Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Leaner than beef, these Turkey Meatballs are healthy, packed with flavor, and incredibly moist on the inside. A combination of fresh and dried herbs give these meatballs an Italian flare while also providing a balance of flavors.

Try your ground turkey in my favorite turkey tacos or turkey chili! You might also enjoy my homemade rotisserie chicken recipe or copycat Chipotle Chicken, a long time reader favorite.

Good and good for you, these meatballs freeze beautifully and can be reheated in no time.

Turkey is like the underrated protein powerhouse. It sure packs a nutritional punch by providing a high amount of protein, a low amount of fat, and a number of vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin B6, and niacin, which are essential for the body’s energy production.

The length of time varies based on the size of the meatball and cooking method. Just keep in mind turkey is poultry, so cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees on an instant-read thermometer.

Eggs. In the case of meatballs, the egg’s job is simply to act as a binder. For every pound of meat, one egg is the perfect amount.

The easiest method is to use a small ice cream scoop. Not only does this give you equal portions, but creates the round shape you’re looking for. If you would like an even more precise measurement, scoop and place on your kitchen scale. Your looking for a 1 ½ ounce measurement for each meatball.

To reheat, place on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and bake in a 300-degree oven for 15 minutes, or until heated through.

If you would like to reheat in your favorite sauce, simply place the meatballs in with the sauce and cook over low heat for 10 minutes, or until heated through.

turkey meatballs recipe

Turkey Meatballs

turkey meatballs recipe

Leaner than beef, these Turkey Meatballs are healthy, packed with flavor, and incredibly moist on the inside. A combination of fresh and dried herbs give these meatballs an Italian flare while also providing a balance of flavors.

Prep: 15min

Total: 35min

Yield: 7

Serving Size: 1 serving 7 servings (6-7 meatballs each)

Nutrition Facts: calories 306 kcal, servingSize 1 serving 7 servings (6-7 meatballs each), Carbohydrate 14 g, Protein 35 g, Fat 12 g, Saturated Fat 2 g, Trans Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 124 mg, Sodium 220 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 2 g

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 2/3 cup onion (minced)
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley (minced)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil

Instruction:

  1. Using a strong spatula or your hands (I like to wear latex gloves), mix well. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls (you should have around 48 total).
  2. Arrange meatballs on rack, brush with oil, and bake until browned with crispy edges, about 15 to 20 minutes (an internal thermometer should read 165 degrees for 15 seconds).
  3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides and the meatballs are cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes per batch (an internal thermometer should read 165 degrees for 15 seconds). Add more oil between batches if the skillet looks dry.
  4. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet, not touching. Freeze until solid, about 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and store up to 1 month.

Baked Turkey Meatballs

turkey meatballs recipe

Baked Turkey Meatballs are perfectly seasoned, tender, juicy and absolutely delectable! Super easy and healthy your whole family is going to love these!

Prep: 10min

Total: 30min

Yield: 4

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 297 kcal, Carbohydrate 25 g, Protein 35 g, Fat 6 g, Saturated Fat 2 g, Cholesterol 146 mg, Sodium 789 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 4 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs*
  • 1 small onion (diced)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instruction:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium size bowl combine turkey, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, milk, garlic, and salt and pepper. Mix until incorporated.
  2. Roll into 2 inch balls and place onto a greased baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked throughout.

Baked Turkey Meatballs

turkey meatballs recipe

Baked Turkey Meatballs. Easy to make, tender, and absolutely delicious! Serve with spaghetti, buns, or over zucchini noodles.

Prep: 15min

Total: 30min

Yield: 20

Serving Size: 1 meatball

Nutrition Facts: servingSize 1 meatball, calories 62 kcal, Carbohydrate 2 g, Protein 5 g, Fat 4 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 26 mg, Sodium 188 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus additional for serving)
  • 1/3 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs (whole wheat if possible)
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or chives a combo, plus additional for serving)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey (keep in your refrigerator until the last possible second)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (plus more as needed)
  • Prepared pasta sauce
  • Cooked whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles
  • Creamy Polenta
  • Split and toasted hoagie buns
  • Prepared brown rice

Instruction:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat with nonstick spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, add the cheese, bread crumbs, herbs, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, pepper, and red pepper flakes and stir well to combine. Add the turkey.
  3. In a small bowl, beat the egg, then add it to the meat mixture. With a fork or your fingers, mix just until combined, being careful not to compact the meat.
  4. With a scoop or spoon, scoop the meat and shape into 1 1/2-inch meatballs. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet. You will have about 20 meatballs total.
  5. Brush the tops of the meatballs with the olive oil.
  6. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer. As an alternate way to check, a meatball in the center of the baking sheet should be fully cooked through when cut in half.
  7. While the meatballs cook, warm the sauce and any other items you’d like to serve them with (pasta, hoagie buns, rice, etc.). Serve the meatballs hot, topped with the sauce, cheese, herbs, and any other additions.

The BEST Baked Turkey Meatballs | LOADED With of Flavor!

FAQ

How do you keep turkey meatballs from falling apart?

Add a lightly beaten egg, but not too much. Egg acts as a binder for the ingredients, but you only need a small amount. One small egg will do for one pound of minced meat. Alternatively, if you’re following an egg-free diet, you could soak fresh bread in milk, squeezing out any excess milk, to use as a binder.

What is good to eat with turkey meatballs?

What to Serve these Turkey Meatballs with:
  • My all time favorite way to enjoy these meatballs is over some creamy Mashed Potatoes.
  • If you’re going for a Thanksgiving type meal serve alongside some Green Bean Casserole, Candied Sweet Potatoes, and Texas Roadhouse Rolls.

Are meatballs better with breadcrumbs or bread?

Breadcrumbs help bind the meat together, however, believe it or not, it is actually better to make meatballs without breadcrumbs. Rather than using breadcrumbs, slices of white bread are far superior. Removing the crust from white bread and cutting it into ½” cubes allows you to make a panade.

About the author

Helen is an author and editor at helenbackcafe.com, who has a passion for writing about recipes. She loves to experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques to create delicious and unique dishes.

Among all the foods, pizza holds a special place in her heart, and she loves exploring different variations and toppings to create the perfect slice. Through her writing, Helen hopes to inspire others to get creative in the kitchen and share their love for food with the world.

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