Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs Recipe for Lean Comfort

These delectable creamy spinach turkey meatballs combine wholesome ingredients in a surprisingly delightful way.

Comfort meets nutrition with every tender bite packed full of flavor.

Lean protein from ground turkey provides a hearty base for this inventive dish.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings dance through each carefully crafted morsel, promising an exciting culinary experience.

Vibrant green spinach weaves its magic, adding depth and nutrition to classic meatball preparations.

Home cooks can easily master this simple yet impressive recipe that looks and tastes gourmet.

Savor each bite and watch everyone around the table ask for seconds.

Ingredients to Make Spinach Turkey Meatballs

• Ground Turkey: A lean protein that forms the base of the meatballs, perfect for a lighter meal.
• Egg: Helps bind the meatballs together and adds moisture.

• Spinach, Breadcrumbs: Adds moisture, texture, and nutrition to the meatballs.
• Parmesan Cheese, Garlic, Italian Seasoning: Provides rich, savory flavor to the meat mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing overall taste.

• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creates a rich, creamy sauce base.
• Olive Oil or Butter: Adds richness and helps prevent sticking.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to the right consistency.
• Nutmeg: Optional flavor enhancer for depth and warmth.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright finish to the dish.

How to Cook Spinach Turkey Meatballs

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Meatball Mixture

Toss ground turkey, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into a large mixing bowl. Gently blend ingredients until just combined, keeping the mixture light and tender. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, setting them aside on a clean plate.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown Meatballs

Fire up a large skillet over medium heat and splash in some olive oil. Cook the meatballs in batches, rotating them occasionally to ensure an even golden-brown exterior. Let them sizzle until completely cooked through, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Transfer the perfectly browned meatballs to a separate plate.

Step 3: Craft Silky Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, add a touch of olive oil or butter. Saute minced garlic until it releases its aromatic magic, about 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and luxurious. If the sauce seems too thin, mix cornstarch with water and swirl it in to create a perfect consistency. A pinch of nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Nestle the cooked meatballs back into the creamy sauce, spooning the liquid over each morsel. Let everything simmer together for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to dance and mingle. Serve these delectable meatballs over your favorite pasta, fluffy rice, or roasted vegetables. Sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh parsley on top for a restaurant-worthy finish.

Tips for, Juicy Turkey Meatballs

• Prevent Tough Meatballs: Mix ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat to maintain a soft, tender texture. Overmixing can make turkey meatballs dense and chewy.
• Boost Moisture Levels: Add a splash of milk or grated zucchini to the turkey mixture to keep meatballs juicy and prevent dryness during cooking.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Use cornstarch slurry sparingly to thicken the cream sauce without creating a gloppy texture. Stir gradually and taste as you go.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed pork rinds for low-carb versions. Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free options.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast Italian seasoning in the pan before adding to meatballs to release deeper, more complex aromatics and intensify the overall taste profile.

Handling Leftover Spinach Turkey Meatballs

• Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled meatballs to freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring they're completely covered in sauce. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Gently warm meatballs in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, cover with sauce, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and maintain moisture.

What Works with Spinach Turkey Meatballs

• Robust Chianti or Sangiovese wine cuts through the creamy sauce and complements the rich turkey meat, enhancing the meal's overall flavor profile.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's creaminess and add a fresh, tangy contrast to the hearty meatballs.
• Roast broccoli, carrots, and zucchini with olive oil and garlic to provide a crunchy, nutritious accompaniment that matches the meatballs' Italian-inspired seasoning.
• Offer warm, rustic sourdough or ciabatta bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce, creating a complete and satisfying dining experience.

Variations for Spinach Turkey Meatball Lovers

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the meatballs' tender texture.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a creamy, lactose-free sauce that's equally rich.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute breadcrumbs with ground pork rinds and serve meatballs over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the dish satisfying.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace ground turkey with plant-based ground meat or a mixture of mashed chickpeas and lentils, using similar seasonings to mimic the original recipe's flavor profile.

Your Spinach Turkey Meatball Questions Answered

• Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works perfectly as a substitute and provides a similar texture and flavor profile for the meatballs.

• How can I make the meatballs more protein-rich?

Add an extra egg or mix in some almond flour to boost protein content without changing the overall taste of the meatballs.

• Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

You can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or replacing breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.

• What are signs that the meatballs are fully cooked?

The meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, have no pink in the center, and appear golden brown on the outside when properly cooked.

All the Buzz About Spinach Turkey Meatballs

• Packed with spinach, these meatballs deliver hidden green vegetables that kids and adults will love without detecting the healthy ingredient.
• Requires only one skillet and basic kitchen ingredients, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Versatile dish allows serving over multiple bases like pasta, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice, catering to different dietary preferences and taste profiles.
• Creamy sauce and tender turkey meatballs elevate this from simple meal to restaurant-quality dinner that looks and tastes sophisticated yet remains simple to prepare.

Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent “creamy spinach turkey meatballs” bring Mediterranean comfort straight to dinner tables. Lean protein and rich greens blend perfectly, creating a wholesome meal that satisfies both health-conscious and flavor-seeking palates you’ll want to savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground turkey
• 1 egg

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Dairy and Cheese:

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

• ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Cooking Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 cup chicken broth

Additional Seasonings:

• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Assemble the meatball mixture by thoroughly blending ground turkey with finely chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, whisked egg, aromatic garlic, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
2. Gently form uniform spherical morsels approximately one inch in diameter, taking care not to compress the mixture too densely to maintain a delicate texture.
3. Warm a generously sized skillet over medium heat, introducing a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking.
4. Carefully position meatballs into the skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich golden-brown crust through intermittent turning, ensuring complete internal cooking within 8-10 minutes.
5. Transfer cooked meatballs to a separate plate while preserving the flavorful pan residue.
6. In the same skillet, introduce additional olive oil or butter and quickly sauté minced garlic until its fragrance permeates the kitchen.
7. Stream chicken broth into the pan, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer and incorporating heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce achieves a velvety consistency.
8. Should the sauce require additional thickening, dissolve cornstarch in water and integrate smoothly, optionally enhancing with a whisper of nutmeg for depth.
9. Reintroduce meatballs into the creamy sauce, allowing them to bathe and absorb flavors for 3-5 minutes.
10. Present the dish atop pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables, garnishing with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Prevent Dry Meatballs by gently mixing ingredients and avoiding overworking the meat mixture, which can make them tough and dense.
• Use Fresh Spinach by finely chopping and squeezing out excess moisture to ensure the meatballs maintain proper texture and don’t become soggy.
• Create Gluten-Free Option by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, making the recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
• Enhance Flavor Intensity by adding a splash of white wine to the sauce or incorporating finely grated lemon zest into the meatball mixture for a bright, zesty undertone.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg