Baked Pesto Spinach Turkey Meatballs are the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a chilly evening. Picture this: tender turkey meatballs infused with vibrant pesto and nestled among fresh spinach, all baked to golden perfection. delicious turkey salad sandwich The aroma wafts through your kitchen like a siren song, beckoning everyone to gather around the table for a delicious feast.
Imagine hosting friends over for dinner, and as you pull these beauties from the oven, their eyes widen with delight. It’s a sight that warms not just your heart but fills your belly with anticipation for an incredible flavor experience. Whether it’s a cozy family night or a festive gathering, these meatballs steal the show every time.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Baked Pesto Spinach Turkey Meatballs are easy to make and packed with flavor, making meal prep effortless
- Their colorful presentation is sure to brighten any table
- These meatballs are versatile enough to serve as appetizers or over pasta for a hearty meal
- Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as leftovers in a tasty sandwich
I remember the first time I made these meatballs; my kids devoured them in seconds, claiming they were better than pizza!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Turkey: Choose lean ground turkey for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor; look for 93% lean if possible.
- Pesto Sauce: Use store-bought or homemade pesto; either will infuse those meatballs with rich basil goodness. refreshing peach basil iced tea.
- Fresh Spinach: Opt for baby spinach; it’s tender and mixes seamlessly into the meatball mixture.
- Breadcrumbs: Use plain breadcrumbs to help bind everything together without overpowering the flavors.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds an irresistible cheesy depth; avoid pre-shredded varieties for best results.
- Eggs: One large egg acts as the binding agent; it keeps everything nice and moist while baking.
- Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder elevates the flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing all those delightful flavors; don’t skip them!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this one pan chicken recipe recipe.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep cleanup easy and prevent sticking.
Mix Ingredients Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, pesto sauce, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands (it’s fun!) to mix until just combined—don’t overdo it!
Form Your Meatballs: Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Place each on your prepared baking sheet with space between them so they can bake evenly.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Slide your tray into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are golden brown outside.
Let Them Rest Before Serving: Once baked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute—trust me; it makes a difference!
Enjoy these delightful Baked Pesto Spinach Turkey Meatballs straight from the oven or save some for later—they taste just as amazing reheated! creamy cheesy turkey rice.
You Must Know
- Baked Pesto Spinach Turkey Meatballs are a delightful fusion of flavors and nutrition
- These meatballs are easy to make, and they fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas, making dinnertime a joy for everyone
- They’re perfect for meal prep or a cozy family dinner
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by preheating your oven while you mix the ingredients. Shape the meatballs, then bake them until golden brown while preparing your sides—this way, everything comes together seamlessly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap turkey for chicken or add different herbs like basil or thyme. You can also toss in some grated cheese for extra flavor and creaminess.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring they stay juicy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When mixing ingredients, avoid overworking the turkey to keep meatballs tender
- Always use fresh spinach; wilted leaves won’t have the same vibrant flavor
- For added moisture, consider incorporating a splash of broth into the mixture
Cooking these meatballs always brings back memories of my friends gathering around my kitchen table, raving about how they taste just like Italy.
FAQ
What can I serve with Baked Pesto Spinach Turkey Meatballs?
crispy air fryer cauliflower wings.
These meatballs pair beautifully with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad to enhance your meal.
Can I freeze Baked Pesto Spinach Turkey Meatballs?
For more inspiration, check out this honey balsamic Brussels sprouts recipe.
Yes! Freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to bags for easy future meals.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Baked Pesto Spinach Turkey Meatballs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Baked Pesto Spinach Turkey Meatballs are a deliciously wholesome meal that combines lean turkey, vibrant pesto, and fresh spinach into tender meatballs baked to perfection. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these meatballs are bursting with flavor and nutrition. Easy to prepare and versatile enough to pair with pasta, rice, or salads, they will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, pesto, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Scoop out portions and roll into balls about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute ground chicken for turkey or add herbs like basil or thyme for extra flavor. You can also include shredded mozzarella for added creaminess.
