If you’re looking for a nutritious, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s both low-carb and gluten-free, look no further than these creamy spinach turkey meatballs. This dish brings together tender turkey and chicken meatballs with a rich and savory spinach and sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe is easy to prepare, full of flavor, and customizable for both keto dieters and non-keto eaters alike.
PrintCreamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs
These creamy spinach turkey meatballs are gluten-free, keto-friendly, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Perfect for weeknight dinners!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- ½ lb (220g) ground turkey meat
- ½ lb (220g) ground chicken meat
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (or cheddar, provolone…)
- 4 cloves garlic, grated + 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red crushed chili pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 crumbled bouillon cube (optional)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh chopped cilantro (or parsley), divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- ⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable broth
- 5 ounces (150g) jarred sun-dried tomato in oil, drained of oil
- 1¾ cups heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cups baby spinach leaves
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey and ground chicken with shredded mozzarella, grated garlic, Italian seasoning, and a crumbled bouillon cube for extra flavor (optional). Add red chili pepper flakes for a bit of spice, if desired. Season with salt and pepper, then mix in half of the chopped cilantro. Using your hands or a fork, mix the ingredients thoroughly and form medium-sized meatballs. Set them aside on a plate.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Once the oil is hot, add the turkey meatballs, cooking them for about 8 to 10 minutes. Rotate them regularly to ensure they brown evenly on all sides and are cooked through. Once done, transfer the meatballs to a clean plate and set aside.
Step 3: Start the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the remaining cooking juices. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, which should take about 1 minute. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent. Next, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook them for 1-2 minutes, allowing their rich flavor to infuse the dish.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Cream
Pour in the vegetable broth and let the sauce simmer and reduce slightly for about 2-3 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to low, add the heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach and Add Parmesan
Once the cream sauce is simmering, add the baby spinach and allow it to wilt into the sauce. This should take just a couple of minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue simmering for an additional minute to allow the cheese to melt fully and blend with the sauce.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked turkey meatballs to the skillet, making sure each meatball is coated with the creamy spinach sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve these creamy spinach turkey meatballs over steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly meal, or pair them with regular rice or pasta for a more indulgent dinner.
Notes
- Customizable Meat: If you prefer, you can use all turkey or all chicken instead of a mix of the two. Both proteins will result in tender, juicy meatballs.
- Adjust the Spice: If you’re not a fan of spice, feel free to leave out the crushed red pepper flakes. Alternatively, if you love a little heat, add more chili flakes or even some cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Cilantro adds a bright, fresh flavor to the dish, but you can easily substitute it with parsley if you prefer a more mild herb. The fresh parsley garnish at the end also helps brighten the dish.
- Cheese Substitutes: While mozzarella is used in this recipe, you can swap it for other melty cheeses like cheddar or provolone. Parmesan adds a salty depth to the sauce, but you can also use pecorino or grana padano for a similar effect.
- Prep Time: 20 Minutes
- Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Ingredients for Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs
- ½ lb (220g) ground turkey meat
- ½ lb (220g) ground chicken meat
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (or cheddar, provolone…)
- 4 cloves garlic, grated + 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red crushed chili pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 crumbled bouillon cube (optional)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh chopped cilantro (or parsley), divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- ⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable broth
- 5 ounces (150g) jarred sun-dried tomato in oil, drained of oil
- 1¾ cups heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cups baby spinach leaves
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey and ground chicken with shredded mozzarella, grated garlic, Italian seasoning, and a crumbled bouillon cube for extra flavor (optional). Add red chili pepper flakes for a bit of spice, if desired. Season with salt and pepper, then mix in half of the chopped cilantro. Using your hands or a fork, mix the ingredients thoroughly and form medium-sized meatballs. Set them aside on a plate.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Once the oil is hot, add the turkey meatballs, cooking them for about 8 to 10 minutes. Rotate them regularly to ensure they brown evenly on all sides and are cooked through. Once done, transfer the meatballs to a clean plate and set aside.
Step 3: Start the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the remaining cooking juices. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, which should take about 1 minute. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent. Next, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook them for 1-2 minutes, allowing their rich flavor to infuse the dish.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Cream
Pour in the vegetable broth and let the sauce simmer and reduce slightly for about 2-3 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to low, add the heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach and Add Parmesan
Once the cream sauce is simmering, add the baby spinach and allow it to wilt into the sauce. This should take just a couple of minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue simmering for an additional minute to allow the cheese to melt fully and blend with the sauce.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked turkey meatballs to the skillet, making sure each meatball is coated with the creamy spinach sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve these creamy spinach turkey meatballs over steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly meal, or pair them with regular rice or pasta for a more indulgent dinner.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs
- Customizable Meat: If you prefer, you can use all turkey or all chicken instead of a mix of the two. Both proteins will result in tender, juicy meatballs.
- Adjust the Spice: If you’re not a fan of spice, feel free to leave out the crushed red pepper flakes. Alternatively, if you love a little heat, add more chili flakes or even some cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Cilantro adds a bright, fresh flavor to the dish, but you can easily substitute it with parsley if you prefer a more mild herb. The fresh parsley garnish at the end also helps brighten the dish.
- Cheese Substitutes: While mozzarella is used in this recipe, you can swap it for other melty cheeses like cheddar or provolone. Parmesan adds a salty depth to the sauce, but you can also use pecorino or grana padano for a similar effect.
Variations of Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs
Gluten-Free Meatballs
These turkey meatballs are naturally gluten-free since they contain no bread crumbs. If you’re particularly sensitive to gluten, double-check that your bouillon cube and sun-dried tomatoes are certified gluten-free.
Dairy-Free Option
For a dairy-free version, replace the mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese substitute and swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. You’ll still get a creamy, rich sauce without the dairy.
Vegetarian Spinach “Meatballs”
You can transform this recipe into a vegetarian dish by replacing the turkey and chicken with plant-based ground meat. Cook the meatballs in the same way, and you’ll have a delicious plant-based dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is versatile and can be served with various side dishes depending on your dietary needs.
- For Keto Dieters: Serve the creamy spinach turkey meatballs over steamed vegetables like zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or sautéed greens. The low-carb, high-fat sauce will complement these sides perfectly.
- For Non-Keto Eaters: Pair the meatballs with a classic carbohydrate like pasta, mashed potatoes, or basmati rice. The rich sauce clings beautifully to these starches, making for a hearty and comforting meal.
Storing and Reheating Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs
- In the Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the meatballs and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- In the Freezer: You can also freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce for up to 3 months. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and Flavorful: These turkey meatballs pack a punch of protein, while the spinach adds a boost of fiber and vitamins. Combined with the savory cream sauce, this dish is as wholesome as it is delicious.
- Keto-Friendly: This recipe is low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it perfect for those following a ketogenic diet.
- Quick and Easy: With only 20 minutes of prep time and another 20 minutes to cook, you can have a hearty, restaurant-quality dinner on the table in under an hour.
- Family-Friendly: The tender meatballs and creamy sauce make this a meal that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Conclusion
These creamy spinach turkey meatballs are a perfect blend of savory, creamy, and comforting flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a small gathering, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. The keto-friendly nature of this dish makes it ideal for those following a low-carb diet, but with simple adjustments, it’s easy to customize for non-keto eaters as well. Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of these creamy spinach turkey meatballs and make them a staple in your weekly meal rotation!