Turkey and Spinach Meatballs Recipe

These Turkey and Spinach Meatballs are the ultimate answer to a weeknight craving for comfort—without the heaviness. Tender, juicy, and full of Italian-inspired flavor, they’re packed with lean protein, fresh greens, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for richness. Baked in the oven until perfectly golden, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will become your new go-to for healthy dinners, creative meal prep, or even party appetizers. Embrace these Turkey and Spinach Meatballs when you want something nourishing yet indulgent, and be warned: they tend to vanish fast!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Turkey and Spinach Meatballs really lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient brings something special—juiciness, savory depth, or a pop of color—that makes this dish shine. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters.

• Ground Turkey: Lean and mild, ground turkey is the perfect canvas for bold Italian flavor, and keeps these meatballs light yet satisfyingly meaty.
• Finely Chopped Spinach: Adds moisture, color, and a healthy touch of greens that blend seamlessly with the turkey.
• Breadcrumbs: These hold everything together and lock in the juices, giving the meatballs that signature tender bite.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Infuses salty, savory flavor and a hint of irresistible richness.
• Egg: Acts as the perfect binder, ensuring each meatball holds its shape.
• Minced Garlic: Just one clove awakens the entire batch with bright, aromatic depth.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend of classic herbs delivers that unmistakable Italian flair in every bite.
• Salt and Pepper: Always essential for seasoning and bringing all the other flavors together.

How to Make Turkey and Spinach Meatballs

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step saves you clean-up time later and ensures the Turkey and Spinach Meatballs won’t stick or dry out underneath.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and add your ground turkey, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a good pinch each of salt and pepper. Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to mix just until the ingredients are combined. Don’t overdo it—overmixing can make the meatballs tough rather than tender and juicy.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Scoop up a heaping tablespoon of the mixture and roll it gently between your palms to form a ball about one inch in diameter. Place each meatball directly onto your parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them out a bit so they cook evenly. You’ll end up with around 18-20 meatballs, depending on size.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide your tray into the hot oven and bake the Turkey and Spinach Meatballs for 18-20 minutes. They should look slightly golden and feel firm to the touch. If you like a little extra browning, pop them under the broiler for one or two minutes right at the end.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish and pair them with your favorite marinara, pasta, or grain. The kitchen will smell incredible, and the first bite—juicy, herby, and comforting—will make you wonder why you ever settled for store-bought meatballs.

How to Serve Turkey and Spinach Meatballs

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley and a dusting of extra Parmesan brings a pop of color and a final hit of flavor. For a dinner party, try a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a squeeze of lemon to really let the Turkey and Spinach Meatballs shine.

Side Dishes

You can never go wrong with classic sides! Plate these meatballs over spaghetti tossed in marinara, serve with fluffy rice, or pair with garlic roasted veggies for a low-carb option. A crisp Italian salad or warm, crusty bread makes a cozy meal complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Try tucking Turkey and Spinach Meatballs inside hoagie rolls for delicious subs, skewer them as fun party appetizers, or set out a tray with toothpicks and assorted dipping sauces for a casual gathering. They even make a protein-packed addition to grain bowls or pita wraps.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Turkey and Spinach Meatballs keep beautifully for busy days ahead. Cool them fully, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. They’re just as tasty the next day for lunch or a quick snack.

Freezing

These meatballs are a freezer meal miracle! Arrange cooled meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until firm; then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer container. Stored this way, Turkey and Spinach Meatballs stay fresh for up to three months—perfect for make-ahead dinners.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat the meatballs gently in a skillet with a splash of water or sauce to keep them moist, or in the oven at 325°F until hot throughout. Microwaving works in a pinch, just cover the meatballs and check them every 30 seconds so they don’t dry out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture from the frozen spinach before mixing it in, so your Turkey and Spinach Meatballs hold together nicely and don’t turn out watery.

What can I use as a gluten-free breadcrumb substitute?

You can swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs, crushed gluten-free crackers, or even rolled oats pulsed in a food processor. Each delivers structure and keeps the meatballs nice and tender.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! Mix and shape the meatballs in advance, then cover and refrigerate up to one day before baking. Or, bake a batch and refrigerate or freeze them for fast future meals.

Are these suitable for kids?

Kids tend to love these Turkey and Spinach Meatballs! They’re mild, tender, and bite-sized, with hidden veggies that parents will appreciate—perfect for picky eaters or little helpers in the kitchen.

What sauces go best with Turkey and Spinach Meatballs?

Classic marinara is always a winner, but you can also try pesto, creamy garlic sauce, or even a tangy yogurt dip for something different. These versatile meatballs play nicely with all kinds of saucy partners.

Final Thoughts

Once you take a bite of these Turkey and Spinach Meatballs, you’ll realize just how easy and rewarding homemade can be. They’re comforting, wholesome, and endlessly adaptable—a true staple recipe. Give them a try and watch how quickly your family falls in love!

Print