There is one secret ingredient that makes these baked turkey meatballs juicy and keeps them from falling apart. You’ll also love the strong Mediterranean flavors from the fresh herbs, feta, and spinach.
Juicy turkey meatballs stuffed with spinach and feta cheese make for an easy hearty meal the whole family will love. This fun spin on a classic comfort food swaps in nutritious ingredients while keeping all the flavor.
As a busy mom, I’m always looking for ways to make dinner fuss-free yet still satisfying. That’s why I came up with this simple baked meatball recipe that can be prepped ahead or frozen for busy nights. With just a few basic ingredients, you can have a nutritious meal on the table in under an hour.
In this article, I’ll share my easy method for making flavorful spinach feta turkey meatballs I’ll also cover some serving suggestions and storage tips Let’s get rolling!
Why You’ll Love These Meatballs
Here’s a quick look at what makes these meatballs so special:
- Made with lean ground turkey for protein
- Packed with vitamin-rich spinach
- Tangy, crumbled feta cheese adds flavor
- Easy to make ahead and freeze
- Kid-friendly comfort food
- Great for meal prep and lunches
With crisp-tender spinach briny feta and herb-seasoned turkey, these meatballs deliver max nutrition and taste. Now let’s go over how to make them.
How to Make Spinach Feta Turkey Meatballs
This easy baked meatball recipe comes together in just a few steps:
- Mix ground turkey with spinach, feta, and spices
- Form into balls and arrange on a baking sheet
- Bake until cooked through
- Enjoy hot, at room temp, or chilled
Ready to get started? Here’s the full method:
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (90% lean or higher)
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 (6 oz) container crumbled feta
- 1/2 tsp each paprika and onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, drained spinach, feta, spices and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until evenly incorporated.
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Form into 24 evenly sized meatballs and arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
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Let cool 5 minutes before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
And that’s it – easy peasy! Now let’s go over some serving ideas and storage tips.
Spinach Feta Turkey Meatball Serving Suggestions
These tasty meatballs pair well with:
- Pasta or zoodles tossed in marinara sauce
- Rice or cauliflower rice
- On mini buns for sliders
- In soups or with veggie sides
- On top of salads
- Stuffed in pitas with tzatziki
Get creative with quick and easy meal ideas! They also pack perfectly in lunches.
Storing and Freezing Tips
To keep meatballs fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store in airtight container up to 4 days
- Freeze: Place in single layer on tray and freeze until firm then transfer to bags. Keeps 3 months.
- Reheat: Bake frozen meatballs at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
With proper storage, you can enjoy these tasty turkey spinach feta meatballs all month long!
Common Questions
Here are some frequent questions about making these meatballs:
What type of ground turkey should I use?
I recommend 90% lean or leaner ground turkey. Avoid ground turkey labeled just “ground turkey” as it often has skin and more fat.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Roughly chop 1 bunch of fresh baby spinach. Make sure it’s dried thoroughly before mixing in.
How can I make them gluten free?
To make gluten-free, use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats in place of regular breadcrumbs.
Can I bake them from frozen?
You sure can. Arrange frozen meatballs on a baking sheet and increase bake time by 5-10 minutes.
More Fun Flavor Ideas to Try
The great thing about this easy meatball recipe is that it takes well to lots of flavor mix-ins. Have fun with these ideas:
- Mexican – add cumin, chili powder, cilantro
- Italian – use marinara sauce and parmesan
- Greek – add mint, lemon zest, olives
- Indian – try curry powder, garam masala
- Buffalo – mix in hot sauce and blue cheese
- Thai – add peanut sauce, basil and red pepper
The possibilities are endless for putting your own spin on these meatballs. Get creative!
A Healthier Take on a Classic Comfort
With its combo of lean protein, veggies and cheese, this baked spinach feta turkey meatball recipe puts a nutritious twist on a beloved comfort food. Kids and adults alike will love the crisp-tender texture and savory flavor.
For an easy, freezer-friendly dinner option the whole family will devour, be sure to give these meatballs a try. Just a handful of simple ingredients makes for a satisfying meal everyone will ask for again and again!
Juicy turkey meatballs with a Mediterranean twist!
You might not normally choose ground turkey for meatballs, but this recipe for baked turkey meatballs that are lighter and really juicy might make you change your mind!
No, you won’t get the same exact flavor as you would from baked beef meatballs. That’s not really the goal of this recipe. These ground turkey meatballs are just as tasty, though. They have garlic, onions, a little feta, and a lot of herbs like parsley and mint.
The secret to juicy meatballs that don’t fall apart
There are two big questions that people often have about lean turkey meatballs: how do I make them juicy? and why do they fall apart?!
Adding a slice of toasted bread that has been soaked in water and then squeezed dry to the meatball mixture makes them extra juicy when they’re baked.
The soggy bread acts as a binder and helps add moisture to the meat mixture. With the help of an egg and some good extra virgin olive oil, the bread (or binder) will keep the turkey meatballs from getting too small and tough after they’re baked.
