Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe

Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs are a delightful twist on a classic favorite that brings both flavor and nutrition to your dinner table. As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, I can assure you that these meatballs are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. The combination of lean turkey and fresh spinach creates a moist and flavorful bite, while the creamy sauce elevates the dish to a whole new level.

Historically, meatballs have been a staple in various cuisines around the world, often symbolizing comfort and home-cooked goodness. In my experience, the addition of spinach not only enhances the nutritional profile but also adds a vibrant color that makes the dish visually appealing. People adore creamy spinach turkey meatballs for their rich taste and tender texture, making them a perfect option for family dinners or meal prep. Plus, they are versatile enough to be served over pasta, in a sub, or even on their own. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your household!

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Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Meatball Mixture

Let’s start by preparing the meatball mixture. This is where all the flavors come together, and trust me, it’s going to be delicious!

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and softened cream cheese. The cream cheese adds a lovely creaminess to the meatballs.
2. Next, crack the large egg into the bowl. This will help bind all the ingredients together.
3. Add the minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it’s what makes the meatballs flavorful!
4. Using your hands (I find this is the best way), mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Shaping the Meatballs

Now that we have our mixture ready, it’s time to shape the meatballs. This is the fun part!

1. With clean hands, take a small amount of the mixture (about 1.5 inches in diameter) and roll it into a ball. You can make them larger or smaller depending on your preference, but I find this size works perfectly for even cooking.
2. Place the shaped meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will make cleanup easier later on.
3. Continue shaping the rest of the mixture until all the meatballs are formed. You should have about 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size you made them.

Cooking the Meatballs

Now it’s time to cook these little flavor bombs! You can either bake or fry them, but I prefer frying for that crispy exterior.

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan, but not so much that the meatballs are swimming in it.
2. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs to the skillet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to do this in batches.
3. Cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer to check that they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Making the Creamy Sauce

While the meatballs are cooking, let’s whip up a quick creamy sauce to go with them. This sauce is what takes the dish to the next level!

1. In the same skillet (after removing the meatballs), add the marinara sauce. You can use store-bought or homemade, depending on your preference.
2. Stir in an additional 1/4 cup of cream cheese to the marinara sauce. This will create a rich and creamy texture.
3. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld together.
4. If you want to add a little extra flavor, you can toss in some fresh basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick!

Assembling the Dish

Now that everything is cooked and ready, it’s time to assemble the dish!

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   Conclusion:

   In summary, these Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners with a dish that is both delicious and nutritious. The combination of lean turkey, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce creates a flavor profile that is simply irresistible. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also pack a punch of protein and greens, making them a wholesome choice for the whole family. For serving suggestions, I love pairing these meatballs with a side of whole grain pasta or a bed of fluffy quinoa to soak up that luscious sauce. You could also serve them over a fresh salad for a lighter option or even in a sub roll for a delightful meatball sandwich. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding different herbs or spices to the meatball mixture, or swap out the spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a fun twist. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of creating something so tasty and satisfying. Once you’ve made these Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a picture of your delicious creation. Let’s spread the love for this fantastic dish together! Print
   

   Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe

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   • Author: Clara
   • Total Time: 40 minutes
   • Yield: 20–24 meatballs 1x

   Print Recipe

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   Description

   These turkey meatballs are infused with fresh spinach and creamy cheese, served in a rich marinara sauce. Ideal for a cozy dinner or meal prep, they offer a delicious and nutritious option for any occasion.

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   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 1 pound ground turkey
   • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
   • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
   • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
   • 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
   • 1 large egg
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • 1 teaspoon onion powder
   • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
   • 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
   • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

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   Instructions

   1. In einer großen Schüssel das Hackfleisch, den gehackten Spinat, die Semmelbrösel, den geriebenen Parmesan und den weichen Frischkäse vermengen.
   2. Das Ei in die Schüssel schlagen.
   3. Den gehackten Knoblauch, Zwiebelpulver, italienische Gewürze sowie eine großzügige Prise Salz und Pfeffer hinzufügen.
   4. Mit den Händen alles gut vermischen, bis es gerade so kombiniert ist.
   5. Mit sauberen Händen eine kleine Menge der Mischung (ca. 1,5 Zoll im Durchmesser) nehmen und zu einer Kugel formen.
   6. Die geformten Fleischbällchen auf ein mit Backpapier ausgelegtes Backblech legen.
   7. Den Rest der Mischung weiter formen, bis alle Fleischbällchen geformt sind.
   8. In einer großen Pfanne das Olivenöl bei mittlerer Hitze erhitzen.
   9. Die Fleischbällchen vorsichtig in die Pfanne geben, darauf achten, die Pfanne nicht zu überfüllen.
   10. Die Fleischbällchen etwa 5-7 Minuten auf jeder Seite braten, bis sie goldbraun und durchgegart sind.
   11. Die Fleischbällchen auf einen mit Papiertüchern ausgelegten Teller legen, um überschüssiges Öl aufzusaugen.
   12. In derselben Pfanne die Marinara-Sauce hinzufügen.
   13. Zusätzlich 1/4 Tasse Frischkäse in die Marinara-Sauce einrühren.
   14. Die Sauce bei niedriger Hitze etwa 5 Minuten köcheln lassen, dabei gelegentlich umrühren.
   15. In einer Servierschüssel eine Schicht der cremigen Marinara-Sauce auf den Boden gießen.
   16. Die gekochten Fleischbällchen vorsichtig auf die Sauce legen.
   17. Die restliche Sauce über die Fleischbällchen träufeln.
   18. Nach Belieben mit frischen Basilikumblättern garnieren und heiß servieren!

   Notes

   • Feel free to customize the meatballs by adding your favorite herbs or spices.
   • You can also substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef if preferred.
   • For a healthier option, serve with zucchini noodles or whole grain pasta.

   • Prep Time: 20 minutes
   • Cook Time: 20 minutes