Per serving:188 calories, 15.5 g protein, 3 g carbohydrates, 9 g fat
Ingredients
½ cup water
4 cups spinach
1 lb 85 percent lean ground turkey
1 Tbsp dried basil
1 Tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 garlic cloves
1 egg
1 Tbsp coconut flour
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C).
Add ½ cup of water to a large pan and bring to a boil.
Add spinach, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let simmer for two minutes.
Remove lid and stir with a spoon, then replace lid and simmer for three to five minutes until spinach is wilted.
Reserve spinach and let it cool.
Combine ground turkey, basil, oregano, garlic salt, black pepper, and chopped garlic in a large mixing bowl.
Add egg and coconut flour to mixture and stir until well blended.
Squeeze excess moisture from cooled spinach using a strainer and chop into small pieces.
Add spinach to meat mixture and blend thoroughly.
Spray a 9x13-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray and portion out turkey mixture into six equal-sized meatballs.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until outsides are lightly browned.
Serve with your choice of keto-friendly side dishes, and enjoy!
Recipe tips:
If you prefer a crispier meatball, broil for an additional two to five minutes before removing them from the oven.
You can substitute ground turkey with grass-fed ground beef or organic chicken if desired.
Almond flour can replace coconut flour, but may change the texture of the meatballs.
Keto Turkey Spinach Meatballs Recipe
Weekday meals just got easier with this delectable keto turkey meatballs recipe.
These flavorful meatballs are packed with 85 percent lean ground turkey and nutrient-rich spinach, creating a guilt-free delight that won't disrupt ketosis.
With the perfect blend of savory spices and wholesome ingredients, this dish will surely become a favorite in your household.
Why you’ll love these keto turkey meatballs
These succulent meatballs contain a perfect blend of herbs and spices, including dried basil, oregano, and garlic salt, creating a delightful dish with depths of flavors.
Each serving boasts 15.5 grams of protein and a mere three grams of carbohydrates, which makes these meatballs a guilt-free indulgence for a low-carb lifestyle.
With spinach being a key ingredient, this meal helps promote iron stores essential for red blood cell production and provides vitamin K needed for bone health.
This recipe also calls for coconut flour, which binds the ingredients together and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
Unlike wheat flour, coconut flour is low in carbohydrates and gluten-free, making these meatballs ideal for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Research published in Molecules found coconut flour to be more nutritious compared to refined wheat flour, offering higher protein, fat, and fiber levels. It's also abundant in essential minerals, including potassium, iron, selenium, and magnesium.
What's more, you can make these delicious meatballs in less than an hour, which is ideal for a quick dinner or weekly meal prep.
What you’ll need to make keto turkey meatballs
To create these scrumptious low-carb turkey meatballs, you'll need a blend of carefully selected ingredients that add both taste and nutritional value.
Here are the essential ingredients and the roles they play in this tasty dish.
Spinach
Spinach adds a vibrant color and mild flavor to these meatballs, making them both visually appealing and delicious.
This leafy green vegetable is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, beta-carotene, and minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Spinach also contains various antioxidants that help fight inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease.
Ground turkey
Choosing 85 percent lean ground turkey ensures the keto meatballs are moist and rich in flavor.
Turkey is also a great source of healthy fats and premium-quality protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
Coconut flour
Coconut flour serves not only as a gluten-free binding agent in recipes but also adds fiber to this meal. Fiber promotes intestinal health and enhances satiety, which supports a healthy body weight.
The subtle sweetness of coconut flour provides a perfect balance to the savory flavors of the herbs and turkey.
Herbs and spices
The blend of dried basil, oregano, and garlic salt infuses these meatballs with traditional Italian flavors that are comforting and aromatic.
Herbs also add depth to the taste profile without contributing extra calories. The use of fresh garlic has been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Health benefits of spinach
Spinach is packed with essential nutrients, including vitamins C and K, as well as beta-carotene, which support immune function, collagen production, and bone health.
"Beta-carotene can help reduce ocular degeneration in the eye, which is linked to glaucoma and blindness," explains Dr. Berg. "It's also rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, two crucial antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and promote eye health."
The high fiber content of spinach aids digestion and supports weight management by promoting feelings of fullness and stable blood sugar levels.
Spinach's low calorie and carbohydrate content makes it a perfect choice for keto-friendly recipes, ensuring you can enjoy a generous serving without compromising ketosis and fat burning.
What to serve with keto turkey meatballs
If you want to create a complete meal with these irresistible meatballs, pair them with your choice of keto-friendly sides.
Here are some mouthwatering dishes to get you started:
These turkey meatballs can also be enjoyed on their own or with zucchini noodles made by spiralizing raw zucchini.
Spaghetti squash is another low-carb alternative to traditional pasta that pairs well with these meatballs and many other keto recipes.
Elevate this meal with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and your favorite keto-friendly marinara or tomato sauce for a classic Italian meal.
Storing, freezing, and reheating tips
For optimal storage, refrigerate leftover keto spinach meatballs in an airtight container for up to four days.
To extend their shelf life, consider freezing the meatballs by putting them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow them to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
This method prevents the meatballs from sticking together, making it easier to defrost and reheat as needed.
To enjoy these keto-friendly meatballs without compromising their texture and flavor, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) for ten minutes or until heated through.
Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet with a splash of broth or sauce, ensuring they are thoroughly heated before serving.
Key takeaways
These keto turkey meatballs combine ground turkey, spinach, and herbs, creating a delicious meal that keeps you in fat-burning mode.
Enjoy with your favorite keto-friendly sides, such as spaghetti squash, keto egg noodles, or a fresh green salad.
FAQ
1. Do turkey meatballs have carbs?
Ground turkey meatballs can have varying amounts of carbs depending on the ingredients used.
This keto-friendly recipe uses coconut flour as a low-carb binding agent, resulting in meatballs with just three grams of carbohydrates per serving.
2. Are turkey meatballs keto-friendly?
Yes, turkey meatballs can be keto-friendly as long as they omit high-carb ingredients such as breadcrumbs or flour. This recipe uses coconut flour, which is low in carbs, making this an excellent dish for those following a ketogenic diet.
3. Is turkey good for a keto diet?
Yes, turkey is generally considered good for a keto diet because it’s low in carbohydrates and high in protein, making it a suitable choice for those following a ketogenic eating plan.
4. What to eat with keto turkey meatballs?
You can pair these healthy turkey meatballs with a variety of side dishes, including zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or roasted low-carb vegetables. You can also enjoy them on their own or with a green salad for a complete and balanced meal.
