Spinach Feta Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

These Spinach Feta Baked Turkey Meatballs are a delicious and healthier twist on classic meatballs. Packed with tender turkey, savory feta, and nutritious spinach, they’re perfect for a comforting dinner served with marinara sauce.

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 (for serving, optional)

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 spinach and cook until wilted. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Remove the spinach from heat and coarsely chop on a cutting board.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped spinach, egg, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
4. Step 4: Form the turkey mixture into meatballs about 2 tablespoons in size and place them in the skillet with marinara sauce. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
5. Step 5: Bake the meatballs for 20 to 25 minutes, checking for doneness after 15 minutes. They are done when a meat thermometer inserted into the center reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Step 6: Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm with your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute the dried oregano with basil, thyme, or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, add a tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt to the meat mixture.
• These meatballs can also be cooked in a slow cooker; just add marinara and cook on low for 3-4 hours.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat. These meatballs can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator 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 produce similarly tender meatballs.

How can I prevent the meatballs from drying out?

Be careful not to overmix the ingredients, and cook until just done (165°F internal temperature) to keep them juicy and tender.

Spinach Feta Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 130 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20 meatballs 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

These Spinach Feta Baked Turkey Meatballs are a healthy, flavorful twist on traditional meatballs. Featuring lean ground turkey mixed with nutrient-rich spinach, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs, these meatballs are baked in a savory marinara sauce for a moist and delicious meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

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

For Cooking

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

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F to prepare for baking the meatballs.
2. Prepare Marinara Base: Pour the marinara sauce into a large skillet or an oven-safe baking dish and set it aside; this will act as a flavorful base for the meatballs as they bake.
3. Cook and Chop Spinach: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the baby spinach and cook until wilted, which usually takes a few minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to soften and release its aroma. Remove from heat and coarsely chop the spinach mixture on a cutting board.
4. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the ground turkey with the chopped spinach and garlic mixture, egg, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta cheese, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix the ingredients with your hands until just combined to avoid toughening the meat mixture.
5. Form Meatballs: Shape the turkey mixture into meatballs about 2 tablespoons in size. Carefully place each meatball into the skillet or baking dish on top of the marinara sauce, spacing them evenly.
6. Bake: Place the skillet or dish in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20 to 25 minutes. Check for doneness after 15 minutes; they are done when a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees F in the center of a meatball.
7. Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve hot with the marinara sauce.

Notes

• You can substitute the homemade marinara sauce with a 32-ounce jar of your favorite store-bought marinara sauce for convenience.
• Use lean ground turkey to keep the meatballs moist but low in fat.
• If gluten-free, make sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Be careful not to overmix the meatball ingredients to prevent tough meatballs.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs are fully cooked.

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

Keywords: Spinach Feta Meatballs, Baked Turkey Meatballs, Healthy Meatballs, Mediterranean Meatballs, Turkey Meatballs Recipe