Discover a healthier, yet incredibly flavorful, twist on a classic comfort food with these Mini Turkey and Spinach Meatballs. Packed with lean protein from turkey and nutrient-rich spinach, these meatballs are a perfect choice for a wholesome family dinner.
They are surprisingly easy to make, requiring just 20 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes to cook. Whether you serve them with pasta, in a sub, or on their own, these juicy and tender meatballs are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Table of Contents
Ingredients Required
A simple list of fresh ingredients is all you need to create these amazing meatballs.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large egg
- 3 ounces baby spinach, chopped
- 3 scallions, white and green parts, finely sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1.25 pounds 93/7 ground turkey
- 1.25 pounds Italian turkey sausage, removed from the casings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ⅓ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano, plus more for serving
- ½ cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
How to cook Mini Turkey and Spinach Meatballs?
Follow these simple steps to make the perfect meatballs every time.
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the broiler and set an oven rack on the second-highest rack. Line a baking sheet with heavy duty aluminum foil and grease with the olive oil.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the egg. Add the chopped spinach, scallions, and garlic and stir until evenly combined. Add the ground turkey, turkey sausage, mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano and bread crumbs. Using your hands, mix until evenly combined. Shape the mixture into 1½ inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Broil the Meatballs
Broil the meatballs until golden brown on top, about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Simmer in Sauce
Meanwhile, heat the tomato sauce in a large pan on the stovetop. Add the broiled meatballs and simmer over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked.
Your Questions Answered
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze the cooked meatballs in their sauce for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
These meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them over pasta, in a meatball sub, or with a side of roasted vegetables. They are also great as an appetizer.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much water as possible before adding it to the meatball mixture.
Are these meatballs gluten-free?
This recipe uses breadcrumbs, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Pro Tips for Perfect Meatballs
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing the meatball mixture can result in tough meatballs. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Use a cookie scoop: For uniformly sized meatballs, use a small cookie scoop to portion out the mixture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: When broiling, make sure the meatballs are in a single layer and not overcrowded. This will ensure they brown evenly.
