Turkey & Spinach Meatballs

Name: Turkey & Spinach Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean); 0.5 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs; 1 egg (large); 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (grated); 0.25 cup fresh spinach (finely chopped); 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 24 ounce marinara sauce; 8 ounce whole wheat spaghetti

Lean turkey and spinach meatballs simmered in a simple marinara sauce, served with whole wheat pasta for a comforting and complete weeknight meal.

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 15 min
Total: 25 min
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $2.69/serving

Dietary

Nut-Free
Soy-Free
High-Protein
High-Fiber

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey (93% lean)
0.5 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
1 egg (large)
0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
0.25 cup fresh spinach (finely chopped)
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
24 ounce marinara sauce
8 ounce whole wheat spaghetti

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, whole wheat breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, finely chopped fresh spinach, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Roll the mixture into 16-18 small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. They don't need to be cooked through at this stage.
Pour the marinara sauce over the browned meatballs in the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is heated.
While the meatballs simmer, cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to package directions in a separate pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain well.
Serve the turkey and spinach meatballs with the marinara sauce over the cooked whole wheat spaghetti.

Notes

Any leftover meatballs and pasta make a great packed lunch. Ensure they are fully cooled before storing in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 530
Protein: 40.5 g
Carbohydrates: 55.7 g
Fat: 17.5 g
Fiber: 9.2 g
Sodium: 1200 mg
Saturated Fat: 4.1 g
Sugar: 12.8 g
Cholesterol: 105 mg