Description
These Spinach Feta Baked Turkey Meatballs are a healthy and flavorful dish combining lean ground turkey, fresh spinach, and tangy feta cheese. Baked in a rich homemade marinara sauce, they offer a delicious, low-fat alternative to traditional meatballs, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs. lean ground turkey
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 3 cloves garlic
- 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
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Homemade marinara sauce or 32 ounce jar of store-bought marinara sauce
- Freshly chopped parsley (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Prepare the marinara sauce base: Pour the homemade or store-bought marinara sauce into a large skillet or baking dish and set it aside to prepare the meatball mixture.
- Cook and chop the spinach: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the baby spinach and cook until it is wilted. Then add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Remove from heat and chop the spinach and garlic coarsely on a cutting board.
- Make the meatball mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ground turkey with the chopped spinach and garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta cheese, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix with your hands to incorporate all ingredients evenly, being careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form the meatballs: Shape about 2 tablespoons of the turkey mixture into individual meatballs and place them in the skillet or baking dish on top of the marinara sauce. Continue forming and placing meatballs until all mixture is used.
- Bake the meatballs: Place the skillet or baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, checking for doneness after 15 minutes. The meatballs are done when an internal thermometer reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot with the marinara sauce.
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey for a healthier, lower-fat option.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to avoid tough meatballs.
- If you prefer, use your favorite dried herbs instead of oregano.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Spinach Feta Turkey Meatballs, Baked Meatballs, Healthy Turkey Meatballs, Mediterranean Meatballs, Low Fat Dinner, Homemade Meatballs
