Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my creamy spinach turkey meatballs! They’re absolutely delightful and honestly one of my favorite weeknight dinners. I love how juicy and flavorful they are, plus you get a lovely hit of greens with every bite! The combination of the lean turkey and fresh spinach creates a perfect balance, and that creamy sauce? Wow, it really takes the whole dish to the next level. I mean, who doesn’t love a good meatball? These are not just any meatballs; they’re a wholesome, comforting meal that’s low in fat but big on flavor. You can whip them up in no time, making them perfect for busy evenings or when you want a cozy dinner with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 cup cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
How to Prepare Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 400°F (200°C). This is such an important step because it ensures those meatballs cook evenly and get that lovely golden color we all crave! While the oven is warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and toss in the ground turkey, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. It’s like a party in a bowl, and you’ll want to mix everything together until just combined. Don’t overdo it—nobody wants tough meatballs!
Forming the Meatballs
Now comes the fun part: forming the meatballs! I like to use my hands for this; it’s the best way to feel the texture and make sure everything is mixed well. Grab about a tablespoon of the mixture, roll it into a ball, and place it on a lined baking sheet. Make sure to space them out a bit, so they have room to breathe while baking. A common mistake is overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking, so give them some space!
Baking the Meatballs
Pop those meatballs in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re cooked through and have a slight golden hue on the outside. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Trust me, that’s the sweet spot for juicy meatballs!
Making the Creamy Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, let’s whip up that creamy sauce! In a skillet over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil, then add your cream and chicken broth. Stir them together, letting them mingle for a minute until they’re nicely combined. You want the sauce to have a silky consistency that will coat those meatballs beautifully.
Final Touches
Once your meatballs are out of the oven, gently place them in the skillet with the creamy sauce. Let them simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing those flavors to soak in. Serve hot over a bed of pasta or rice, and don’t forget to drizzle some of that heavenly sauce on top! Honestly, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress anyone at your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-packed: The combination of juicy turkey, fresh spinach, and a luscious creamy sauce creates a mouthwatering experience with every bite.
- Healthy choice: These meatballs are low in fat and packed with protein, making them a guilt-free indulgence that you can feel good about serving.
- Quick and easy: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious dish in under an hour—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Versatile pairing: They pair beautifully with pasta, rice, or even a light salad, giving you plenty of options to customize your meal.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these tasty meatballs, making them a wonderful addition to any family dinner.
- Meal prep friendly: They store well and reheat nicely, making them perfect for meal prep or leftovers for lunch the next day.
Tips for Success
To make your creamy spinach turkey meatballs turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips to share that will elevate your cooking game!
- Ingredient swaps: If you don’t have fresh spinach on hand, feel free to use frozen spinach—just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture! You can also swap the ground turkey for lean ground chicken or even beef if you prefer.
- Breadcrumb options: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed rice crackers. They’ll work just as well to bind those meatballs together!
- Mixing it up: To keep your meatballs extra moist, consider adding a splash of milk or a tablespoon of yogurt to the mixture. This little trick gives them a lovely tenderness.
- Don’t overcrowd: When baking, give those meatballs plenty of space on the baking sheet. This helps them brown evenly and prevents steaming, which can make them less flavorful.
- Storage savvy: If you have leftovers (which I doubt will happen!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them gently in a skillet over low heat to keep that creamy sauce intact.
- Freezing for later: These meatballs freeze beautifully! Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper in an airtight container or a freezer bag, and they’ll keep for about 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be on your way to making the most delicious creamy spinach turkey meatballs every time!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to nutrition, I always say it’s important to know what you’re putting in your body, but keep in mind that the values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect per meatball:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
So there you have it! These creamy spinach turkey meatballs pack a nutritious punch while still being delicious. Perfect for any meal, you can enjoy them knowing they’re good for you too!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen spinach can be a great substitute. Just make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out any excess moisture to avoid soggy meatballs. It’ll work just fine!
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
You’ll want to check that the meatballs are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, just cut one open; it should be no longer pink inside!
What can I serve with creamy spinach turkey meatballs?
These meatballs are super versatile! They pair wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even a fresh salad. You can also serve them with crusty bread to soak up that delicious creamy sauce!
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare and assemble the meatballs in advance, then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. They also freeze well, so you can make a big batch and save some for later!
What if I have leftovers?
If you do have some leftovers (which I doubt!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully on the stove or in the microwave, so you can enjoy them again without losing that creaminess!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to store those scrumptious creamy spinach turkey meatballs and keep them tasting just as fabulous as when they were freshly made! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is a rarity in my house!), make sure to let them cool to room temperature first. Once cooled, you can transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you want to keep them longer, these meatballs freeze beautifully! Just layer them in a freezer-safe container with a piece of parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge.
For reheating, I recommend using a skillet on low heat. Just add a splash of cream or chicken broth to keep that luscious sauce creamy and moist while you warm them through. Alternatively, you can pop them in the microwave! Just cover them with a damp paper towel and heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid overheating. Trust me, you’ll want to keep that creamy goodness intact!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can relish every bite of your creamy spinach turkey meatballs, even days later!
Print
Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs: 5 Ways to Love Them
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Creamy spinach turkey meatballs are a flavorful and healthy dish that combines turkey, spinach, and a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 cup cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine ground turkey, spinach, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs for 20 minutes until cooked through.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with pasta or rice.
- You can substitute spinach with other greens if desired.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: creamy spinach turkey meatballs
