🥬 Spinach & Feta Turkey Meatballs

Description

These Spinach and Feta Turkey Meatballs are juicy, savory, and packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavor. Lean ground turkey is combined with fresh spinach, tangy feta, Parmesan, garlic, and oregano, then baked until golden and tender. They’re perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, meal prep, wraps, salads, or served with your favorite sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
• 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, for greasing or brushing

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
2. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, add ground turkey, chopped spinach, feta, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
3. Mix gently: Use your hands or a spoon to combine everything until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatballs dense.
4. Shape: Form the mixture into approximately 16–18 meatballs, about 1½ inches each.
5. Bake: Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between them. Lightly brush or spray with olive oil.
6. Cook: Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Serve: Let them rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra feta if desired.

Notes

• Fresh spinach works best, but frozen spinach can also be used. Thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible first.
• Feta adds saltiness, so taste the mixture before adding extra salt if your feta is particularly salty.
• The mixture will be slightly soft because of the spinach and feta—this is normal.
• For a stronger Mediterranean flavor, add a little lemon zest or fresh parsley.

Tips

For extra juicy meatballs: Don’t overmix the turkey mixture.

For meal prep: Cool completely before storing in airtight containers.

For extra browning: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.

Air fryer option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 12–15 minutes, depending on size, until the center reaches 165°F.

Serving idea: Pair with tzatziki, Greek salad, roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, or warm pita.

Servings

4 servings
Approximately 4–5 meatballs per serving.

Approximate Nutritional Information

Per serving, assuming 18 meatballs and the ingredients listed. Values are estimates and vary by brand and portion size.

• Calories: ~300
• Protein: ~31 g
• Carbohydrates: ~9 g
• Fat: ~16 g
• Fiber: ~1 g
• Sodium: ~650 mg

Benefits

🥬 Spinach: Adds vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.
🦃 Turkey: Provides a high-quality source of protein.
🧀 Feta & Parmesan: Add protein and calcium along with rich savory flavor.
🧄 Garlic: Adds flavor and beneficial plant compounds.
🌿 Oregano: Provides aromatic herbs and antioxidant compounds.

Q&A

Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or finely ground gluten-free oats.

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely. Ground chicken works very well as a substitute.

Can I freeze them?
Yes. Freeze cooked and cooled meatballs in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to about 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly.

How do I know when they’re done?
The safest method is to check the center with a food thermometer. Ground turkey should reach 165°F (74°C).

What sauce goes best with them?
Tzatziki, garlic yogurt sauce, marinara, or a simple lemon-herb yogurt sauce are all delicious.

Can I prepare them ahead?
Yes. Shape the uncooked meatballs and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before baking, or cook them ahead for easy meal prep.