Teresa's Recipes
Skillet Turkey and Spinach Meatballs
Savor the deliciousness of these skillet turkey and spinach meatballs, where lean ground turkey meets vibrant, nutrient-packed spinach, all enveloped in a rich and savory marinara sauce. Each meatball is seasoned to perfection, offering a delightful twist on the beloved Italian classic. Cooked to a tender finish in a skillet, these meatballs are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a nutritious choice that's perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Historically, meatballs have traveled through many cultures, but the Italian version we cherish today gained popularity in the United States through the culinary traditions of Italian immigrants in the late 19th century, bringing a piece of home to their new land.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground turkey
- 2 cups, chopped Fresh spinach
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1, beaten Egg
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 cups Marinara sauce
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 22g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 6g
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped spinach, minced garlic, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. This should yield approximately 16 meatballs.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs to the skillet, taking care not to overcrowd them. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are browned on all sides.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the browned meatballs, gently stirring to coat them. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
- Substitute ground turkey with lean ground beef or chicken if preferred.
- Serve the meatballs over whole wheat pasta for a healthier option, or in a sub sandwich with melted mozzarella cheese for a hearty meal.