Baked Spinach Feta Turkey Meatballs Recipe
These Baked Spinach Feta Turkey Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and loaded with nutritious spinach and tangy feta cheese. Perfect for a quick and easy weekday dinner, they bake evenly in the oven and pair wonderfully with pasta or rice. Ready in just 30 minutes, they offer a delicious and healthy protein option that also works great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 30-33 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (12 meatballs total, about 3 meatballs per serving) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Cheese
- 4 ounces frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry (or 2 cups loosely packed fresh spinach, finely chopped)
- ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese (4 ounces)
Meat & Eggs
- 1 pound lean ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
- 1 large egg
Dry Ingredients & Seasonings
- ¼ cup Italian breadcrumbs (use gluten free if needed)
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425℉ (220℃) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature by the time the meatballs are ready to bake.
- Combine Spinach, Feta, and Breadcrumbs: In a large mixing bowl, add the defrosted and squeezed dry spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and Italian breadcrumbs. Stir together to combine thoroughly, breaking up any large pieces of feta or spinach for even texture.
- Add Meat and Seasonings: To the bowl, add the ground turkey and a large egg. Sprinkle in kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian seasoning. Mix everything well until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture.
- Form Meatballs: Gently roll the mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs, each about the size of a golf ball or ¼ cup (approximately 59 grams) each. Place them in a single layer on a large baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Bake the Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165℉ (74℃).
- Serve and Store: Serve the meatballs warm with your favorite tomato sauce over pasta, or enjoy them over rice and veggies with creamy sun dried tomato sauce. Allow any leftovers to cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh spinach for frozen, just make sure to chop it finely and squeeze out excess moisture.
- Gluten free breadcrumbs can be used as a perfect alternative without affecting flavor or texture.
- Ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165℉ for food safety.
- Leftovers make great meal prep protein options and can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- Pair with spaghetti, roasted broccoli, or any side of your choice to create a balanced meal.
Keywords: turkey meatballs, spinach meatballs, feta cheese meatballs, baked meatballs, healthy dinner, quick weeknight meal, Italian seasoning, gluten free option
