Turkey Meatball 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 meatball recipe

Turkey Meatballs

turkey meatball 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 meatball 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.

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.

Why are my turkey meatballs rubbery?

If your turkey meatballs are hard or rubbery, you likely overworked the meat or compacted them too tightly. Use a light touch and mix gently for the most tender meatballs.

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.

What goes well with turkey meatballs?

What to Serve with Meatballs: 13 Tasty Side Dishes
  • Mashed Potatoes. Mashed potatoes make a classic pairing with meatballs. …
  • Red Roasted Potatoes. Potatoes make such a fantastic side dish because they are starchy and filling. …
  • Rice. …
  • Egg Noodles. …
  • Udon. …
  • Meatball Sub. …
  • Corn On The Cob. …
  • Ratatouille.
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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