Baked Turkey Meatballs
Highlighted under: Comfort Plates
I love making baked turkey meatballs for a cozy dinner or when I'm meal prepping for the week. They are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs. The best part is how simple they are to prepare; after one batch, I always have a freezer full for those busy nights. Trust me, once you try these juicy, flavorful meatballs, they will become your go-to recipe for any occasion!
I had been looking for a turkey meatball recipe that was both healthy and satisfying. After experimenting with various herbs and spices, I finally landed on a combination that balances flavor with nutrition. Adding grated zucchini not only keeps them moist but also sneaks in some extra vegetables!
What I love about this method is that baking them allows the flavor to concentrate without needing excess oil. I pair them with homemade marinara sauce and whole-wheat spaghetti for a perfect weeknight meal that my family devours!
Why You'll Love These Meatballs
- Lean turkey meat provides a healthy protein option.
- Infused with garlic and herbs for exceptional flavor.
- Quick to prepare and perfect for meal prep.
Choosing the Right Turkey
Selecting the right ground turkey is crucial for flavor and texture in your meatballs. I recommend using ground turkey that has a bit of fat, around 85/15 or 90/10, to ensure your meatballs remain juicy and do not dry out during baking. Leaner varieties can lead to a tougher texture, so keep that in mind when shopping.
If you're looking for a lower-fat option, consider adding a splash of broth or a little olive oil to the mixture. This not only helps with moisture but also adds an extra layer of flavor, making your meatballs more delightful.
Perfecting Your Meatball Technique
When mixing the ingredients for your meatballs, be careful not to overwork the mixture. Combine the ingredients gently just until they are mixed; this will help maintain a tender texture. Overmixing can lead to dense, chewy meatballs — definitely not what we're aiming for!
Using a small ice cream scoop or your hands can help ensure consistently sized meatballs. Aim for around 1 inch in diameter for uniform cooking. If you find the mixture sticking to your hands while forming the meatballs, a light coating of olive oil can make it easier to handle.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These baked turkey meatballs are perfect for meal prep. After baking, allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months, making them perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
To reheat, simply place them in a saucepan with a bit of marinara sauce over low heat, covering to prevent dryness. They should warm through in about 10-15 minutes. If reheating from frozen, be sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients before you start:
Baked Turkey Meatballs
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 small zucchini, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce (for serving)
Make sure to mix all ingredients thoroughly for the best flavor.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your meatballs:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, grated zucchini, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using.
Form Meatballs
Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
Bake
Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
Serve
Serve hot, drizzled with marinara sauce or alongside your favorite pasta.
Enjoy your homemade turkey meatballs as a healthy meal option!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, experiment with different herbs or spices based on your preferences, or try adding chopped spinach for more greens.
Serving Suggestions
While serving these meatballs with marinara sauce is a classic, there are plenty of creative alternatives. Consider pairing them with a zesty pesto or a creamy alfredo sauce for a different flavor profile. You can also serve them on a hoagie roll for a satisfying meatball sub experience.
For a low-carb alternative, serve the meatballs over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. This adds a healthy touch while keeping the dish light and satisfying, perfect for those looking to reduce carbs.
Flavor Variations
Feel free to experiment with the spices and herbs in your meatballs. For example, swapping fresh parsley for basil can give a different taste dimension. You could also add a tablespoon of mustard or Worcestershire sauce for an extra kick, enhancing the savory profile.
If you're a cheese lover, incorporating diced mozzarella into the meatball mixture can provide a delightful surprise with a gooey center once they are baked. Just ensure to adjust the other ingredients slightly to maintain the correct moisture balance.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you find that your meatballs are crumbling during cooking, this usually indicates that there is not enough binder in the mixture. A little extra egg or breadcrumbs can help hold everything together. Likewise, if they come out dry, you may need to adjust your cooking time or increase fat content in your mixture next time.
If you notice uneven cooking, make sure your meatballs are spaced well on the baking sheet and not overcrowded, as this can lead to steaming instead of baking, preventing that lovely golden exterior.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them in advance and freeze them. Just reheat in the oven before serving.
→ What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?
You can use crushed crackers, oats, or gluten-free breadcrumbs as alternatives.
→ What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ How can I enhance the flavor?
Add different herbs and spices, such as basil or Italian seasoning, for extra flavor.
Baked Turkey Meatballs
I love making baked turkey meatballs for a cozy dinner or when I'm meal prepping for the week. They are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs. The best part is how simple they are to prepare; after one batch, I always have a freezer full for those busy nights. Trust me, once you try these juicy, flavorful meatballs, they will become your go-to recipe for any occasion!
Created by: Margaret Hill
Recipe Type: Comfort Plates
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Baked Turkey Meatballs
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 small zucchini, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce (for serving)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, grated zucchini, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using.
Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
Serve hot, drizzled with marinara sauce or alongside your favorite pasta.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, experiment with different herbs or spices based on your preferences, or try adding chopped spinach for more greens.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 28g