Hey there, it’s Ezra! I’ll never forget the first time I whipped up a batch of Spinach Turkey Meatballs on a chilly Tuesday evening.

My spouse, Liam, was skeptical about turkey instead of beef, but I was determined to sneak some greens into our kids, Ella and Mason, who’d rather eat cookies than spinach.

I’m a baking enthusiast at heart—give me flour and sugar any day—but there’s something magical about crafting a savory dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles.

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Spinach Turkey Meatballs: Juicy, Flavor-Packed Bliss!

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👨‍🍳 Author: Ezra Bennett

🌍 Cuisine: General

🍰 Category: Dinner

Ingredients:

½ lb (220 g) ground turkey

½ lb (220 g) ground chicken

½ cup shredded mozzarella (or cheddar/provolone)

4 cloves garlic, grated

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp Italian seasoning

½ tsp red chili pepper flakes (optional)

1 crumbled bouillon cube (optional)

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

1 cup fresh chopped cilantro (or parsley), divided

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp butter

1 small yellow onion, diced

⅓ cup (80 ml) vegetable broth

5 oz (150 g) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained

1¾ cups heavy cream

3 cups baby spinach leaves

½ cup grated Parmesan

1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, ground chicken, mozzarella, grated garlic, Italian seasoning, bouillon cube, chili flakes, half the cilantro, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form medium meatballs.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑low heat. Cook meatballs for 8–10 minutes, turning, until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 03

In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté ~1 minute until fragrant.

Step 04

Add diced onion; cook until translucent.

Step 05

Stir in sun-dried tomatoes; cook 1–2 minutes.

Step 06

Pour in vegetable broth; let reduce slightly.

Step 07

Lower heat to low; stir in heavy cream and simmer gently. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 08

Add spinach; let wilt. Stir in Parmesan until melted.

Step 09

Return meatballs to skillet; spoon sauce over them. Sprinkle with remaining cilantro and parsley.

Step 10

Serve over steamed vegetables, cauliflower rice, regular rice, or pasta.

Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in a comment below! I love hearing your results. 💬

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That night, as the aroma of garlic and herbs filled our cozy kitchen, Ella peeked over the counter, asking if she could roll the meatballs. Mason, ever the picky eater, sniffed suspiciously but couldn’t resist a taste.

When Liam took his first bite, his eyes lit up, and he said, “Babe, this is better than any restaurant!” That moment, with my family gathered, laughing over messy plates, reminded me why I love cooking—it’s all about warmth and connection, just like baking a perfect loaf of bread.

So, if you’re looking for a dish that’s hearty, healthy, and a total crowd-pleaser, stick with me. These Spinach Turkey Meatballs have become a staple in our home, and I’m thrilled to share the recipe with you. Let’s dive into a meal that’s as comforting as a warm hug!

Delicious Spinach Turkey Meatballs

Why This Dish Is a Must-Try

Spinach Turkey Meatballs are more than just a meal—they’re a game-changer for busy nights or family dinners. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this dish combines lean turkey with vibrant spinach in a way that’s sure to win over even the pickiest eaters.

Healthy and Nutritious: Turkey is leaner than beef, and spinach adds a boost of vitamins and iron, making this a guilt-free option for all ages.
Quick to Prepare: With minimal prep and cooking time, you can have a wholesome dinner on the table in under 40 minutes—perfect for hectic schedules.
Kid-Friendly Flavors: The mild taste of turkey paired with creamy or savory elements hides the greens, ensuring kids enjoy every bite.
Versatile Dish: Serve Spinach Turkey Meatballs with pasta, rice, or veggies—adapt it to whatever you have in your pantry for endless variety.

Ingredients for Spinach Turkey Meatballs

Creating delicious Spinach Turkey Meatballs starts with simple, fresh ingredients. Gather these essentials to craft a meal that’s both flavorful and nutritious for your family.

½ lb (220 g) ground turkey
½ lb (220 g) ground chicken
½ cup shredded mozzarella (or cheddar/provolone)
4 cloves garlic, grated
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red chili pepper flakes (optional)
1 crumbled bouillon cube (optional)
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
1 cup fresh chopped cilantro (or parsley), divided
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp butter
1 small yellow onion, diced
⅓ cup (80 ml) vegetable broth
5 oz (150 g) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
1¾ cups heavy cream
3 cups baby spinach leaves
½ cup grated Parmesan
1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Baking Together: Step-by-Step Guide for Spinach Turkey Meatballs

Let’s make Spinach Turkey Meatballs with this easy guide. Follow these steps to create a dish that’s juicy, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week.

In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, ground chicken, mozzarella, grated garlic, Italian seasoning, bouillon cube, chili flakes, half the cilantro, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form medium meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑low heat. Cook meatballs for 8–10 minutes, turning, until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté ~1 minute until fragrant.
Add diced onion; cook until translucent.
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes; cook 1–2 minutes.
Pour in vegetable broth; let reduce slightly.
Lower heat to low; stir in heavy cream and simmer gently. Season with salt and pepper.
Add spinach; let wilt. Stir in Parmesan until melted.
Return meatballs to skillet; spoon sauce over them. Sprinkle with remaining cilantro and parsley.
Serve over steamed vegetables, cauliflower rice, regular rice, or pasta.

Ezra’s Warm Tips from the Kitchen

Here are some handy tips to elevate your meatball game and ensure success every time.

Keep Meat Moist: Add a splash of milk or an egg to the turkey mixture to prevent dryness. It helps bind the ingredients and keeps the meatballs tender.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined to avoid tough meatballs. Overworking the meat can make the texture dense and chewy.
Chill Before Cooking: Refrigerate the mixture for 20-30 minutes before shaping. This makes it easier to form balls and helps them hold together during cooking.

Tasty Twists & Sweet Substitutions for Spinach Turkey Meatballs

Switch up your Spinach Turkey Meatballs with these fun variations. Customize the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs with simple swaps.

Cheese Swap: Replace mozzarella with feta or cheddar for a different flavor profile. Feta adds a tangy kick, while cheddar brings a sharp richness.
Herb Twist: Use basil or oregano instead of parsley for a fresh, aromatic touch. These herbs pair beautifully with turkey and spinach.
Sauce Option: Instead of cream sauce, simmer the meatballs in marinara for a classic Italian vibe. It’s perfect over pasta or with crusty bread.

What to Serve with Spinach Turkey Meatballs During Family Time

Pair your meatballs with these sides to create a complete, satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic complement the savory meatballs, adding comfort to every bite.
Spaghetti: Serve over al dente spaghetti with marinara or cream sauce for a classic pairing that feels like a cozy Italian dinner.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich flavors of the meatballs, balancing the meal.

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Conclusion

Spinach Turkey Meatballs are a delightful blend of health and comfort, perfect for any family meal. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and a great way to sneak in some greens.

Ready to bring this dish to your table? Give the recipe a try and watch your loved ones ask for seconds. Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear how it turned out!

A Sweet Moment from Ezra’s Kitchen

Every time I make these meatballs, I’m reminded of Ella’s giggles as she rolls them with me. It’s the little moments that matter. Drop a comment with your favorite family recipe memory—I’d love to read it!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to make ground turkey more flavorful?

To make ground turkey more flavorful for Spinach Turkey Meatballs, incorporate bold seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or Italian herbs. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for umami depth.

Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil, and don’t skimp on salt and pepper. Sautéed onions or garlic can also enhance the taste. Finally, the spinach in the mix adds a subtle earthy note to boost flavor.

What makes meatballs moist and soft?

For moist and soft Spinach Turkey Meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture as it can toughen the texture. Add moisture with ingredients like grated zucchini, chopped spinach, or a splash of milk.

Use a binder such as breadcrumbs soaked in milk or an egg to retain juiciness. Don’t overcook—bake or simmer just until they reach 165°F internally. Lastly, incorporating a bit of fat, like olive oil, helps keep them tender and succulent.

How do I make my meatballs more firm?

To make Spinach Turkey Meatballs firmer, use a higher ratio of binders like breadcrumbs or rolled oats to hold the mixture together. Add an extra egg to act as a binding agent.

Chill the mixture for 30 minutes before shaping to help it set. Avoid adding too much liquid or overmixing, as this can make them soft. Finally, sear the meatballs in a hot pan before baking to create a firm outer crust.

How to make turkey not chewy?

To prevent Spinach Turkey Meatballs from becoming chewy, don’t overwork the meat mixture—mix just until combined. Add moisture with ingredients like chopped spinach, grated onion, or a bit of milk to keep the turkey tender.

Avoid overcooking; use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F and remove them from heat promptly. Incorporating a small amount of fat, such as olive oil, also helps maintain a soft, non-chewy texture.

Do meatballs get softer the longer you cook them?

No, Spinach Turkey Meatballs do not get softer the longer you cook them. Overcooking can make them dry and tough as the moisture evaporates and proteins tighten. Cook them just until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for optimal tenderness.

If simmering in sauce, do so briefly after initial cooking to avoid over-softening or disintegration. Monitor cooking time closely to maintain a soft, juicy texture without compromising their structure.