This Ground Turkey Spinach recipe is a flavorful, hearty, and healthy meal that comes together quickly on weeknights. Combining lean ground turkey with vibrant fresh spinach and a blend of savory spices, this dish is both protein-packed and nutrient-rich. The tender, juicy turkey pairs beautifully with the earthy greens, creating a balanced, satisfying dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal. Perfect for those looking to eat clean without sacrificing flavor, this recipe is simple, wholesome, and versatile.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between nutritious ingredients and comforting flavors. Ground turkey is leaner than beef but remains juicy and flavorful when cooked right, making it an excellent protein choice. Fresh spinach adds vibrant color, a mild earthy taste, and a boost of vitamins and minerals. The recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal prep and a single skillet, so it’s ideal for busy cooks. It fits well into many lifestyles, including low-carb, paleo, and clean-eating plans. Plus, the spices and aromatics can be easily tweaked to suit your palate, making it endlessly adaptable.
Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh spinach rather than frozen for a better texture and brighter flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the ground turkey in batches if necessary to ensure it browns nicely instead of steaming.
- Drain excess fat if the turkey is not very lean to avoid a greasy dish.
- Add minced garlic and onion at the start for depth of flavor.
- Season the turkey well with salt and pepper before cooking.
- Stir in the spinach at the end and cook just until wilted to retain its vibrant green color.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the ground turkey mixture up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Spinach should be kept fresh and added just before reheating or serving to avoid wilting and loss of texture. You can also chop onions and garlic ahead of time to save prep minutes. This recipe reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep lunches or quick dinners.
Recipe Variations
- Swap spinach for kale, Swiss chard, or arugula for different leafy green flavors.
- Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- Incorporate Italian seasoning or smoked paprika for a flavor twist.
- Stir in some crumbled feta or shredded mozzarella for a cheesy version.
- Use ground chicken or lean ground beef instead of turkey.
- For a spicy kick, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
How to Serve
Serve this ground turkey spinach mix over fluffy brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a wholesome meal. It also pairs wonderfully with roasted sweet potatoes or crusty whole grain bread. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil and a squeeze of lemon to brighten the flavors. For a low-carb option, wrap it in large lettuce leaves or serve alongside steamed veggies.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair this dish with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the light, fresh flavors. For cocktails, a citrusy gin and tonic works well. Green tea or a light herbal infusion is a soothing non-alcoholic choice. Side dishes like a simple cucumber salad, roasted carrots, or garlic mashed cauliflower round out the meal. For dessert, a fresh fruit salad or a small serving of Greek yogurt with honey keeps the meal light and balanced.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place the cooled cooked turkey and spinach mixture in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly and adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
Equipment Needed
- Large non-stick or stainless steel skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Cutting board and sharp knife for chopping
- Measuring spoons
- Optional: colander for rinsing spinach
If you don’t have a skillet, a wok or cast iron pan can work as well.
Dietary Adaptations
- To make this recipe vegan, substitute ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils and use olive oil instead of butter if applicable.
- For dairy-free, avoid adding cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.
- The recipe is naturally nut-free but double-check any added seasoning blends.
- Gluten-free as is, just ensure any broth or spices used are labeled gluten-free.
- Low sodium adaptations can be made by reducing added salt and using low-sodium broth or seasonings.
Seasonal Adaptations
- In spring and summer, use fresh baby spinach for tenderness and bright flavor.
- In winter, consider adding hearty greens like kale or collard greens along with frozen spinach if fresh is unavailable.
- Add seasonal vegetables like diced zucchini or cherry tomatoes in summer for freshness.
- In fall, mix in roasted butternut squash or sweet potato cubes for warmth and sweetness.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, but thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
How long does it take to cook ground turkey?
About 7-10 minutes over medium heat until no longer pink.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
It’s best cooked on the stove for texture, but you can brown the turkey first, then add to the slow cooker with spinach added at the end.
What can I substitute for ground turkey?
Ground chicken, lean ground beef, or plant-based crumbles work well.
How do I prevent the spinach from getting soggy?
Add it at the very end of cooking and cook just until it wilts.
Ground Turkey Spinach
This Ground Turkey Spinach recipe is a flavorful, hearty, and healthy meal that comes together quickly on weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (lean)
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of half a lemon
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add ground turkey. Break it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook turkey for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and browned.
- Drain any excess liquid or fat if needed.
- Reduce heat to medium, add chopped spinach, and stir until just wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and squeeze lemon juice over the dish. Stir to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 375Total Fat 23gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 120mgSodium 422mgCarbohydrates 12gFiber 1gSugar 8gProtein 30g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This ground turkey spinach recipe is a perfect example of how simple, healthy ingredients can deliver a delicious and satisfying meal any day of the week. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a nutritious meal prep option, or a versatile base to customize with your favorite seasonings and veggies, this recipe checks all the boxes. The balance of lean protein and fresh greens makes it a wholesome choice that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With minimal ingredients and fuss, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on rotation in your kitchen!
