Description

A quick, comforting, and budget-friendly weeknight dinner featuring tender turkey meatballs simmered in a rich tomato and herb broth with fresh spinach.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound (450g) ground turkey (93% lean)
½ cup (50g) plain dry breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
Black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups (950ml) low-sodium chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
4 cups (120g) fresh spinach
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
Roll the mixture into walnut-sized balls (approx. 20-24 meatballs) and set aside on a plate.
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
Drop meatballs into the simmering broth one by one. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
Flip meatballs with a slotted spoon and continue simmering for another 5-8 minutes until cooked through and floating.
Turn off the heat. Stir in fresh spinach and red pepper flakes (if using) until spinach wilts.
Stir in fresh basil.
Ladle into bowls and serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper.

Notes

Do not overmix the turkey meat or the meatballs will become tough. Simmer gently rather than boiling to keep meatballs tender. Add spinach at the very end to prevent it from becoming mushy. This soup tastes even better the next day and freezes well for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl with meatball
Calories: 280
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 650
Fat: 14
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 12
Fiber: 2
Protein: 22

Keywords: turkey meatball soup, healthy soup, easy weeknight dinner, family meal, budget-friendly, gluten-free option, keto-friendly