Savory, juicy, and packed with flavor, these Baked Turkey Meatballs with Spinach are a healthier twist on a classic favorite. With tender ground turkey, nutrient-rich spinach, and a touch of Parmesan, they make a perfect main dish or appetizer, served with warm marinara sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
3. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
5. While the meatballs bake, heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat until warm.
6. Serve the baked turkey meatballs with the marinara sauce drizzled over the top or as a dipping sauce on the side.

Notes

• For extra moisture, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture.
• These meatballs can be made ahead of time and frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.
• To keep the meatballs tender, avoid overmixing the meatball mixture.

Helpful Tips

1. Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture
   Overmixing the meatball mixture can make the meatballs dense and tough. Combine the ingredients gently until everything is just incorporated. A good trick is to mix with your hands or a fork rather than a spoon to ensure the mixture stays light and fluffy. This helps create tender, juicy meatballs.
2. Use Fresh Spinach for Better Texture
   Fresh spinach adds vibrant color, nutrients, and a nice texture to the meatballs. Be sure to chop it finely so it blends seamlessly with the other ingredients. If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet.
3. Shape Uniform Meatballs for Even Cooking
   Forming meatballs that are uniform in size ensures they bake evenly. Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to measure the mixture for consistency. Lightly oiling your hands can also make shaping the meatballs easier and prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions

1. Classic with Marinara Sauce and Pasta
   Serve these turkey meatballs with a generous drizzle of marinara sauce over a bed of spaghetti or penne pasta for a classic Italian-inspired meal. Top with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for added flavor and presentation.
2. On a Sub Roll for a Meatball Sandwich
   These meatballs are perfect for a hearty sandwich. Place them in a toasted sub roll, add marinara sauce, and sprinkle with mozzarella or provolone cheese. Toast the assembled sandwich in the oven until the cheese melts for a satisfying, warm meal.
3. Serve Over Zoodles or Cauliflower Rice for a Low-Carb Option
   For a healthier, low-carb twist, pair the meatballs with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or cauliflower rice. The savory marinara sauce ties it all together, providing a flavorful, guilt-free alternative to traditional pasta.

Substitutions and Variations

1. Swap Ground Turkey for Ground Chicken or Beef
   While ground turkey keeps the dish lean and light, ground chicken works equally well for a similar flavor and texture. If you prefer a heartier version, ground beef can add a richer taste and juicier result.
2. Use Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs or Oats
   For those avoiding gluten, replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or finely ground oats. Oats provide a similar binding effect while keeping the recipe gluten-free and nutritious.
3. Add Herbs and Spices for Extra Flavor
   Customize the flavor profile of your meatballs by adding fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano. For a spicier kick, mix in red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper. These variations make the dish adaptable to your personal taste.
4. Make It Dairy-Free with Nutritional Yeast
   If you’re avoiding dairy, skip the Parmesan cheese and use nutritional yeast instead. Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy, umami flavor while keeping the dish completely dairy-free. You can also add a tablespoon of olive oil for extra moisture.

Conservation and Storage

1. Refrigerate Leftovers Properly
   Allow the baked turkey meatballs to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Place them in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to 4 days. To maintain their moisture, you can drizzle a small amount of marinara sauce over the meatballs before refrigerating. This prevents them from drying out.
2. Freeze for Longer Shelf Life
   If you’re not planning to eat all the meatballs within a few days, freezing is a great option. Arrange the cooled meatballs on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together and allows you to reheat individual portions as needed. Frozen meatballs can last up to 3 months.
3. Reheat Gently to Avoid Drying Out
   To reheat refrigerated or frozen meatballs, use the oven, stovetop, or microwave. For best results, reheat them in a covered baking dish at 350°F (175°C) with a little marinara sauce to retain moisture. If using a microwave, cover the meatballs and heat in short intervals to prevent overcooking and drying.
4. Portion Before Freezing for Easy Meal Prep
   Divide the meatballs into individual or family-sized portions before freezing. This makes it easier to defrost and reheat only what you need, saving time and reducing food waste. Label the containers with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been stored.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the Seasoning
   Seasoning is key to ensuring flavorful meatballs. Many people underestimate the importance of salt, pepper, and herbs in turkey meatballs since turkey can taste mild on its own. Be generous with Italian seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan to bring out the best flavors.
2. Using Too Much Breadcrumbs
   Breadcrumbs help bind the meatball mixture, but adding too much can result in dry, crumbly meatballs. Stick to the recommended amount, and if you need extra binding, add an additional egg yolk instead. This keeps the meatballs moist without compromising texture.
3. Neglecting to Chop Spinach Finely
   Large chunks of spinach can cause the meatballs to fall apart or cook unevenly. Always chop the spinach as finely as possible so it blends seamlessly into the mixture. For frozen spinach, squeezing out excess water is also essential to avoid a soggy result.
4. Overcooking the Meatballs
   Overcooking turkey meatballs can make them dry and tough. Bake them just until they’re cooked through and lightly golden, which is typically around 20-25 minutes at 400°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overbaking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture in advance! Mix the ingredients, shape the meatballs, and place them on a baking sheet. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze the shaped (but unbaked) meatballs on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
2. What’s the best way to keep turkey meatballs from drying out?
   Turkey meatballs can dry out if overcooked or lacking moisture. To prevent this, avoid overbaking and use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C). Adding Parmesan, eggs, or a drizzle of olive oil helps retain moisture. Serving them with marinara sauce or broth adds extra juiciness.
3. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
   Absolutely! Frozen spinach works well in this recipe, but it’s important to thaw and squeeze out all the excess water first. Excess moisture can make the meatball mixture too wet and prevent the meatballs from holding their shape. Measure the spinach after squeezing to ensure the right amount. One cup of fresh spinach typically equals about 1/3 cup of drained, thawed frozen spinach.
4. Are these meatballs gluten-free?
   As written, this recipe contains breadcrumbs, which are not gluten-free. However, you can easily make them gluten-free by substituting the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, almond flour, or finely ground oats. Be sure to check the labels on your marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese as well, as some brands may contain gluten.

Conclusion

Baked Turkey Meatballs with Spinach are the perfect combination of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Juicy and tender, these meatballs showcase how healthy ingredients like lean turkey and spinach can come together to create a dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Whether you’re preparing them as a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a make-ahead meal prep option, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

The versatility of these meatballs allows you to serve them with pasta, on sandwiches, or as a low-carb option with zucchini noodles making them adaptable to various tastes and dietary needs. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, so you can have a nutritious meal ready at a moment’s notice.

By following the tips and variations provided, you can make this recipe your own, experimenting with flavors and pairings while ensuring perfect results every time. These meatballs prove that healthy eating doesn’t have to sacrifice taste or convenience.