Juicy Baked Turkey Meatballs with Spinach and Feta – An Easy Weeknight Dinner

Turkey meatballs are an easy, healthy weeknight dinner option that can be endlessly customized. While ground beef or pork are more traditional choices, lean ground turkey makes a lighter, healthier meatball that doesn’t compromise on flavor In this recipe, I share my tips for making the juiciest baked turkey meatballs packed with Mediterranean flavors from spinach, feta, and fresh herbs

Why Make Turkey Meatballs?

There are a few reasons why turkey meatballs can be a smart choice:

• Turkey is a leaner meat than beef or pork, meaning fewer calories and less saturated fat. This makes turkey meatballs a healthier option if you’re watching your weight.

• Ground turkey is an affordable alternative to pricier meats like ground beef

• Turkey absorbs flavors well, so you can punch up the taste with bold seasonings.

• Turkey meatballs are child-friendly and appeal to picky eaters. The milder taste of turkey is less intimidating than beef for kids.

How to Keep Turkey Meatballs Moist

The biggest complaint about turkey meatballs is that they can turn out dry. Here are my tips for keeping homemade turkey meatballs juicy:

• Use a panade – This chef’s secret adds moisture to the meat mixture. I soak bread in water, then squeeze it out and add it to the raw meatball mix. The hydrated bread acts as a binder and keeps ground turkey meatballs tender.

• Mix in egg – Eggs help bind the ingredients together so the meatballs retain their shape without drying out. Beat 1 egg before mixing it into the raw meat.

• Don’t overcook – Baked turkey meatballs only need 20-30 minutes in the oven since ground turkey cooks faster than beef. Watch closely and don’t overbake.

• Add olive oil – A little extra virgin olive oil keeps meat moist as it cooks. I add 1 tablespoon to the mix.

• Use cheese – Soft, crumbly cheeses like feta add moisture that keeps meatballs juicy. Feta also gives a nice salty tang.

Turkey Meatballs with Spinach and Feta

This easy turkey meatballs recipe gets tons of flavor from Mediterranean ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Turkey and Binders:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 slice whole wheat bread
• 1 egg
• 1 Tbsp olive oil

Flavorings:

• 1 yellow onion, grated
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1⁄2 cup crumbled feta
• 1⁄2 cup chopped parsley
• 1 Tbsp dried mint
• 2 cups baby spinach

Seasonings:

• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional garnish:

• Lemon zest

Steps for the Best Turkey Meatballs:

1. Toast bread slice and soak in water for 5 minutes. Then squeeze out liquid. This is the panade that keeps meatballs moist.

2. In a skillet, cook spinach in 1 Tbsp olive oil just until wilted. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, mix together ground turkey, onion, garlic, feta, egg, parsley, mint, bread, and spinach. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Form mixture into 24 golf ball-sized meatballs and arrange on a baking sheet.

5. Bake at 400°F for 20-30 minutes until cooked through. For extra browning, broil for 1-2 minutes.

6. Serve turkey meatballs hot, garnished with lemon zest if desired.

7. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze cooked meatballs for longer storage.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile turkey feta meatballs pair well with:

• Pasta – Toss meatballs with your favorite tomato pasta sauce.

• Rice – Serve over a bed of plain white or brown rice.

• Salads – Add meatballs to Mediterranean salads like Greek or fattoush.

• Vegetables – Serve as the protein along roasted veggies for a sheet pan dinner.

• Dip – Offer meatballs with tzatziki, hummus, or other dips for an appetizer.

With so many quick and easy serving possibilities, these spinach and feta turkey meatballs are sure to become a regular on your dinner table!

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

Since forming meatballs can be time consuming, I like to double this recipe and prep a big batch for the freezer. Here are some tips:

• Let cooked meatballs cool completely before freezing.

• Arrange in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1 hour.

• Transfer frozen meatballs to an airtight container or freezer bag.

• Store frozen turkey meatballs for up to 3 months.

• To reheat, place frozen meatballs on a baking sheet and cook in a 400°F oven for 10-15 minutes until hot.

Freezing cooked turkey meatballs allows you to have hearty, homemade meatballs ready in minutes. It’s a terrific meal prep strategy for busy families!

Customize Your Turkey Meatballs

Playing around with add-ins is part of the fun of meatballs. Try these flavor twist ideas:

• Swap feta for Parmesan, goat, or Mexican queso fresco cheese.

• Use dill, basil, cilantro or rosemary instead of mint.

• Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, chopped olives, or roasted red peppers.

• Experiment with spices like cumin, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes.

• Use a combo of ground turkey and ground chicken or lean pork.

Let your taste preferences and what’s in your fridge guide you – there’s no wrong way to meatball!

Satisfying and Healthy

These turkey feta meatballs offer a tasty twist on a family classic. A few simple tricks like a soaked bread panade keep the ground turkey moist, while Mediterranean flavors from mint, feta and spinach make them full of flavor. Serve them over pasta or rice for a fast, filling and healthier dinner option the whole family will love. With endless ways to tweak and customize, you could enjoy a new version of these easy turkey meatballs every week!