Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs: A Weeknight Comfort (Print Version)
Make tender Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs for an easy, comforting dinner. This recipe is packed with flavor and perfect for meal prep or a cozy night in.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: High-Protein
# Ingredients:
→ Main Meatball Mix
01 -
1 lb (450g) lean ground turkey
02 -
5 oz (140g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
03 -
1/2 cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs
04 -
1 large egg
→ Flavor Boosters & Binders
05 -
1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
06 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
08 -
2 tbsp milk (whole milk preferred)
→ Creamy Sauce Essentials
09 -
2 tbsp unsalted butter
10 -
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
11 -
1 1/2 cups (360ml) low-sodium chicken broth
12 -
4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
13 -
Pinch of ground nutmeg
→ Finishing Touches
14 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
15 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely chopped spinach, panko breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and milk. Use your hands – honestly, it’s the best way to get everything evenly mixed. Be gentle, though; overmixing can make the meatballs tough. I usually feel the texture change as it comes together, and it's always a good sign.
02 -
Roll the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. I usually get about 20-24, but it varies. Lay them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This is where I always make a mess, flour everywhere! But hey, that's real cooking, right? Just try to make them roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
03 -
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 18-22 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and lightly golden. They should be firm to the touch. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this stage is just fantastic, a real warm, savory smell. This step is pretty hands-off, which I love!
04 -
While the Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs are baking, melt the butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. It should smell a bit nutty. This is where I almost burnt the roux once because I got distracted by a text – learn from my mistakes, stay focused!
05 -
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, a little at a time, making sure there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese and whisk until it’s completely smooth and incorporated. Stir in that tiny pinch of nutmeg. The sauce should start to thicken and become beautifully glossy. It's so satisfying to watch it transform!
06 -
Gently add the baked Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs to the creamy sauce, stirring to coat them evenly. Let them simmer for another 2-3 minutes to warm through and allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. The final dish should look inviting and smell absolutely divine!
# Notes:
01 -
Always use fresh spinach for the best texture and flavor; frozen just doesn't quite cut it here.
02 -
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop to prevent the creamy sauce from separating.
03 -
Ground chicken works as a great substitute for turkey if that's what you have on hand.
04 -
Serve these meatballs over mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious creamy sauce!
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large mixing bowl
02 -
baking sheet
03 -
parchment paper
04 -
large skillet or pot
05 -
whisk
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 30g