Turkey, Spinach & Cheese Meatballs: A Delicious and Nutritious Recipe!
Looking for an innovative and tasty twist on traditional meatballs? Want a recipe that combines fantastic flavor with high nutritional value, and is easy to prepare? We present the *Turkey, Spinach & Cheese Meatballs* recipe – a perfect choice for a healthy and satisfying dinner for the whole family.
This recipe features ground turkey, a lighter alternative to chicken or beef, enhanced with fresh spinach for extra vitamins and minerals, and Parmesan cheese for a rich flavor and wonderful texture. Incorporating Italian turkey sausage (optional but recommended) adds another layer of flavor and ensures the meatballs remain incredibly tender and moist. Whether served with your favorite marinara sauce over pasta, as a side dish, or even as an appetizer, these *spinach and cheese meatballs* are sure to impress everyone.
Ingredients You'll Need
To prepare these delicious meatballs, you will need the following ingredients:
* *Ground Turkey:* About 1.25 lbs (500-600g) (preferably 93/7 lean for moisture).
* *Italian Turkey Sausage (Optional):* About 1.25 lbs (500-600g), casings removed (adds great flavor and moisture).
* *Fresh Baby Spinach:* About 3 oz (or 2-3 cups), finely chopped.
* *Parmesan Cheese:* ½ cup, freshly grated.
* *Breadcrumbs:* ½ cup (Italian-style seasoned or Panko preferred).
* *Egg:* 1 large.
* *Scallions (Green Onions):* 2, finely chopped (white and light green parts).
* *Garlic:* 2 cloves, minced.
* *Salt and Black Pepper:* To taste.
* *Olive Oil (for baking, optional):* A little to grease the baking sheet or brush the meatballs.
* *Marinara Sauce (for serving):* 1 jar (about 24 oz / 700ml) of your favorite sauce.
Simple Preparation Steps
Follow these easy steps to prepare the most delicious meatballs:
1. *Preheat Oven & Prep Pan:* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with olive oil.
2. *Mix Initial Ingredients:* In a large bowl, lightly whisk the egg. Stir in the chopped spinach, chopped scallions, and minced garlic.
3. *Add Remaining Ingredients:* Add the ground turkey, turkey sausage (if using), grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Use your hands to gently mix all ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
4. *Form Meatballs:* Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs (about 1.5 inches or 3-4 cm in diameter). Using a small cookie scoop can help ensure uniform size. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
5. *Bake:* Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and nicely browned. You can turn them halfway through baking for even browning if desired.
6. *Serve (Optional, with Sauce):* If serving with sauce, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan…