Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs
Introduction
Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs pack a burst of savory and herbaceous flavor in every tender bite, wrapped in a luscious, velvety sauce that elevates a weeknight staple into an exciting, family-friendly meal. These meatballs are lighter than traditional beef versions but still rich, satisfying, and perfect for anyone seeking a nutritious, comforting dinner that comes together with ease.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs
This recipe stands out for its blend of lean turkey, fresh spinach, and aromatic spices, all simmered in a creamy, garlicky sauce. The meatballs remain juicy thanks to the infusion of spinach and a hint of Parmesan, while the sauce provides a decadent finishing touch—making it an instant hit at dinner or as hearty meal prep for the week.
Choosing the Best Turkey and Spinach
Opt for ground turkey with a bit of fat (85–93% lean) for the juiciest results. Fresh spinach brings a bright, earthy flavor, but you can substitute with well-drained frozen spinach in a pinch. A mix of parmesan and selected herbs enhances both moisture and taste, so don’t skip the cheese or your favorite Italian blends!
Assembling Your Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs
Gently combine ground turkey, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese. Form into uniform meatballs for even cooking and bake or sear until golden. Simmer the cooked meatballs in a garlic cream sauce until they’re fully coated and cooked through. The result: moist, flavorful meatballs dripping in a luxurious sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs with fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, al dente pasta, or a bed of sautéed greens. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or more parmesan before serving for an added pop of color and flavor. A side salad and crusty bread round out a full, nourishing meal.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields about 18–20 meatballs, serving 4–5 people as a main course. Each serving is around 320–400 calories, depending on your sauce portion. With plenty of protein, a veggie boost from spinach, and lower overall fat, these meatballs offer a wholesome yet indulgent addition to your rotation.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning!
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, spinach, parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Italian herbs, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—do not overwork.
- Form mixture into 1–1.5 inch meatballs (18–20 total) and arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 16–18 minutes until golden and cooked through. (Alternatively, sear meatballs in a hot skillet with oil until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 7–8 minutes.)
- While meatballs bake, prepare the sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add onion and sauté 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Pour in chicken broth, stirring to deglaze. Simmer 2–3 minutes. Reduce heat and stir in cream, parmesan, and nutmeg. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add baked (or seared) meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 5 more minutes, spooning sauce over to coat.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley and extra parmesan, if desired.
Weekly Meal Planning
This recipe is a meal planner’s dream! Save and schedule this recipe to map out your week, optimize ingredient use, and consolidate your shopping list.
Planning Benefits:
- Automatically calculates the total quantities you’ll need across all your meals
- Sorts shopping lists by grocery section for maximum shopping efficiency
- Eliminates duplicate purchases and forgotten items
- Organizes your cooking schedule for a stress-free week
Pro tip: When planning meals like these meatballs alongside other dinners, see how ingredients overlap and let CookifyAI optimize your list—no more buying an extra egg or wasting spinach!
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs are quick, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping ahead!
