Chicken & Turkey

Turkey and Spinach Meatballs

Name: Turkey and Spinach Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 20 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground turkey breast; 1/2 cup (115g) sautéed spinach; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup (55g) finely chopped onion; 1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper; 1 tsp (5g) Italian seasoning; 1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp (15g) olive oil

By Tyler Brooks · June 18, 2026 · Chicken & Turkey

Prep20 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves20

I still remember the first time I made turkey and spinach meatballs for my family. The combination of flavors and textures was a hit, and it's been a staple in our household ever since. As a home cook, I've found that making meatballs from scratch can be intimidating, but with the right technique and ingredients, it's actually quite straightforward.

What I love about this recipe is that it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. The meatballs are packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, making them a great option for a quick and healthy meal. Plus, they're incredibly versatile - you can serve them with your favorite marinara sauce, in a sub sandwich, or as a topping for a salad or pasta dish.

In this recipe, we'll be using ground turkey breast, which is leaner than ground beef but still packed with protein. We'll also be adding some sautéed spinach, garlic, and onion to give the meatballs a boost of flavor and nutrients. The key to making great meatballs is to not overmix the ingredients, so we'll be using a gentle folding technique to combine everything.

If you're new to making meatballs, don't worry - this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients. And if you're a seasoned cook, you can always adjust the seasonings and ingredients to suit your taste. So let's get started and make some delicious turkey and spinach meatballs!

One of the best things about this recipe is that it's perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch of meatballs on the weekend and store them in the fridge or freezer for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and reheat when you're ready for a quick and easy meal. Whether you're a busy professional or a parent on-the-go, this recipe is a great way to have a healthy and delicious meal ready in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The meatballs are packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, making them a great option for a quick and healthy meal.
The recipe is perfect for meal prep - you can make a big batch of meatballs on the weekend and store them in the fridge or freezer for up to 3 months.
The meatballs are incredibly versatile - you can serve them with your favorite marinara sauce, in a sub sandwich, or as a topping for a salad or pasta dish.
The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made for under $10.
The meatballs are a crowd-pleaser - they're perfect for a family dinner or a party with friends.

Why This Recipe Works

The reason this recipe works so well is that it uses a combination of ingredients that complement each other perfectly. The ground turkey breast provides a lean source of protein, while the sautéed spinach and garlic add a boost of flavor and nutrients. The breadcrumbs help to bind the ingredients together, while the egg provides moisture and richness.

Another key factor in this recipe is the cooking technique. By baking the meatballs in the oven, we can achieve a crispy exterior and a tender interior without adding a lot of extra oil. This method also helps to prevent the meatballs from drying out, which can be a common problem when cooking with lean protein.

Finally, the seasoning in this recipe is spot on. The combination of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning provides a savory flavor that complements the turkey and spinach perfectly. And by using a gentle folding technique to combine the ingredients, we can ensure that the meatballs are evenly seasoned and textured.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The key players are ground turkey breast, sautéed spinach, garlic, and onion. You'll also need some breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to bind the ingredients together and add flavor.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose lean ground turkey breast and fresh spinach. You can also use frozen spinach if you prefer, just be sure to thaw it first. For the breadcrumbs, you can use plain or Italian-style - whichever you prefer.

1 lb (450g) ground turkey breastChoose lean ground turkey breast for this recipe, as it will help to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful. You can also use ground turkey thigh if you prefer a slightly darker meatball.
1/2 cup (115g) sautéed spinachFresh spinach is best for this recipe, but you can also use frozen spinach if you prefer. Simply thaw the spinach first and squeeze out as much water as possible before using.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a lot of flavor to the meatballs, so be sure to use high-quality garlic for the best results. You can also use garlic powder if you prefer, but fresh garlic is always best.
1/2 cup (55g) finely chopped onionOnion adds a sweet and savory flavor to the meatballs, so be sure to use a high-quality onion for the best results. You can also use shallots or scallions if you prefer.
1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbsBreadcrumbs help to bind the ingredients together and add texture to the meatballs. You can use plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs - whichever you prefer.
1 eggThe egg provides moisture and richness to the meatballs, so be sure to use a high-quality egg for the best results.
1 tsp (5g) saltSalt enhances the flavor of the meatballs, so be sure to use a high-quality salt for the best results. You can also use sea salt or kosher salt if you prefer.
1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a lot of flavor to the meatballs, so be sure to use a high-quality pepper for the best results. You can also use white pepper or green pepper if you prefer.
1 tsp (5g) Italian seasoningItalian seasoning provides a savory flavor to the meatballs, so be sure to use a high-quality seasoning for the best results. You can also use dried oregano, basil, or thyme if you prefer.
1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese adds a rich and savory flavor to the meatballs, so be sure to use a high-quality cheese for the best results. You can also use mozzarella or cheddar cheese if you prefer.
1 tbsp (15g) olive oilOlive oil is used to cook the meatballs, so be sure to use a high-quality oil for the best results. You can also use avocado oil or grapeseed oil if you prefer.

Ingredients for Turkey and Spinach Meatballs

Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowlMeatball scoop or small ice cream scoopBaking sheet lined with parchment paperOvenSkillet or sauté panTongs or spatula

How to Make Turkey and Spinach Meatballs

1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey breast, sautéed spinach, garlic, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix the ingredients together with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
3
Use a meatball scoop or small ice cream scoop to form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. You should end up with around 20-25 meatballs.
4
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each meatball to allow for even cooking.
5
Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil and gently roll them around to coat evenly.
6
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.
7
While the meatballs are baking, heat a skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add a little bit of oil to the pan and swirl it around to coat the bottom.
8
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and carefully place them in the skillet or sauté pan. Cook the meatballs for an additional 2-3 minutes on each side, or until browned and crispy on the outside.
9
Remove the meatballs from the skillet or sauté pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
10
Serve the meatballs hot with your favorite marinara sauce, in a sub sandwich, or as a topping for a salad or pasta dish.
11
Optional: sprinkle the meatballs with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Expert Tips

Make sure to not overmix the ingredients, as this can make the meatballs dense and tough.
Use a meatball scoop or small ice cream scoop to form the mixture into meatballs, as this will help to create uniform meatballs.
Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can cause the meatballs to steam instead of brown.
If you want to make the meatballs more crispy on the outside, you can broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
You can also make the meatballs in a skillet or sauté pan on the stovetop, but baking them in the oven is a healthier and easier option.
To freeze the meatballs, simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer until frozen solid. Then, transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the ingredients, which can make the meatballs dense and tough.
Not using enough oil to cook the meatballs, which can cause them to stick to the pan.
Not cooking the meatballs to the correct internal temperature, which can cause foodborne illness.
Not letting the meatballs rest before serving, which can cause them to dry out.
Not using fresh and high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the meatballs.
Not cooking the meatballs at the correct temperature, which can cause them to cook unevenly.

Variations and Substitutions

You can add other ingredients to the meatball mixture, such as diced bell peppers or chopped mushrooms, to give them more flavor and texture.
You can use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, to give the meatballs a unique flavor.
You can serve the meatballs with different types of sauce, such as marinara or BBQ sauce, to give them a different flavor.
You can make the meatballs smaller or larger, depending on your preference.
You can use ground beef or pork instead of ground turkey breast, if you prefer.
You can add some heat to the meatballs by adding diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the mixture.

What to Serve With Turkey and Spinach Meatballs

The meatballs are best served hot, either on their own or with your favorite sauce. You can serve them with marinara sauce, in a sub sandwich, or as a topping for a salad or pasta dish. They're also great as an appetizer or snack, and can be served with a variety of dips and sauces.

Some other ideas for serving the meatballs include:

Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce and pastaServe the meatballs in a sub sandwich with melted mozzarella cheeseServe the meatballs as an appetizer with a variety of dips and saucesServe the meatballs as a topping for a salad or pasta dish

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The meatballs can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To store them in the fridge, simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. To freeze them, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer until frozen solid. Then, transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer.

To reheat the meatballs, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop, but be careful not to overcook them.

It's also a good idea to label and date the container or bag, so you can keep track of how long the meatballs have been stored. And if you're freezing the meatballs, be sure to press out as much air as possible from the bag or container before sealing, to prevent freezer burn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. Simply cook the meatballs according to the recipe, then let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

Can I use ground beef or pork instead of ground turkey breast?

Yes, you can use ground beef or pork instead of ground turkey breast. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the meatballs may be slightly different.

Can I add other ingredients to the meatball mixture?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the meatball mixture, such as diced bell peppers or chopped mushrooms, to give them more flavor and texture. Just be sure to not overmix the ingredients, as this can make the meatballs dense and tough.

How do I know if the meatballs are cooked through?

The meatballs are cooked through when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check the internal temperature by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of a meatball. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can also check the meatballs by cutting into one - if it's cooked through, it should be opaque and firm to the touch.

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze the meatballs. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer until frozen solid. Then, transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat the meatballs?

You can reheat the meatballs in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop. To reheat them in the oven, simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat them in the microwave, simply place them in a microwave-safe dish and cook on high for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. To reheat them on the stovetop, simply place them in a skillet or sauté pan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Can I serve the meatballs with different types of sauce?

Yes, you can serve the meatballs with different types of sauce, such as marinara or BBQ sauce. Simply heat the sauce according to the recipe, then serve it over the meatballs.

Can I make the meatballs smaller or larger?

Yes, you can make the meatballs smaller or larger, depending on your preference. Simply adjust the size of the meatballs when you form them, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I add some heat to the meatballs?

Yes, you can add some heat to the meatballs by adding diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the mixture. Simply add the diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the mixture when you're combining the ingredients, and proceed with the recipe as instructed.

The Full Recipe

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