Savory Turkey Spinach Meatballs

Looking for a fun and delicious way to switch up your meatball game? Look no further than these mouthwatering Tasty Turkey Spinach Balls! Packed with flavorful ground turkey, vibrant spinach, and a gooey surprise center of melted mozzarella, these meatballs are sure to become a new family favorite. The blend of Italian herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese gives them a savory kick that will have everyone coming back for more.

I’ve made these Tasty Turkey Spinach Balls countless times, and they never fail to impress. The key is to ensure that the cheese stays perfectly hidden inside each meatball, creating a delightful burst of flavor with every bite. Whether you serve them over pasta, as a sandwich filling, or straight off the pan, these meatballs prove that healthier options can be just as indulgent and satisfying. So take your time crafting these little pockets of joy, and get ready to savor the delightful combination of wholesome ingredients in every bite.

Quick Benefits

• Delivers a delightful surprise with hidden pockets of gooey mozzarella that elevate these turkey meatballs to something special
• Offers a healthier twist on traditional meatballs with light turkey meat, raw spinach, and fragrant garlic
• Can be prepped ahead of time – shape meatballs a day early or freeze raw for future use
• Versatile and can be enjoyed on pasta, in sandwiches, or on their own for a delicious and nutritious meal

Why You’ll Love This Savory Turkey Spinach Meatballs Recipe

• The surprise factor of the hidden melty mozzarella cheese in each bite adds excitement and makes these turkey meatballs a fun and delicious dish to enjoy.
• The combination of light turkey meat, spinach, and garlic offers a healthier twist on traditional meatballs, making it a guilt-free option for those looking for a nutritious meal.
• The gooey mozzarella center adds a burst of flavor and texture, elevating these meatballs to something special and indulgent.
• This recipe is family-friendly and even appeals to picky eaters, making it a great choice for gatherings or meals with children.
• The tip on using good quality mozzarella ensures a successful outcome, enhancing the overall taste of the meatballs.
• Preparing the meatballs in advance by shaping them a day early or freezing them raw allows for convenience and easy meal prep, perfect for busy days.
• The versatility of these turkey spinach balls allows for various serving options – on pasta, in a sandwich, or eaten as is – providing flexibility and creativity in meal planning.
• With a shelf life of 3-4 days in the fridge, these meatballs make for a convenient and delicious leftover option, maintaining their texture and flavor when reheated in the oven.

Ingredients for Savory Turkey Spinach Meatballs

Meatballs

• 1 pound ground turkey meat
• 1 teaspoon mixed Italian herbs
• 1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup Parmesan, freshly grated
• 1 cup spinach leaves, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely diced
• 1 large egg, beaten

Filling and Cooking

• 1 tablespoon virgin olive oil
• 12 mini mozzarella balls (or 1 cup diced)

Pro Tips for Savory Turkey Spinach Meatballs

Pro Tip 1: Opt for high-quality mozzarella for the best results – the gooey, melty center is what makes these turkey spinach balls so delicious.

Pro Tip 2: Take your time when forming the meatballs to ensure the cheese stays wrapped inside. Rushing through this step can lead to the cheese bursting out during cooking.

Pro Tip 3: To check for doneness, make sure to insert the thermometer into the turkey part of the meatball, not the cheese center, to get an accurate reading. This will ensure they are cooked through safely.

How to Make Savory Turkey Spinach Meatballs

Step 1: Combine Components

Combine turkey, spinach, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, and seasonings in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly using your hands.

Step 2: Create Balls

Take a portion of the mixture, flatten it in your palm, place a piece of mozzarella in the center, fold the mixture over the cheese, and roll into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

Step 3: Cook Stovetop

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook meatballs until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 4: Finish in Oven

Transfer the browned meatballs to a parchment-lined baking tray and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Storage Tips

After cooking the Tasty Turkey Spinach Balls, you can store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To maintain their texture and flavor, it’s best to warm them up in the oven instead of using the microwave. This will help preserve the gooey mozzarella centers and keep the meatballs tasting their best.

If you want to prepare the meatballs in advance, you can shape them a day early and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a bag for longer storage. Freezing them raw allows you to have a convenient stash of meatballs ready to cook whenever you crave them, ensuring you can enjoy these delicious treats at a moment’s notice.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the ground turkey meat, you can easily substitute it with ground chicken or even ground beef if you prefer a different flavor profile. Ground chicken will provide a similar lean option, while ground beef will offer a richer taste. Just be mindful of adjusting cooking times since different meats may cook at different rates.

If you don’t have spinach on hand or prefer a different leafy green, you can swap it out for chopped kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula. These greens will add a similar freshness and nutritional value to the meatballs. Be sure to adjust the quantities slightly based on the leafy green you choose, as some may have stronger flavors than spinach.

If you’re out of mozzarella balls, you can use diced mozzarella cheese instead. Just make sure to cut it into small pieces to mimic the surprise melty cheese center. You can also experiment with other types of cheese like cheddar, provolone, or even feta for a different flavor twist in the center of your meatballs. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may melt differently, so adjust the size of the cheese pieces accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Tasty Turkey Spinach Balls as a fun and interactive appetizer at your next gathering by skewering them with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Pair them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the flavors and add a touch of acidity to complement the richness of the mozzarella centers. Your guests will love the surprise burst of cheese in each bite!

For a creative twist, turn these turkey meatballs into a hearty and satisfying main course by nestling them in a bed of cooked spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles. Drizzle with a light pesto sauce and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese for a low-carb, high-flavor meal that is both delicious and nutritious. The combination of tender turkey, vibrant spinach, and gooey mozzarella will make this dish a family favorite in no time!

FAQs for Savory Turkey Spinach Meatballs

Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken for ground turkey in this recipe. Both meats are lean and will work well with the other ingredients to create tasty meatballs.

How can I prevent the mozzarella from leaking out of the meatballs while cooking?

To prevent the mozzarella from leaking out, make sure to completely wrap the cheese inside the meat mixture when shaping the meatballs. This will help keep the cheese contained and create a delightful surprise when biting into the meatballs.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach in place of fresh spinach. Make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess liquid from the frozen spinach before adding it to the meatball mixture.

Is there a way to make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can shape the meatballs a day ahead and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze the shaped meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for longer storage. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if cooking from frozen.

Conclusion

I hope you give these Tasty Turkey Spinach Balls a try in your kitchen soon. Remember, the key to success with this recipe is taking your time to ensure that each delicious morsel is packed with flavor and ooey-gooey cheese goodness. Don’t rush the process, and you’ll be rewarded with perfectly cooked meatballs that everyone will love.

As you savor each bite of these flavorful meatballs, let the joy of cooking and sharing good food with loved ones fill your heart. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering or simply as a weeknight meal, these Tasty Turkey Spinach Balls are sure to become a favorite in your household. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a delightful culinary experience with these scrumptious meatballs!