Having trouble getting your kids to eat their veggies? One taste of these yummy cheese and spinach turkey meatballs and they'll be begging for more.
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What makes this Cheese and Spinach Turkey Meatballs a great recipe for kids?
Why is it that kids love spaghetti and meatballs so much? My girls would eat it every night if they could! However, getting them to eat their veggies is another story. While they're starting to learn to like some veggies, it's still a struggle sometimes. I decided that there had to be an easier way.
As I was making turkey meatballs one night, I thought I'd see what happened if I threw a little spinach in the mix. My girls love my baked ziti with hidden veggies so it wouldn't hurt to give it a try. I also added cheese for good measure...cheese tastes good in everything, right?! I thought my oldest might be okay but I was ready to hear some protests from my youngest. To my surprise, she ate every last bite. The next time I made them, I added even more spinach and that was a success too.
Now, these cheese and spinach turkey meatballs have become my favorite meatball recipe, mostly because I don't have to bribe my kids to eat their veggies when I serve them. The great thing about this recipe is that I often double it and throw the extra meatballs in the freezer for next time, making it an easy recipe for those nights when we've got gymnastics, ballet or other activities.
How to make Cheese and Spinach Turkey Meatballs
While I prefer to use ground turkey, beef would work just as well. First, get your cookie sheet and spray it lightly with cooking spray, Then preheat your oven to 375. Combine the turkey with egg, Worcestershire sauce, bread crumbs, cheese and spinach.
Now, get ready because as soon as you put your hands in to start mixing it all together, your phone will ring...happens every time!
Once you mix the ingredients, form your meatballs and place them on the cookie sheet. Don't forget to start boiling your pasta!
Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes (internal temperature should be 165).
Now, serve with your favorite pasta and sauce and watch your kids clean their plates!
Ingredients
- 16 oz Ground turkey
- 1 Egg
- 1-½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup Italian bread crumbs
- ⅓ cup Mozzarella shredded
- ¼ cup Parmasean shredded
- ½ cup Fresh spinach chopped
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees
- Lightly coat cookie sheet with cooking spray
- Mix all ingredients together
- Form meatballs and place on cookie sheet
- Cook 10-12 minutes (internal temperature should be 165)
- Serve with your favorite pasta and sauce
If you are looking for more easy kid friendly recipes do check out these Apple Pie Bites and our favorite Mini Meatball Spaghetti Pie.
FAQs:
How do you keep turkey meatballs from falling apart?
Before forming the meatballs, chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This will help the mixture firm up and make it easier to shape into balls.
Why are my turkey meatballs rubbery?
Turkey is a lean meat, and if the meatballs don't have enough fat, they can turn out dry and rubbery. Try adding some breadcrumbs and/or a little bit of olive oil to the mixture to add some moisture and flavor.
Overmixing the meat mixture can also make it tough and rubbery. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
What goes with turkey meatballs?
Turkey meatballs are a classic Italian dish and are often served with pasta. Try serving the meatballs with spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine and top with a tomato-based sauce.
You can also serve your turkey meatballs with some crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce and add some crunch to the meal.
Why are my turkey meatballs runny?
If your turkey meatballs are runny, it's likely because the mixture is too wet.
If you added too much liquid to the meat mixture, such as stock or milk, it can make the mixture too wet. Try reducing the amount of liquid you add or adding more breadcrumbs to soak up the excess moisture.
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