Spinach Feta Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

These Spinach Feta Baked Turkey Meatballs are a delicious and healthy twist on a classic favorite. Packed with fresh spinach, creamy feta, and aromatic herbs, they cook in a rich marinara sauce for a comforting meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• Homemade marinara sauce (or 32-ounce jar of store-bought)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 5 ounces baby spinach
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 1/2 lbs. lean ground turkey
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Freshly chopped parsley (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Pour the marinara sauce into a large skillet or baking dish and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the baby spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Remove from heat and coarsely chop the spinach mixture on a cutting board.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped spinach and garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until well incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
4. Step 4: Form the mixture into meatballs about 2 tablespoons each. Place them carefully into the skillet or dish with the marinara sauce.
5. Step 5: Bake the meatballs for 20 to 25 minutes, checking for doneness after 15 minutes. They are done when a thermometer inserted into the center reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve hot with extra sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For a dairy-free version, omit the feta or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Try adding chopped fresh herbs like basil or mint for a different flavor profile.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the turkey mixture.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep the texture light and tender.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. These meatballs can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works well as a substitute and will yield similar results in flavor and texture.

How do I prevent the meatballs from drying out?

Be sure not to overmix the meat mixture and bake the meatballs just until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking them in the marinara sauce also helps keep them moist.

Spinach Feta Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 85 reviews

• Author: Lily
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20 meatballs (serves 4-6) 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

These Spinach Feta Baked Turkey Meatballs combine lean ground turkey with fresh spinach and tangy feta cheese, baked to perfection in a flavorful marinara sauce. This healthy and delicious recipe offers a great way to enjoy a protein-packed meal with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 1 1/2 lbs. lean ground turkey
• 5 ounces baby spinach
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten free)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Other

• Homemade marinara sauce (or 32 ounce jar of store-bought marinara sauce)
• Freshly chopped parsley (for serving, optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the meatballs.
2. Prepare the marinara: Pour the marinara sauce into a large skillet or baking dish and set aside. This will be the base for baking the meatballs.
3. Cook and chop the spinach: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the baby spinach and cook until wilted. Then, add the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds to infuse the flavor. Remove from the heat and transfer the spinach and garlic to a cutting board. Coarsely chop the mixture.
4. Make the meatball mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ground turkey with the chopped spinach and garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta cheese, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together with your hands, taking care not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
5. Form meatballs and place in sauce: Shape the turkey mixture into meatballs using about 2 tablespoons each. Place the formed meatballs directly into the skillet or baking dish over the marinara sauce. Repeat until all mixture is used.
6. Bake the meatballs: Bake the turkey meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Start checking for doneness after 15 minutes by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of a meatball; the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Serve: Once cooked through, remove from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve hot, enjoying the flavorful, tender meatballs with marinara sauce.

Notes

• You can substitute homemade marinara sauce with a 32 ounce jar of your favorite store-bought marinara sauce.
• Use regular or gluten-free breadcrumbs depending on your dietary preference.
• Make sure to not overmix the meatball mixture to maintain a tender texture.
• Check the internal temperature of meatballs to ensure they are fully cooked; 165 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended for ground turkey.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: spinach feta turkey meatballs, baked turkey meatballs, healthy turkey meatballs, Mediterranean meatballs, low fat main dish