Spinach Feta Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
These Spinach Feta Baked Turkey Meatballs combine lean turkey with nutritious spinach and tangy feta for a flavorful, healthy meal. Baked in marinara sauce, they’re juicy and tender—perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
- Homemade marinara sauce (or 32-ounce jar of store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 1/2 lbs. lean ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten free)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano (or your favorite herbs)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Freshly chopped parsley (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Pour the marinara sauce into a large skillet or baking dish and set it aside.
- Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Remove from heat, then coarsely chop the spinach on a cutting board.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped spinach, egg, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Step 4: Shape the mixture into meatballs about 2 tablespoons each. Place them evenly in the skillet or baking dish on top of the marinara sauce.
- Step 5: Bake the meatballs for 20 to 25 minutes. Begin checking for doneness at 15 minutes by inserting a thermometer into a meatball; it should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit when fully cooked.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep this dish gluten-free without compromising texture.
- Swap dried oregano for basil or Italian seasoning to change the flavor profile.
- For extra moisture, mix in a tablespoon of plain yogurt or grated zucchini into the meat mixture.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley or fresh basil make great garnishes as well.
- Serve with spaghetti, zucchini noodles, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You can also freeze cooked meatballs for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works well as a substitute. Just be sure to monitor the cooking time, as chicken may cook slightly faster or slower depending on its fat content.
How can I make these meatballs spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or stir some hot sauce into the marinara before baking for a gentle heat boost.
Print
Spinach Feta Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 20 meatballs) 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Spinach Feta Baked Turkey Meatballs are a healthy and flavorful twist on classic meatballs, combining lean ground turkey with nutrient-rich spinach and tangy feta cheese. Baked in marinara sauce, these meatballs are juicy, tender, and perfect for a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1 jar (32 ounces) marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Meatballs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 lbs lean ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten free)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Freshly chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Prepare the marinara base: Pour the marinara sauce into a large skillet or baking dish and set it aside to create a flavorful cooking base for the meatballs.
- Cook and chop the spinach: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and coarsely chop the spinach mixture on a cutting board.
- Mix the meatball ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped spinach mixture, egg, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta cheese, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix with your hands to incorporate all ingredients evenly without overmixing, which can make the meatballs tough.
- Form the meatballs: Shape the turkey mixture into meatballs using about 2 tablespoons of mixture for each ball. Place the formed meatballs evenly into the skillet or baking dish over the marinara sauce.
- Bake the meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness after 15 minutes by ensuring a meat thermometer inserted in the center reads 165°F (74°C).
- Serve and garnish: Once cooked through, remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish the meatballs with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm with additional marinara sauce.
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey for a healthier, lower-fat option.
- Regular or gluten-free breadcrumbs work equally well.
- Be careful not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- Check meatballs early to avoid overbaking and drying out.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color and freshness but is optional.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: spinach feta meatballs, baked turkey meatballs, healthy meatballs, Mediterranean recipes, low fat dinner, baked meatballs with marinara
