Creamy Mediterranean Turkey Meat Balls

This recipe is perfect for the “meat and potatoes” crowd, AKA my husband. It takes about 45 minutes from start to finish but is worth the effort! This recipe is also great on pasta or rice. Enjoy!

•        5-6 medium yellow or red potatoes

•        2 tbsp each salted butter or margarine, and 2% cow’s milk

•        ½ tsp each salt and garlic powder

•        500g extra lean ground turkey (or chicken)

•        ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

•        1 tsp each seasoning salt, Italian seasoning, onion, and garlic powder

•        1 medium zucchini (diced)

•        ½ bell pepper (diced)

•        1 small yellow onion (diced)

•        ¼ cup sundried tomatoes drained of oil

•        ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth

•        ¾ cup 2% cow’s milk

•        1 tbsp corn starch

•        ½ cup parmesan cheese (optional)

•        1-2 cups baby spinach (chopped)

1. Place potatoes and in a large pot. Cover with water, a lid, and simmer on medium heat until cooked through (easily pierced with a fork). Drain and add butter and milk. Mash to desired texture.

2. While potatoes are cooking, combine ground turkey with mozzarella cheese and seasoning in a large bow. Form into ping-pong sized meatballs and set aside.

3. Coat a large skillet with non-stick spray and turn on to medium heat. Add meatballs in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning once halfway. Set aside.  

4. In the same skillet on medium heat, add zucchini and peppers, cook in turkey drippings. Add a splash of water if needed. Saute for 4-5 minutes, add onion and sundried tomatoes. Stir occasionally until onions become translucent. Add vegetable broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

5. Pour cow’s milk into a measuring cup and dissolve cornstarch to make a slurry. Gradually add into skillet, stirring continuously until it begins to thicken. Add extra milk (to thin) or cornstarch dissolved in milk (to thicken). Turn heat off and stir in the parmesan cheese (if using). Once cheese is melted, stir in the spinach until wilted.  Add fresh ground pepper if desired.

6. To serve, add a layer of mashed potatoes to a plate. Top with meatballs and cover with sauce.

Details for the whole recipe (with parmesan cheese): 2036 calories, 181gC, 159gP, 82.5gF

Details per serving (recipe makes 5 servings, with parmesan cheese): 407 calories, 36gC, 32gP, 16.5gF

Thoughts or questions about this recipe? Share your feedback or ask anything!