Spinach and Turkey Meatballs

A friend of mine requested a turkey meatloaf or meatballs recipe because she’s trying to eat lighter. I thought why not serve some turkey meatballs over zoodles? I don’t think it gets any healthier than zoodles. Zoodles are just zucchinis julienned into thin strands to appear like pasta noodles but there is no pasta involved. No worries.

I thought spinach would be a great addition since she is trying to eat healthier, the more veggies the merrier. These meatballs were so so good. I did go heavy on the salt cause meatballs can be super bland but if you follow the recipe and add a generous amount of salt you will make them again, I almost guarantee it. The zoodles contain a lot of water so make sure to pat them dry if you decide to serve it with zoodles. Ok, I’ll stop using the word “zoodles” cause my computer is going nuts trying to correct my grammar.

I honestly think these were delicious on their own without the Z word or marinara sauce. Serving them with a side salad and brown rice would be a very good idea.

Spinach and Turkey Meatballs

I thought spinach would be a great addition since she is trying to eat healthier, the more veggies the merrier. These meatballs were so so good. I did go heavy on the salt cause meatballs can be super bland but if you follow the recipe and add a generous amount of salt you will make them again, I almost guarantee it.

• Prep Time: 65 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Total Time: 87 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 small onion
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1/2 cup fresh spinach
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp granulated garlic
• 1 tsp granulated onion
• 1/2 Tsp paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• 2 tbsp parmesan cheese
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Sautee the onions and spinach in a small skillet with some olive oil over medium high heat for 2-3 minutes.
2. Stir in the red pepper flakes, fresh minced garlic, and cook until fragrant.
3. Season with salt and pepper then place the onion and spinach mixture into a small bowl and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, cooked spinach onion and garlic mixture, paprika, granulated onion, granulated garlic, oregano, tomato paste, egg, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
5. Cover and place in the fridge for a minimum of 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
7. Let the turkey mixture come to room temperature and then roll them into 1 1/2 inch meatballs.
8. Place 1 inch apart in the pan and then bake uncovered for 20-22 minutes or until fully cooked through.