Description
Succulent “creamy spinach turkey meatballs” bring Mediterranean comfort to weeknight dinners, blending lean protein with rich, velvety sauce. Herb-infused and perfectly seasoned, these meatballs promise a delightful meal that satisfies without overwhelming you.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Vegetables:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Sauce Components:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash and finely chop spinach, ensuring leaves are completely dry to prevent excess moisture in meatballs.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped spinach, minced garlic, diced onion, eggs, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Gently mix ingredients using hands, being careful not to overwork the meat to maintain tender texture.
- Shape mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, placing them on a clean plate.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, around 350°F.
- Carefully place meatballs in hot skillet, allowing space between each to ensure even browning, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy exterior forms.
- Remove meatballs and set aside, leaving browned bits in the pan for additional flavor.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour chicken broth into skillet, scraping bottom to release caramelized pieces.
- Slowly add heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Return meatballs to skillet, gently coating them in the creamy sauce, and simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes.
- Verify internal meatball temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality ground turkey for the most tender and flavorful meatballs, avoiding pre-packaged meat with excess moisture.
- Squeeze out excess water from chopped spinach using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy meatballs that might fall apart during cooking.
- Create gluten-free version by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko, maintaining the meatballs’ binding and texture.
- Keep meatballs uniform in size by using a small ice cream scoop or weighing each portion to ensure consistent cooking and professional presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg