Spinach Turkey Meatballs
These Spinach Turkey Meatballs offer a healthy, protein-packed dinner option combining lean ground turkey with fresh spinach and mild seasonings. Quick and easy to prepare, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, delivering vibrant flavors and nutritious benefits in every tender bite.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 18 meatballs) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped (or thawed and squeezed frozen spinach)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs almond flour for gluten-free option)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
- Prepare the Spinach: Finely chop fresh spinach or pulse it in a food processor. If using frozen spinach, thaw thoroughly and squeeze out all excess water to prevent soggy meatballs.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, diced onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Crack in the egg to bind the mixture. Gently combine with your hands or a spatula without overworking.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter using a scoop or your hands for consistent cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18 to 20 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer cooked meatballs to a serving dish. Pair with your choice of sauce or sides, and garnish if desired.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to avoid dense texture.
- Ensure spinach is well-drained to prevent watery meatballs.
- Make meatballs uniform in size for even cooking.
- Cook meatballs to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer for safety and optimal juiciness.
- Let the meatball mixture rest for 10 minutes before cooking to allow flavors to meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: spinach turkey meatballs, healthy meatballs, turkey meatballs, gluten free meatballs, lean protein dinner, easy weeknight dinner, meal prep meatballs