Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs
These Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Made with lean ground turkey, sautéed spinach, garlic, and herbs, they are simmered in a rich and creamy sauce for a comforting and satisfying dish. The sauce, infused with garlic, herbs, and a hint of Parmesan or dairy-free alternatives, coats the meatballs perfectly. This dish is high in protein, low in carbs, and can be served over pasta, rice, or zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a balanced meal.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground turkey
1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped (or thawed frozen spinach, squeezed dry)
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Creamy Sauce:
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free option
1/4 cup grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Mix until just combined. Form into meatballs, about 1 inch in size.
Cook the Meatballs:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Transfer meatballs to a plate and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter (or olive oil) and sauté the garlic for 1 minute.
Add chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the cream (or coconut milk), Parmesan, and lemon juice. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
Combine and Serve:
Return the meatballs to the skillet and coat with the sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes and Tips:
Meatball Consistency:
To prevent the meatballs from being too dry, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Lightly mixing helps keep them tender.
Dairy-Free Option:
Use full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of cream and Parmesan for a dairy-free version of the sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with pasta, rice, cauliflower rice, or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad complements the dish well.
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
For freezing, freeze the meatballs separately and make the sauce fresh when serving.
These creamy spinach turkey meatballs are a perfect blend of healthy, flavorful, and comforting ingredients, ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep!