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    Healthy Baked Turkey Meatballs with Spinach Recipe Index

    Healthy Baked Turkey Meatballs with Spinach

    Published: Jan 22, 2020 · Modified: Apr 25, 2022 by Nicki Sizemore · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    These baked turkey meatballs have an incredible flavor and are a cinch to throw together! They’re a healthy, make-ahead meal that the whole family will love.

    Overhead shot of a plate of spaghetti topped with baked turkey meatballs, with pot of meatballs to the side.

    These baked turkey meatballs are one of those back-pocket meals that the Whole. Family. Loves. Meaning, there are backseat claps when I announce what’s for dinner (yes, my kids want to know what’s for dinner when we’re on the way to school in the morning). The meatballs come together quickly and can be piled over spaghetti or polenta, or they can be stuffed into hoagies for meatball subs (cheers!). [Don't miss the VIDEO below.]

    A large spoon holding two turkey meatballs in marinara sauce, with the pot in the background.

    Ingredients:

    • Ground turkey
    • Garlic
    • Shallot or onion
    • Dried oregano
    • Egg
    • Chopped baby spinach
    • Panko breadcrumbs (regular or gluten free)
    • Freshly grated nutmeg
    Overhead shot showing all of the ingredients for the turkey meatballs, arranged on a counter.

    How to make baked turkey meatballs:

    1. In a bowl combine ground turkey, shallot, garlic, oregano, egg, spinach, panko breadcrumbs and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper.
    2. Mix everything together using a fork until evenly combined.
    3. Using a light touch, form the meat into 1 ½-inch balls (they’ll be sticky) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cooking the meatballs on parchment makes for an easy cleanup.
    4. Bake the meatballs for 8 minutes. Using tongs, flip the meatballs over. Continue baking until cooked through, about 4-5 minutes longer (the internal temperature should read 165-170˚F on an instant read thermometer).
    Process shot divided into four quadrants, showing how to make baked turkey meatballs.

    Baked turkey meatballs in sauce

    While you can eat these Italian seasoned meatballs on their own, I simmer them briefly in marinara sauce after they come out of the oven. You can go for a homemade or store-bought sauce.

    Overhead shot of a plate of spaghetti and meatballs.

    How do you serve turkey meatballs?

    These meatballs are fabulous piled over spaghetti with grated parmesan cheese and basil. We also love to stuff them into baguettes or hoagies for meatball subs (try melting some mozzarella over top!). They're also delicious over these grits (which, btw, are the same thing as polenta).

    Side angle shot of a meatball sub, made with turkey meatballs.

    Slow cooker turkey meatballs

    For a slow cooker version, check out these Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs (pictured below), which are from my book Fresh Flavors for the Slow Cooker.

    Slow cooker turkey meatballs in a bowl, with a slow cooker alongside.

    Turkey meatball tips:

    • I prefer using dark meat turkey, which will result in juicier, more tender meatballs. However, you can use white meat turkey or even ground chicken instead.
    • You can swap out the shallot for minced onion or scallions.
    • A heavy duty sheet pan is one of my kitchen essentials and makes cooking these meatballs a breeze. These pre-cut parchment sheets are also an awesome time saver.
    • You can use homemade or store-bought marinara sauce. If using store-bought, I usually go for Rao's, which has minimal ingredients, no added sugar, and tastes homemade.
    Close-up of turkey meatballs in marinara sauce.

    FAQs

    How do you keep meatballs from falling apart?

    Using binders in meatballs, such as egg and breadcrumbs, hold them together when cooking.

    How do you know when turkey meatballs are done?

    The meatballs should feel firm to the touch, and the internal temperature should read 165-170˚F. The meatballs are warmed in marinara sauce, so if they’re slightly undercooked they can always finish cooking in the sauce. 

    How long are turkey meatballs good for?

    The baked turkey meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully and can be frozen (without the sauce) for up to 3 months (woohoo!). Defrost the frozen meatballs in the refrigerator overnight, or simmer them in marinara sauce (directly from the freezer) until warmed through. Easiest. Dinner. EVER.

    Close up of a turkey meatball on a pile of spaghetti.

    *This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links to products I use and love (from which I earn income, at no cost to you). Thank you or supporting From Scratch Fast!

    Other easy weeknight meals to try:

    • Mexican White Bean & Chicken Soup
    • DIY Oven Grilled Cheese
    • Healthy Taco Salad with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing
    • Coconut Sriracha Shrimp & Kale
    • (My Kid Loves) Broccoli Pasta

    Watch the video!

    Stay connected

    I'd love to answer any of your questions and see what you're cooking!! Don't forget to rate this recipe and leave a comment below. Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube & Pinterest, and be sure to tag @fromscratchfast so that I can share your creations!

    Get the recipe!

    Plate of spaghetti topped with healthy baked turkey meatballs.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    Healthy Baked Turkey Meatballs with Spinach

    These easy and nutritious baked turkey meatballs are the perfect weeknight dinner! They can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen until ready to use (perfect for busy schedules). Chopped spinach lends added nutrition and moisture (and nobody is the wiser). To serve, warm the meatballs in marinara sauce, then pile them on top of spaghetti or polenta, or stuff them into hoagies with mozzarella and basil. Mmm, mmm, it’s an old-school meal that’s damn tasty, especially on a busy weekday.
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time15 minutes mins
    Total Time30 minutes mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American, Italian
    Keyword: baked meatballs recipe, baked turkey meatballs, healthy meatballs recipe, healthy turkey meatballs
    Servings: 4 people
    Author: Nicki Sizemore

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound ground turkey, preferably dark meat
    • 1 tablespoon minced shallot (from 1 small shallot)
    • 2 garlic cloves, grated
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 egg, lightly beaten
    • ½ cup packed baby spinach leaves, finely chopped
    • ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs (regular or gluten free)
    • Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
    • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
    • 24 ounces marinara sauce

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 450˚F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • In a large bowl, combine the turkey, shallot, garlic, oregano, egg, spinach, panko breadcrumbs and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together using a fork until evenly combined. Using a light touch, form the meat into1 ½-inch balls (they’ll be sticky) and place them on the baking sheet (you should get 15-16 meatballs). Do Ahead: The meatballs can be covered with plastic wrap (right on the baking sheet) and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Let sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before baking.
    • Bake the meatballs for 8 minutes. Using tongs, flip the meatballs over. Continue baking until cooked through, about 4-5 minutes longer (the internal temperature should read 165-170˚F). Do Ahead: Once cooled, the baked meatballs can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Defrost the meatballs in the refrigerator overnight, or reheat them directly in marinara sauce until warmed through.
    • To serve, simmer the meatballs in marinara sauce until just warmed through. Pile the meatballs on top of spaghetti or polenta, or stuff them into hoagies. Buon appetito!

    Notes

    Do Ahead: The meatballs can be refrigerated in the sauce for up to 5 days.
    Tips:
    • I prefer using dark meat turkey, which will result in juicier, more tender meatballs. However, you can use white meat turkey or even ground chicken instead.
    • You can swap out the shallot for minced onion or scallions.
    • A heavy duty sheet pan is one of my kitchen essentials and makes cooking these meatballs a breeze. These pre-cut parchment sheets are also an awesome time saver.
    • You can use homemade or store-bought marinara sauce. If using store-bought, I usually go for Rao's, which has minimal ingredients, no added sugar, and tastes homemade.
    • For a slow cooker version, check out these Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs! 

    More Gluten-Free Dinner Recipes

    • A serving of creamy butternut pasta on a plate, topped with pecans and sage.
      Baked Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe with Ricotta & Sage
    • Close up of a spoonful of baked pasta with sausage and ricotta.
      Easy Sausage Baked Pasta with Ricotta (One Skillet!)
    • Whole smoked chicken on a serving platter with lemon wedges and parsley.
      Ultimate Whole Smoked Chicken Recipe (Traeger Smoked Chicken)
    • Yogurt marinated chicken pieces on a platter with grilled lemons and a serving fork.
      Juicy Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Scott says

      March 03, 2020 at 2:17 pm

      Sounds delicious! Love a recipe with multiple serving options.

      Reply
      • Nicki Sizemore says

        March 03, 2020 at 2:48 pm

        Thank you, Scott! I hope you like the meatballs!

        Reply

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    Meet Nicki

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    Welcome! I’m Nicki Sizemore, a trained chef, recipe developer and cookbook author. My mission is to help you make wholesome & delicious food from scratch without spending hours in the kitchen. All of my recipes are naturally gluten-free.

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