Description
These Spinach Feta Baked Turkey Meatballs are a flavorful and healthy twist on classic meatballs, combining lean ground turkey with nutrient-packed spinach and tangy feta cheese. Baked to perfection in a savory homemade marinara sauce, they make a delicious and easy weeknight dinner option that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce
- 1 jar (32 ounces) homemade marinara sauce (or store-bought)
Meatballs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 1/2 lbs. lean ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten free)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano (or your favorite herbs)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Freshly chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Prepare the marinara sauce base: Pour the marinara sauce into a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish and set it aside as the base in which the meatballs will cook.
- Cook and chop spinach: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add baby spinach and cook until wilted, then add garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Remove the skillet from heat and roughly chop the spinach mixture on a cutting board.
- Mix meatball ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine lean ground turkey, chopped spinach and garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta cheese, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix with your hands to incorporate all ingredients without overmixing to avoid tough meatballs.
- Form the meatballs: Use about 2 tablespoons of the turkey mixture for each meatball. Shape into balls and place them into the skillet or baking dish on top of the marinara sauce, spacing evenly.
- Bake meatballs: Place the skillet or baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, checking after 15 minutes for doneness. Meatballs are cooked when an internal thermometer reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot with the marinara sauce.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Be careful not to overmix the turkey mixture as it can make the meatballs tough.
- You can substitute dried oregano with any herbs you prefer, such as Italian seasoning or thyme.
- The dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a fresh green salad.
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: turkey meatballs, spinach meatballs, baked meatballs, feta cheese, healthy meatballs, Mediterranean recipe, easy dinner, baked turkey meatballs
