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Discover the delightful fusion of flavors and textures in the Cheesy Turkey Meatball and Spinach Skillet. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal, combining lean ground turkey with fresh spinach and a rich marinara sauce, all topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. It offers an enticing balance between indulgence and health, making it a favorite among health-conscious eaters. Not only is this recipe delicious, but it also packs a nutritional punch, allowing you to enjoy comfort food without the guilt.

Cheesy Turkey Meatball and Spinach Skillet

Dive into the delicious world of Cheesy Turkey Meatball and Spinach Skillet! This hearty dish combines lean ground turkey and fresh spinach with rich marinara sauce, all topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. It's the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition, making it ideal for family dinners or quick weeknight meals. With easy-to-follow steps, you'll create a comforting dish that satisfies cravings while keeping health in mind. Enjoy every flavorful bite and share the joy of cooking!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground turkey

1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped

1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup marinara sauce (can be store-bought or homemade)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so that it’s ready for the meatballs once they’re browned.

    Combine Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground turkey, finely chopped spinach, whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, diced onion, minced garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Using your hands or a wooden spoon, mix the ingredients gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.

      Shape the Meatballs: With your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should be able to make around 16-20 meatballs, depending on the size.

        Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the meatballs to the skillet. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a nice golden-brown crust. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lead to steaming instead of browning.

          Add the Marinara Sauce: After the meatballs are browned, pour the marinara sauce over the top, making sure to coat each meatball evenly with the sauce.

            Top with Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese atop the meatballs, allowing it to nestle into the sauce.

              Bake: Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the meatballs have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

                Garnish and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the skillet from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your cheesy turkey meatballs hot, paired with cooked pasta, rice, or for a low-carb option, serve them over sautéed spinach.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                    Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4