroughly drained to avoid excess moisture. Perfectly Spaced: Make sure to space the meatballs evenly on the baking sheet to ensure they cook uniformly and don't steam each other. Rest Before Serving: Allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps them hold their shape better when served. {{image_4}} You can easily boost the nutrition of these meatballs by adding other veggies. Try mixing in grated carrots, finely chopped bell peppers, or mushrooms. Each veggie adds flavor and texture. It also makes the meatballs more colorful and fun. Just chop them small so they blend well. If you want to switch things up, consider using ground chicken or lean beef. Both options work well and give different flavors. For a vegetarian twist, use lentils or chickpeas. Just mash them and mix with the other ingredients. This makes the meatballs plant-based and still tasty. While marinara sauce is great, you can explore other sauces too. Try BBQ sauce for a smoky taste or a creamy pesto for a rich flavor. Experiment with homemade sauces like a spicy tomato sauce or a tangy yogurt sauce. Each sauce can change the whole meal and keep things exciting. After you enjoy your meal, store leftover meatballs in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. Place them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat, take the meatballs out of the fridge. You can use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, place them on a plate and cover them with a paper towel. Heat for about 1-2 minutes or until hot. On the stovetop, add them to a skillet with a little marinara sauce. Heat on low until warmed through. To freeze, let the meatballs cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about two hours until solid. After that, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your meal anytime! Yes, you can make Spinach Turkey Meatballs ahead of time. I often prepare them in advance for busy nights. After cooking, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep well for about three days. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, you have a healthy meal ready when you need it! Spinach Turkey Meatballs pair well with several sides. Here are my favorites: - Whole-grain pasta - Zoodles (zucchini noodles) - Quinoa or brown rice - Garlic bread - A fresh garden salad These sides add a nice balance to the meal and make it more filling. You can mix and match based on what you have on hand. Yes, you can use frozen spinach! It’s a great option if fresh spinach isn't available. Just remember to thaw it first and squeeze out excess water. This helps keep the meatballs from becoming too wet. The flavor will still be rich and delicious. Using frozen spinach can save you time while still making tasty meatballs! In this blog post, I shared how to make tasty Spinach Turkey Meatballs. We covered the key ingredients, helpful substitutions, and their nutrition. I also gave step-by-step instructions, from mixing to baking. Plus, I provided tips for making them moist and flavorful while avoiding common mistakes. You learned how to store leftovers and reheat them with ease. Remember, cooking is fun, so feel free to try new variations. Enjoy your time in the kitchen and savor each bite!

Spinach Turkey Meatballs Delight

Delicious and healthy turkey meatballs packed with spinach, served in marinara sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
  • 1 jar marinara sauce (about 24 ounces, for serving)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you're adding the kick). Use your hands to mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
  • With slightly wet hands (to prevent sticking), form the turkey mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and boast a nice golden-brown color on the outside.
  • Meanwhile, while the meatballs are baking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer gently until warmed all the way through.
  • Once the meatballs are baked to perfection, transfer them to the skillet with the marinara sauce. Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce to coat them well. Allow them to simmer together for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  • Serve the meatballs hot from the skillet, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired for a burst of flavor and color.

Notes

These meatballs pair wonderfully with whole-grain pasta, zoodles, or a side of garlic bread.
Keyword dinner, healthy, meatballs, spinach, turkey