simple turkey meatball recipe

simple turkey meatball recipe

The Best simple turkey meatball recipe

I’ve been making this simple turkey meatball recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. The dish originated from my grandmother, who learned it from her Italian neighbor. I love how the combination of ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and spices creates a flavor that’s both familiar and exciting.

My kids adore helping me mix the ingredients and forming the meatballs, which makes this recipe a great activity for them during the weekends. One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make – just mix, shape, and bake. The result is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

We often serve it with pasta or rice, but you can also enjoy it on its own as a snack or appetizer. The best part? This recipe is incredibly healthy – with lean protein from the turkey, fiber from the breadcrumbs, and antioxidants from the spices.

It’s a win-win for both our taste buds and our well-being. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various seasonings and spices to give this recipe a unique twist without compromising its authenticity. One of my favorite variations is adding some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to give it a bright and refreshing flavor.

I’ve also tried using different types of cheese to add an extra layer of flavor – parmesan works particularly well in this recipe. The key home cooking technique behind this recipe is using a gentle touch when mixing the ingredients together – over-mixing can lead to dense meatballs that don’t cook evenly. To avoid this, I recommend mixing just until the ingredients come together in a cohesive mass before shaping them into balls.

Simple Turkey Meatballs

Simple Turkey Meatballs

4.9 from 1841 votes

A simple and healthy turkey meatball recipe that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. These meatballs are baked to perfection and can be served with your favorite sauce.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground turkey
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce

1 cup marinara sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
4Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5The mixture should be slightly sticky and hold together when pressed.
6Using your hands, form the meatball mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7Ensure the meatballs are not touching each other.
8This will ensure even cooking and prevent them from sticking together.
9You should have about 16-18 meatballs.
10Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
11The meatballs should be golden brown on the outside and no longer pink in the middle.
12While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce.
13In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
14Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
15Add the marinara sauce and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
16Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 2-3 minutes.
17Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish and pour the sauce over the top.
18Serve the meatballs hot, with additional sauce on the side if desired.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 15g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or to the sauce. You can also substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.

Watch Video Of How Simple Turkey Meatballs Works

This simple turkey meatball recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or an impromptu dinner party with friends. It’s also an excellent option for meal prep or busy weeknights when you need something quick yet satisfying.

When storing leftovers, be sure to refrigerate them within two hours of cooking and consume within three to five days. Reheating can be done by oven-baking at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or by microwaving on high for 2-3 minutes per serving.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Meatballs

Q: What type of cheese should I use for this recipe?

A: You can use any type of cheese you like, but I recommend using parmesan for its sharp, tangy flavor that complements the ground turkey perfectly.

Q: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge overnight before baking them in the morning.

Q: How do I prevent the meatballs from becoming dry?

A: To keep them moist, make sure not to over-bake them – check on them after 15 minutes and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Can I use beef or pork instead of turkey?

A: While you can experiment with different types of meat, keep in mind that they will change the overall flavor profile of your meatballs.

Q: Do I need to add any special ingredients for these meatballs?

A: No additional ingredients are required beyond what’s listed in this recipe – just use high-quality ground turkey and spices for optimal results.

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