Description
These Spinach Turkey Meatballs are a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish combining lean ground turkey with finely chopped vegetables and herbs. Baked to perfection, they are perfect for meal prep or a nutritious family dinner, delivering a balanced mix of protein and vegetables in every bite.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup finely chopped carrots
- 3 ounces (about 3 loosely packed cups) baby spinach, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
- 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
For Baking
- Olive or avocado oil cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper or spraying it with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Chop the Vegetables: Finely chop the onion, carrots, and baby spinach. Using a food processor can speed up this process and ensure the veggies are finely diced, which helps distribute flavor evenly within the meatballs.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground turkey, chopped vegetables, garlic powder, basil, sea salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together using a wooden spoon or your hands until well combined without overworking the meat.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the meat mixture into balls roughly 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Place them spaced about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the meatballs are lightly browned on the outside and no longer pink in the center.
- Cool and Store: Allow the meatballs to cool before transferring them to an airtight container if you plan on meal prepping or storing leftovers. Serve warm immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using lean ground turkey keeps these meatballs healthy and lower in fat.
- Finely chopping the vegetables ensures the meatballs hold together better and taste more uniform.
- You can substitute fresh basil with dried basil if fresh is unavailable.
- For a crispier exterior, consider broiling for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- These meatballs freeze well; store in an airtight container or freezer bag and reheat thoroughly before serving.
