Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs

These creamy spinach turkey meatballs are a delightful and healthy twist on traditional meatballs, offering a lighter yet still flavorful option for a satisfying meal. Made with ground turkey and packed with spinach, these meatballs are simmered in a rich, creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or vegetables. Theyโ€™re easy to make, versatile, and sure to become a family favorite.

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • Healthy and nutritious: These meatballs are made with lean ground turkey and packed with nutrient-rich spinach, making them a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
  • Creamy indulgence: The luscious, creamy sauce adds a comforting touch that makes these meatballs irresistible.
  • Family-friendly: With their mild flavor and creamy texture, these meatballs are great for both kids and adults.
  • Versatile: Serve them over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even enjoy them on their own with a side of veggies.
  • Meal-prep friendly: These meatballs can be made ahead and stored for later, making them ideal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Ground turkey
  • Fresh spinach
  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Egg
  • Bread crumbs
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream
  • Lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley (optional)

Directions

  1. Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped spinach, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, Parmesan cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined.
  2. Shape the meatballs: Use your hands or a small scoop to form the mixture into evenly-sized meatballs.
  3. Cook the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove them from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, add chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice, and let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly.
  5. Combine and simmer: Return the meatballs to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is thickened.
  6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot with your choice of side.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: This recipe makes about 4 servings.
  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Cook time: 25 minutes
  • Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs.
  • Dairy-free: Substitute the Parmesan and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast and coconut milk or almond cream.
  • Spicy: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeรฑos to the meatball mixture for a kick of heat.
  • Herb-enhanced: Add Italian herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme to the meatball mixture or sauce for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store the cooked meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat the meatballs in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
  • Freezing: These meatballs freeze well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

FAQs

How do I prevent the turkey meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure the meatball mixture has enough binding ingredients, like breadcrumbs and egg. Donโ€™t overmix the ingredients, and chill the meatballs for 10-15 minutes before cooking if needed.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the meatball mixture.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and store them uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cook them when you’re ready, or freeze them for later.

What sides pair well with these meatballs?

Creamy spinach turkey meatballs go well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or sautรฉed vegetables.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.

Can I substitute ground chicken for turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works well in place of turkey if you prefer.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

You can simmer the sauce a bit longer to reduce it or stir in a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to help thicken it.

Can I make this dish low-carb?

You can skip the breadcrumbs or use a low-carb alternative like almond flour in the meatball mixture.

How can I lighten the sauce without heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or even plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version of the creamy sauce.

Are these meatballs kid-friendly?

Yes, the mild flavors and creamy sauce are typically appealing to kids.

Conclusion

Creamy spinach turkey meatballs are a nutritious and delicious option for weeknight dinners or meal prep. With their tender texture and flavorful, creamy sauce, theyโ€™re a comforting dish that the whole family will enjoy. Try different variations to suit your dietary preferences or serve them with your favorite sides for a wholesome meal. Whether you’re looking for a healthier take on meatballs or a new recipe to add to your meal rotation, these meatballs are sure to become a go-to favorite!

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Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs

Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs

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  • Author: KimEasy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying and Simmering
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These creamy spinach turkey meatballs are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional meatballs. Made with lean ground turkey, fresh spinach, and flavorful spices, theyโ€™re cooked to perfection and then simmered in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner thatโ€™s both nutritious and satisfying, this dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or veggies.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 egg
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs:ย In a large bowl, mix together ground turkey, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Combine well, but donโ€™t overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
  2. Shape and Cook Meatballs:ย Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce:ย In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Sautรฉ for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
  4. Add Cream:ย Slowly stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for 5-6 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  5. Combine and Simmer:ย Return the meatballs to the skillet, gently coating them with the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to finish cooking and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
  6. Serve:ย Serve the creamy spinach turkey meatballs over pasta, rice, or alongside steamed vegetables. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
  • You can bake the meatballs at 400ยฐF for 15-18 minutes instead of frying them if preferred.

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