Description
These creamy spinach turkey meatballs are a delicious and healthier twist on classic meatballs. Baked to perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce with a hint of nutmeg, they make a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Creamy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, finely chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Shape and Arrange Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
- Start Sauce Base: While the meatballs bake, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Add Chicken Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to ensure a smooth sauce without lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season Sauce: Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning to your preference.
- Combine and Serve: Once meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a serving dish and pour the creamy sauce over the top. Optionally, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately with your choice of pasta, rice, or crusty bread and enjoy this comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken if preferred.
- To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and all-purpose gluten-free flour.
- The creamy sauce can be prepared ahead and gently reheated when ready to serve.
- Adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the meatball mixture can enhance flavor.
- Make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and juicy.
