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Savory Cheesy Sneaky Veggie Turkey Meatballs with Hidden Spinach

savory cheesy sneaky veggie turkey meatballs - featured image
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These turkey meatballs cleverly hide spinach in a cheesy, juicy base, making them a delicious and healthy meal that even picky eaters love. Quick and easy to prepare, they are perfect for family dinners and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground turkey, lean but not extra-lean
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped (about 60 g)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 100 g), part-skim preferred
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (60 g), plain or Italian style
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking

Instructions

  1. Rinse and finely chop 2 cups of fresh spinach. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.
  3. Add the egg and breadcrumbs to the mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Mix gently until evenly combined, avoiding overmixing.
  4. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture and roll into meatballs about 1 ½ inches (4 cm) in diameter. You should get around 20 meatballs.
  5. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches without overcrowding. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  6. Transfer seared meatballs to a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or alternatively cover skillet and cook on low heat for 8-10 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
  7. Let meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving to redistribute juices.

Notes

If mixture is too wet, add an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs. If too dry, add a splash of milk. Use fresh spinach for best texture; if using frozen, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture. Do not overmix to avoid tough meatballs. Searing before baking locks in juices and adds a golden crust. Check internal temperature to ensure safety.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatballs, spinach meatballs, cheesy meatballs, healthy meatballs, sneaky veggies, family dinner, quick meals, easy recipe

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/savory-cheesy-sneaky-veggie-turkey-meatballs-with-hidden-spinach-recipe-for-easy-healthy-meals/