Easy Turkey Oven Meatballs
These easy turkey oven meatballs are flavorful, healthy, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. They pair well with pasta or rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Grease a 13 x 9-inch metal pan.
- Chop white bread into fine crumbs to make approximately 1 cup.
- Grate the small onion to measure 1 tablespoon.
- In a mixing bowl, combine bread crumbs, grated onion, ground turkey, thawed and drained chopped spinach, salt, pepper, and an egg.
- Shape the mixture into 16 meatballs.
- Place meatballs in the greased pan and bake for 25 minutes, turning them as they brown.
- Once cooked, add the meatballs to your preferred tomato sauce.
- Simmer for 10 minutes or more to blend flavors.
- Serve over spaghetti or rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like parsley or basil in the meatball mixture. If you don't have white bread, whole wheat or gluten-free bread can work as substitutes. You can also mix in some grated Parmesan cheese for richness. Be sure to drain the spinach well to avoid soggy meatballs. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or Worcestershire sauce.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are perfect over spaghetti or rice, but also try them in a sub sandwich for a meatball hero. Pair them with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Drizzling with a bit of marinara sauce or serving alongside garlic bread can elevate your dish. For a unique twist, enjoy them with Hawaiian Sausage Supper for a delightful fusion.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat or the microwave until warmed through. If you plan on freezing them, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe container, where they can last for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Turkey Oven Meatballs contains roughly 431 calories, with 30g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (60% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 982mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef for ground turkey in this recipe. However, keep in mind that ground turkey is leaner, so using beef may result in a richer flavor and slightly different texture. Adjust cooking time if necessary, as beef may require a bit more time to cook through.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatball mixture and shape them a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Alternatively, you can cook them fully and then reheat when needed, making them convenient for weeknight dinners.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).