Did you know March 9 is National Meatball Day? It’s the perfect excuse to whip up a batch of these delicious and nutritious ground turkey meatballs! Packed with shredded zucchini, baby spinach, and oats instead of breadcrumbs, this recipe is a guilt-free way to celebrate. Baked to perfection, these meatballs are ideal for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Here’s how to make them!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 medium zucchini, shredded (squeeze out excess moisture)
- 1 cup baby spinach, finely chopped
- 1 small yellow onion, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup quick oats (or rolled oats, pulsed in a blender)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Olive oil spray (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, shredded zucchini (make sure to squeeze out any extra water), chopped spinach, grated onion, minced garlic, oats, egg, and spices. Use your hands or a spoon to blend everything evenly.
3. Form the Meatballs
Scoop out about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls. Arrange them on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
4. Bake to Perfection
For a bit of extra browning, lightly spray the meatballs with olive oil. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve and Enjoy
These meatballs are versatile! Pair them with marinara sauce and pasta, stuff them into a sub roll with melted cheese, or serve them solo with your favorite dipping sauce.
Why You’ll Love These Meatballs:
- Perfect for National Meatball Day: Celebrate on March 9 with a healthier twist!
- Nutritious: Packed with hidden veggies like zucchini and spinach.
- No Breadcrumbs: Using oats instead of breadcrumbs keeps these meatballs gluten-free and adds fiber.
- Easy to Make: Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
Tip: These meatballs freeze beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months—just reheat and enjoy!
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