Introduction
These Mediterranean-inspired turkey meatballs are packed with savory feta, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs, creating a tender and flavorful bite. Perfect for a quick dinner, meal prep, or even as a party appetizer, they pair beautifully with tzatziki, hummus, or a simple tomato sauce. Baked to golden perfection, these meatballs are as nutritious as they are delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, spinach, feta, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil to help them brown during baking.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through and golden brown.
- Serve warm with your favorite sauce, over pasta, or with a crisp Mediterranean salad.
Notes
- For a low-carb option, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour.
- Want extra moisture? Add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the mix.
- These meatballs freeze well just store them in an airtight container and reheat when needed.
- Great for meal prep! Serve in pita wraps, grain bowls, or alongside roasted veggies.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t Overmix the Meat Mixture – Overmixing the turkey mixture can make the meatballs dense and tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep them tender and juicy.
- Use a Cookie Scoop for Even Meatballs – A small cookie scoop ensures uniform meatballs, which helps them cook evenly and prevents some from drying out while others remain undercooked.
- Let the Meatballs Rest Before Serving – After baking, allow the meatballs to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices, keeping them moist and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a Mediterranean Dip – These meatballs pair beautifully with tzatziki, hummus, or a roasted red pepper dip for an extra burst of flavor.
- Make a Pita Wrap – Stuff the meatballs into warm pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of yogurt sauce for a delicious and filling meal.
- Pair with a Grain Bowl – Serve over a bed of quinoa, couscous, or rice with roasted vegetables and a squeeze of fresh lemon for a balanced and nutritious dish.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap Ground Turkey for Chicken or Beef – While turkey is lean and flavorful, you can substitute it with ground chicken for a similar texture or ground beef for a richer taste.
- Make it Gluten-Free – Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free without compromising texture.
- Add a Spicy Kick – For a bit of heat, mix in crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper. This adds depth to the Mediterranean flavors without overpowering the dish.
Conservation and Storage
- Refrigerate Properly – Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow them to cool completely before storing to prevent excess moisture buildup, which can make them soggy.
- Freeze for Long-Term Storage – To freeze, arrange the cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat straight from frozen or let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Reheat Without Drying Out – For best results, reheat meatballs in a skillet with a splash of broth or sauce to maintain moisture. If using the microwave, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Alternatively, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Breadcrumbs or Binders – The egg and breadcrumbs help hold the meatballs together and keep them from falling apart. If omitted, the mixture may become too crumbly or dry during cooking.
- Using Low-Fat Turkey – Extra-lean ground turkey can result in dry meatballs. Opt for at least 85% lean turkey or add a small amount of olive oil to the mix for juicier meatballs.
- Not Cooking at the Right Temperature – Cooking meatballs at too high of a temperature can cause them to brown too quickly on the outside while staying raw inside. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for even cooking, and always use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C) internally.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatball mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. You can also pre-cook them and store them for quick meals throughout the week. -
What’s the best way to make these meatballs extra juicy?
Adding a bit of Greek yogurt or a splash of milk to the meat mixture helps lock in moisture. Also, avoid overcooking them removing them from the oven as soon as they reach 165°F (75°C) ensures they stay tender. -
Can I cook these meatballs in a skillet instead of baking them?
Absolutely! Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through. This method gives them a slightly crispier exterior. -
What can I serve with these meatballs?
They go great with rice, quinoa, or orzo, served alongside a Greek salad, or even tossed into a pita wrap. For a low-carb option, try serving them over zucchini noodles or roasted cauliflower rice.
Conclusion
These Turkey Feta Spinach Meatballs are a delicious, protein-packed dish that brings Mediterranean flavors to your table with minimal effort. Their juicy texture, combined with the tangy feta and aromatic herbs, makes them a versatile option for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even party appetizers. Whether served with a creamy dip, tucked into a pita, or paired with a fresh salad, these meatballs are sure to be a hit.
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Turkey Feta Spinach Meatballs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Mediterranean-inspired turkey meatballs are packed with savory feta, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs, creating a tender and flavorful bite. Perfect for a quick dinner, meal prep, or even as a party appetizer, they pair beautifully with tzatziki, hummus, or a simple tomato sauce. Baked to golden perfection, these meatballs are as nutritious as they are delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, spinach, feta, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil to help them brown during baking.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through and golden brown.
- Serve warm with your favorite sauce, over pasta, or with a crisp Mediterranean salad.
Notes
- For a low-carb option, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour.
- Want extra moisture? Add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the mix.
- These meatballs freeze well just store them in an airtight container and reheat when needed.
- Great for meal prep! Serve in pita wraps, grain bowls, or alongside roasted veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4-5 meatballs
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: turkey meatballs, feta meatballs, Mediterranean meatballs, spinach meatballs, healthy turkey meatballs