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Spinach Turkey Meatballs

Spinach Turkey Meatballs

Spinach Turkey Meatballs offer a quick, nutritious, and delicious dinner option combining lean ground turkey with fresh spinach and wholesome ingredients. This healthy, protein-packed recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or anyone looking to add more greens to their meals. With mild flavors and a tender texture, these meatballs are kid-friendly, versatile, and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped (or thawed and drained frozen spinach)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prep the Spinach: Wash and finely chop fresh spinach to distribute evenly in the mixture. If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out excess water to prevent soggy meatballs.
  2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently mix using your hands or a spoon until well combined, taking care not to overwork the mixture.
  3. Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter to ensure quick and even cooking.
  4. Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs carefully and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to confirm doneness.
  5. Serve Warm: Transfer cooked meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite sauce or side dishes.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender and avoid density.
  • Chop spinach finely to make greens less noticeable and distribute moisture evenly.
  • Use fresh herbs and spices to significantly enhance flavor.
  • Cook at medium heat to evenly brown meatballs without drying them out.
  • Allow meatballs to rest a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: spinach turkey meatballs, healthy meatballs, quick dinner, kid-friendly, low-fat meatballs, gluten-free meatballs