Let’s make Spinach and Feta Turkey Meatballs – a mouth-watering and budget-friendly recipe made with simple ingredients. Perfect for those looking to add a twist to their meal prep or seeking a nutritious and delicious way to enjoy ground turkey, these meatballs combine the earthy flavors of spinach with the tangy zest of feta cheese.
Not only are they easy to make, but they also offer versatile serving options, whether it’s over pasta, rice, or as a protein-packed addition to salads. This recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect balance of flavor and health.
Some consider these Greek Turkey Meatballs because the meatball mixture contains feta cheese.
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces fresh chopped spinach, chopped
- 1/2 small red onion chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1lb ground turkey (lean is best)
- 2 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
Directions:
Place spinach and 1 tablespoon olive oil into a skillet and heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until spinach is wilted. Remove from heat.
In a mixing bowl, add bread crumbs, garlic powder and pepper. Mix well. Add turkey, spinach, cheese and egg. Mix well, sometimes with your hands is best, to mix evenly.
Using a 2 tablespoon portion scoop, scoop the mixtureinto your hands and shape into balls. Heat remaining oil in the skillet and, working in batches, cook the meatballs until browned on all sides (about 6-8 minutes) .
Serve as-is or with your favorite sauce. Consider marinara, lemon juice and lemon zest, or a little tzatziki sauce. The entire family will enjoy these Greek meatballs.
Makes 20-24 meatballs.
How can I serve these spinach and turkey meatballs?
Spinach and Feta Turkey Meatballs can be served in a variety of delicious ways, making them a versatile addition to any meal. Here are some suggestions:
1. **Classic Pasta and Red Sauce**: Serve the meatballs over your favorite pasta with a rich tomato sauce. This classic pairing is always a hit and easy to prepare.
2. **With Roasted Vegetables and Rice**: For a healthier twist, serve the meatballs over a bed of rice accompanied by roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant.
3. **Meatball Subs**: Place the meatballs in a sub roll, top with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese for a delicious meatball sub sandwich.
4. **Salad Addition**: Add them to a fresh salad for a protein boost. They pair well with greens like spinach or mixed salad leaves, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette.
5. **Pesto or Alfredo Sauce**: Change up the sauce by using pesto or Alfredo sauce instead of the traditional red sauce, serving over pasta or with crusty bread.
6. **Appetizer or Snack**: Serve them as an appetizer or snack with toothpicks, accompanied by tzatziki, marinara, or a yogurt-based dipping sauce.
7. **Greek-Inspired Bowl**: Create a Greek-inspired bowl with the meatballs, some cooked quinoa or couscous, chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and a dollop of tzatziki.
8. **With Lemon Potatoes**: Pair them with Greek-style lemon roasted potatoes for a flavorful and hearty meal.
Each serving method brings out a different aspect of the meatballs’ flavor profile, making them a versatile choice for various meal plans and occasions. You could also just top with a pinch of salt, fresh parsley, fresh mint, or some parmesan cheese.
Recipe Variations:
You can try some of these great flavor alternatives to enhance the appeal of your Spinach and Feta Turkey Meatball recipe. These easy meals are a great way to serve the same dish on the dinner table in various ways.
- Gluten-Free Spinach and Feta Turkey Meatballs: Replace traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free panko for a gluten-free version of this classic dish.
- Keto Spinach and Feta Turkey Meatballs: For a keto-friendly twist, omit the breadcrumbs entirely and add a bit more feta cheese to help bind the meatballs together, making it perfect for those following a ketogenic diet.
- Vegan Spinach and “Feta” Meatballs: Use a plant-based ground meat substitute and vegan feta cheese.
- Spicy Spinach and Feta Turkey Meatballs: Add a kick to your meatballs by incorporating ingredients like red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or finely diced jalapeños, ideal for those who enjoy spicy food.
- Mediterranean-Style Spinach and Feta Turkey Meatballs: Incorporate Mediterranean spices such as oregano, thyme, and cumin, and serve with a side of tzatziki sauce.
- Low-Carb Spinach and Feta Turkey Meatballs: Reduce the carbohydrate content by using minimal breadcrumbs or a low-carb substitute, appealing to low-carb diet followers.
- Cheesy Spinach and Feta Turkey Meatballs: Add extra cheeses like Parmesan or mozzarella into the meatball mix for a cheesy, indulgent variation.
- Spinach and Feta Turkey Meatballs with Hidden Vegetables: Great for kids, incorporate finely grated vegetables such as carrots or zucchini into the meatballs for an added nutritional boost.
How do you make baked turkey meatballs?
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps to brown the meatballs. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray. Bake in the preheated hot oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and slightly browned on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure. Cooking time may vary.
If you love Mediterranean flavors and want to try different ways to enjoy fresh herbs and ground turkey breast, these cooked meatballs are for you. Feel free to substitute ground chicken if you happen to have it on hand. This recipe will take your meatballs to the next level.
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How can I ensure my meatballs don’t fall apart while cooking?
Ensuring that meatballs hold their shape and don’t fall apart during cooking involves a few key steps in both preparation and cooking. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfectly intact meatballs:
- Use a Binder: Ingredients like breadcrumbs, eggs, and grated cheese act as binders in meatballs. They help to hold the ingredients together. If you’re avoiding breadcrumbs, consider alternatives like oats, cooked rice, or almond flour.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your meatball ingredients, mix just until everything is evenly distributed. Overmixing can make the meat tough and more likely to fall apart.
- Proper Proportioning: Ensure you have enough binding agents (like eggs) in proportion to the meat and other ingredients. Usually, one egg per pound of meat is a good ratio.
- Chill Before Cooking: After shaping your meatballs, refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and hold their shape better when cooked.
- Cooking Method: Consider baking or braising meatballs in sauce rather than frying. These methods are gentler and can help prevent the meatballs from falling apart.
- Avoid Crowding the Pan: If you’re frying or browning your meatballs, do so in batches. Crowding the pan can cause the meatballs to steam rather than brown, and you’ll need room to maneuver a spatula to turn them gently.
- Turn Carefully: Whether you’re frying or baking, turn the meatballs gently. Use a spatula or a spoon and be careful not to break them.
- Add Moisture: If your meatball mixture seems too dry, adding a bit of moisture can help. This can be a splash of milk, broth, or even water.
- Correct Texture: The mixture should be moist but not overly wet. It should easily form into balls that hold their shape. If it’s too wet, add a bit more of your binding agent (like breadcrumbs or its alternative).
By following these tips, your meatballs should stay intact and delicious throughout the cooking process. Remember, a bit of trial and error might be necessary to get the perfect consistency, especially if you’re experimenting with different ingredients or cooking methods.
Spinach Feta and Turkey Meatballs
Yield: 20
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 ounces fresh chopped spinach, chopped
- 1/2 small red onion chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1lb ground turkey (lean is best)
- 2 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Place spinach and 1 tablespoon olive oil into a skillet and heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until spinach is wilted. Remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, add bread crumbs, garlic powder and pepper. Mix well. Add turkey, spinach, cheese and egg. Mix well, sometimes with your hands is best, to mix evenly.
- Using a 2 tablespoon portion scoop, scoop the mixtureinto your hands and shape into balls. Heat remaining oil in the skillet and, working in batches, cook the meatballs until browned on all sides (about 6-8 minutes) .
Notes
Serve as-is or with your favorite sauce. Consider marinara, lemon juice and lemon zest, or a little tzatziki sauce. The entire family will enjoy these Greek meatballs.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 20Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 94Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 152mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 7g
