Turkey, Spinach, and Cheese Meatballs

Warm, comforting, flavorful meatballs are part of a hearty meal. (Jennifer Segal)

View the print-ready version of this recipe.

I used to be one of those opinionated people who felt you shouldn’t sneak vegetables into your children’s food, but then I gave birth to a picky eater and all that righteousness went right out the window. Parenting is nothing if not humbling, right? These meatballs are a great way to sneak in some spinach, but what makes them really special is the addition of turkey sausage. Not only does the sausage make the meatballs tender, but it also adds great flavor without the need for a ton of other ingredients.

What You’ll Need to Make Turkey Meatballs

(Courtesy of Jennifer Segal)

How to  Make Turkey Meatballs

To begin, mix the egg with chopped spinach, scallions, and garlic.

(Courtesy of Jennifer Segal)

Add the ground turkey, turkey sausage, bread crumbs, mozzarella cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano.

(Courtesy of Jennifer Segal)

Mix until evenly combined.

(Courtesy of Jennifer Segal)

Form the mixture into 1-1/2 inch balls.

Related Stories

The Secret to Great Italian Meatballs

10/31/2023

This Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe Never Lets Me Down

10/25/2023

(Courtesy of Jennifer Segal)

Broil the turkey meatballs until golden, about 10 minutes.

(Courtesy of Jennifer Segal)

Then simmer in the sauce for 10 minutes more.

(Courtesy of Jennifer Segal)

That’s all there is to it. Enjoy!

Turkey, Spinach, Cheese Meatballs

Servings: 4 to 6 (makes about 30 meatballs) Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 20 Minutes Total Time: 40 Minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large egg
• 3 ounces baby spinach, chopped (3½ cups whole; 1½ cups chopped)
• 3 scallions, white and green parts, finely sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1.25 pounds 93/7 ground turkey (I use Shady Brook Farms)
• 1.25 pounds Italian turkey sausage, removed from the casings (I use Shady Brook Farms)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (preferably whole milk but low-fat will work)
• ⅓ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano, plus more for serving
• ½ cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce, homemade or good quality store-bought

Instructions

Preheat the broiler and set an oven rack on the second-highest rack. Line a baking sheet with heavy duty aluminum foil and grease with the olive oil.

In a bowl large enough to hold all of the ingredients, beat the egg. Add the chopped spinach, scallions, and garlic and stir until evenly combined. Add the ground turkey, turkey sausage, mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano and bread crumbs. Using your hands, mix until evenly combined. Shape the mixture into 1½ inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Broil the meatballs until golden brown on top, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat the tomato sauce in a large pan on the stovetop. Add the broiled meatballs and simmer over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked.

Freezer-Friendly Instructions: These can be frozen in their sauce for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, reheat the meatballs in their sauce on the stovetop over medium heat until hot in the center.

Nutrition Information

Per serving (6 servings)

Calories: 509, Fat: 27g, Saturated fat: 8g, Carbohydrates: 18g, Sugar: 7g, Fiber: 3g, Protein: 49g, Sodium: 1409mg, Cholesterol: 194mg

Nutritional Data Disclaimer

This article was originally published on OnceUponaChef.com. Follow on Instagram

Dear Readers: We would love to hear from you. What topics would you like to read about? Please send your feedback and tips to [email protected].