If you’re looking to add a flavorful, nutritious, and downright delicious twist to your dinner rotation, this Spinach Turkey Meatballs Recipe is a must-try. Packed with lean ground turkey and vibrant sautéed spinach, these meatballs are juicy and tender with a perfect harmony of herbs and spices. They make a wonderful family-friendly meal that tastes like a comforting hug on a plate. Plus, they’re super simple to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep that keeps you energized.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these mouthwatering spinach turkey meatballs, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients that work together beautifully. Each component plays a key role, whether adding moisture, flavor, or a pop of green goodness that makes these meatballs as nutritious as they are tasty.
- Ground turkey: The lean protein base that keeps these meatballs light and healthy without sacrificing flavor.
- Yellow onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and depth, it melds perfectly into the mix without any raw bite.
- Carrots: Adds a subtle natural sweetness and moisture, plus a hint of color inside the meatballs.
- Baby spinach: The star green ingredient, finely chopped so it blends seamlessly while boosting nutrients.
- Garlic powder: Infuses each bite with warm, savory undertones without overpowering the dish.
- Fresh basil (or dried): Packs a refreshing herbaceous note that pairs wonderfully with turkey.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without being overpowering; adjust to your taste.
- Pepper: A touch of heat to round out the seasoning and add complexity.
- Olive or avocado oil cooking spray: Helps the meatballs bake evenly and develop that perfect golden crust.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Spinach Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Tray
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or spray it with olive or avocado oil cooking spray. This prep ensures your meatballs bake evenly without sticking, helping you achieve that beautiful golden exterior.
Step 2: Finely Chop the Veggies
The secret to these spinach turkey meatballs being so tender lies in the finely chopped vegetables. Use a food processor or sharp knife to chop the yellow onion, carrots, and baby spinach until they’re very small. This way, they will blend into the meatballs smoothly, enhancing texture and nutrition without giant veggie chunks.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground turkey, chopped onion, carrot, spinach, garlic powder, basil, sea salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together using a wooden spoon or clean hands. The key is not to overwork the mixture, so your meatballs stay tender and juicy.
Step 4: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 1 to 2-inch balls and carefully place them about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheet. Keeping some space allows the heat to circulate evenly, making sure each meatball cooks through beautifully.
Step 5: Bake and Enjoy
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the outsides are lightly browned and the centers are no longer pink. Once done, serve them warm for the best texture and flavor experience. Each meatball will be packed with tender turkey, vibrant greens, and aromatic herbs.
How to Serve Spinach Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of your favorite marinara sauce really lifts these spinach turkey meatballs to the next level. Bright lemon zest or a dollop of Greek yogurt can also add a lovely contrast in freshness and creaminess.
Side Dishes
Pair your meatballs with some fluffy quinoa, zesty whole wheat pasta, or a vibrant green salad to round out the meal. Roasted veggies or a creamy mashed cauliflower side can provide comforting textures that complement the lean protein and tender greens perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the meatballs on toothpicks as party appetizers, or tuck them inside fresh pita bread with tzatziki and crunchy cucumbers to create portable mini sandwiches. You can also layer them atop zucchini noodles for a low-carb option that’s still hearty and satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meatballs have cooled to room temperature, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or weeknight dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these spinach turkey meatballs freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a frozen-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave gently until heated through. This helps retain their moisture and delicious taste without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and will provide a similar mild flavor and lean protein profile, though the texture might be slightly different depending on the fat content.
Do I have to finely chop the veggies for the meatballs?
Yes, finely chopping or processing the veggies ensures they mix evenly into the meatballs and cook thoroughly without leaving large, raw tasting chunks.
Can I bake these meatballs instead of frying?
The recipe is designed for baking, which keeps the meatballs moist and tender without the extra oil. Baking also makes cleanup easier and is a healthier cooking method overall.
How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as there are no breadcrumbs or wheat-based fillers. Just double-check your seasoning blends to ensure they don’t contain gluten ingredients.
Can I add cheese inside the meatballs?
Definitely! For a gooey surprise, try placing a small cube of mozzarella or your favorite cheese in the center of each meatball before baking. It’s a delicious way to add richness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about how this Spinach Turkey Meatballs Recipe balances flavor, nutrition, and ease. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these meatballs bring comforting satisfaction with every bite. Give them a try soon—you might just find your new go-to favorite for healthy homemade meals!
PrintSpinach Turkey Meatballs Recipe
These Spinach Turkey Meatballs are a healthy and flavorful dish perfect for a nutritious meal. Made with lean ground turkey and packed with finely chopped vegetables like spinach, onion, and carrots, they are seasoned with garlic powder, basil, salt, and pepper. Baked to perfection, these meatballs are juicy, tender, and easy to prepare, making them ideal for meal prep or a family dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup finely chopped carrots
- 3 ounces (about 3 loosely packed cups) baby spinach, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
- 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
For Cooking
- Olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper or spraying it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Chop Veggies: Finely chop the onion, carrots, and baby spinach. Using a food processor is recommended to save time and ensure the vegetables are chopped finely enough to blend well into the meatballs.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground turkey along with the finely chopped onion, carrots, spinach, garlic powder, fresh basil, sea salt, and pepper. Gently mix the ingredients together using a wooden spoon or your hands until evenly combined.
- Form Meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into 1 to 2-inch balls with your hands and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 1 inch of space between each meatball to allow even cooking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for approximately 25 minutes, or until the outsides are lightly browned and the centers are no longer pink, ensuring they are fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven and serve warm as desired with your choice of sides or sauces.
- Store: Allow the meatballs to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for meal prep or later consumption.
Notes
- For best results, finely chop the vegetables to avoid large chunks in the meatballs.
- You can use either olive oil or avocado oil spray to coat the baking tray and prevent sticking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- These meatballs can be frozen after cooking for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Use a food thermometer to ensure turkey meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
