Easy Baked Turkey and Spinach Meatballs Recipe
These Easy Baked Turkey and Spinach Meatballs are a healthy and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Packed with lean ground turkey, fresh spinach, and a blend of parmesan and Italian seasonings, these meatballs are moist and tender with a cheesy, savory bite. Baking instead of frying keeps them light and less greasy, making them a great choice for a nutritious meal served alongside pasta or your favorite marinara sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 16 meatballs)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1.3 lbs ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 yellow onion, grated
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together ground turkey, chopped spinach, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Grate the yellow onion directly into the bowl using a box grater to add moisture to the mixture, ensuring tender meatballs.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1 ½-inch diameter meatballs by rolling pieces between your hands. Place each meatball onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly.
- Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes or until completely cooked through and browned on the outside.
- Serve: Once baked, serve the meatballs hot with your choice of pasta or marinara sauce for a complete meal.
Notes
- Grating the onion adds extra moisture, keeping the meatballs juicy and tender.
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen chopped spinach; just make sure to drain excess water.
- These meatballs reheat well and can be frozen for meal prep.
- For a lower-carb option, replace panko breadcrumbs with almond flour.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your oven; ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
