If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal, these turkey meatballs with spinach are a must-try! Packed with lean protein, flavourful spices, and hidden veggies, they’re perfect for both busy weeknights and meal prep. The creamy sauce is not only rich and satisfying but also a sneaky way to add extra vegetables – perfect for picky eaters. In fact, my fussy eater loved this dish so much that he even went for seconds!
Meatballs have always been a staple in my kitchen. They’re easy to make, incredibly versatile, and perfect for batch cooking. While classic beef or pork meatballs are delicious, I wanted something lighter but still packed with flavour. That’s when I turned to turkey – it’s leaner, absorbs seasonings beautifully, and pairs perfectly with a creamy, veggie-filled sauce.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how well it hides vegetables. The sauce is an ideal way to sneak in mushrooms, spinach, and even sun-dried tomatoes. Everything blends so perfectly that even My Fussy eater, went for seconds!
Another bonus? These meatballs reheat beautifully, making them a great option for meal prep. You can serve them over pasta, rice, or even on their own for a low-carb option. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a quick and healthy dinner, this recipe is a winner.
Why These Turkey Meatballs are Perfect for a Quick Lunch
When life gets busy, I always appreciate simple, no-fuss recipes that come together in under 30 minutes. These turkey meatballs are just that!
- Minimal prep, maximum flavour – the ingredients are simple, but the combination of spices and creamy sauce makes them taste gourmet.
- One-pan wonder – you can cook the meatballs and sauce in the same pan, making clean-up easy.
- Great for leftovers – make a double batch and store extras in the fridge or freezer for a quick meal later.
- Pairs well with everything – serve them with pasta, rice, or even inside a wrap for a fun twist.
Turkey Meatballs with Spinach: Recipe Tips
Making juicy and flavourful turkey meatballs is all about using the right ingredients and techniques. Here are some key tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time:
- Use breadcrumbs for texture – panko breadcrumbs help keep the meatballs light and tender. If you don’t have panko, you can use crushed crackers, oats, or even fresh breadcrumbs for a similar effect.
- Don’t skip the egg – the egg acts as a binder, keeping everything together. Without it, your meatballs might fall apart while cooking.
- Keep them moist – since turkey is a lean meat, it can dry out easily. Adding a bit of oil, grated onion, or even a splash of milk to the mixture helps maintain juiciness.
- Season generously – turkey has a mild flavour, so don’t be shy with seasonings! Garlic powder, paprika, persillade, and a good amount of salt and pepper will enhance the taste.
- Avoid overmixing – stirring the mixture too much can result in dense, tough meatballs. Mix just until everything is combined to keep them light and tender.
Turkey Meatballs with Spinach: Recipe Variations
This turkey meatball recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily customize it to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some ways to modify the dish:
- Make it dairy-free – if you need a dairy-free option, swap the double cream in the sauce for coconut milk or cashew cream. It will still be rich and flavourful without the dairy.
- Add more veggies – finely grated carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers can be mixed into the meatballs or sauce for extra nutrition. This is also a great trick for hiding vegetables if you’re cooking for picky eaters.
- Switch up the spices – if you want a different flavour profile, try swapping the persillade for fresh basil or parsley for a Mediterranean twist. For a smoky and slightly spiced version, add a pinch of cumin and coriander.
- Use a different protein – ground chicken works just as well as turkey, or you can use beef or lamb for a heartier alternative.
- Make it spicier – if you like a bit of heat, increase the cayenne pepper in the meatballs or add red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Freeze for later – these meatballs freeze beautifully! Simply let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat them in a pan or oven for a quick, homemade meal.
If you are looking for quick and easy dinner ideas, I got your back. Here are some more delicious recipes:
Crepes with Shredded Chicken
Pork Medallions with Creamy Sauce
Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes
Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri Sauce
Roasted Pepper Pasta with Burrata
Recipe
These turkey meatballs with spinach are a delicious, healthy, and family-friendly meal that’s ready in no time. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favourite.
Ingredients
Meatballs:
500g minced turkey meat
50g panko breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 teaspoon persillade
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper
Sauce:
100g mushrooms
4-5 sun dried tomatoes
50ml double cream
100g spinach
Fresh dill
Salt and pepper
Method
Make the meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the turkey mince, panko breadcrumbs, egg, persillade, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Roll the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs (about 2.5 cm in diameter).
- Heat a bit of oil in a large pan over medium heat and cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes).
Make the sauce:
- In the same pan, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until softened.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and stir for another minute.
- Pour in a glass of water to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits.
- Stir in the double cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle with fresh dill before serving.
