Hey y'all! If you're searching for a comforting, nutritious, and downright delicious dinner, this Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Juicy turkey meatballs paired with tender spinach and a lusciously creamy sauce deliver cozy vibes that work for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prep. These meatballs come together quickly, pack loads of flavor, and are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs Recipe
- It’s a one-pan meal that’s super easy to whip up on a busy night.
- Loaded with lean protein and leafy greens for a guilt-free comfort food fix.
- The creamy, garlicky sauce takes these meatballs over the top!
- Perfect for meal prep—leftovers taste amazing the next day.
- Family-friendly, picky-eater approved, and customizable for any dietary needs.
Ingredients for Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs Recipe
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions: How to Make Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs Recipe
1. Prep the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped spinach, panko, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork!
2. Shape and Brown the Meatballs
Form the mixture into 18-20 golf ball-sized meatballs (about 1.5 inches each). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, browning on all sides for about 5-6 minutes. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate; they don’t need to be cooked through yet.
3. Make the Creamy Spinach Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add Parmesan and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Simmer Meatballs in Sauce
Return browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until meatballs are cooked through (internal temp reaches 165°F/74°C). Give the skillet a gentle shake occasionally to coat meatballs in sauce.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Spoon meatballs with plenty of creamy spinach sauce over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes & Helpful Tips for Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs Recipe
- For extra flavor, try using freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-grated.
- Ground turkey can be swapped for ground chicken or a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian spin.
- Check out this meatball shaping tutorial for perfectly uniform balls.
Variations on Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs Recipe
- Spicy Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
- Cheesy Twist: Mix ½ cup shredded mozzarella into the sauce for extra gooeyness.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Required Equipment for Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs Recipe
- Large mixing bowl
- Large skillet with lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs or slotted spoon
Storage Instructions for Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Store cooled meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the sauce thickens. For longer storage, freeze meatballs and sauce separately for up to 2 months—thaw overnight before reheating.
Serving Recommendations & Pairings
- Serve over al dente pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy rice.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.
- Enjoy with crusty bread to soak up every drop of that creamy sauce!
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs Recipe
- Don’t overmix your meatball mixture—gentle hands make for tender meatballs.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform meatballs that cook evenly. Check this meatball guide for more tips.
- Let the meatballs rest in the sauce for a few minutes off heat so they absorb even more flavor.
FAQ: Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs Recipe
- Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Shape and brown the meatballs, then refrigerate or freeze. Finish cooking in sauce when ready to serve.
- Can I use frozen spinach?
- Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing into the meatballs.
- What can I use instead of heavy cream for a lighter option?
- Try half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich and thick.
For nutritional info on turkey, visit EatRight.org.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
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3Shape the mixture into 16 meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
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4While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
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5Add the baked meatballs to the skillet and simmer in the creamy sauce for 5 minutes, spooning sauce over the meatballs.
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6Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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