turkey italian meatballs recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
turkey italian meatballs recipe
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The Best turkey italian meatballs recipe

I’ve been making these turkey Italian meatballs for years, and they’re a staple in our household. My kids love them, and I love how easy they are to make.

The best part is that they’re a healthier alternative to traditional beef meatballs, without sacrificing any flavor. I’ve experimented with different types of meat and seasonings, but this recipe remains my go-to.

The combination of ground turkey, Italian seasonings, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and satisfying flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether I’m serving them as an appetizer or adding them to a pasta dish, these meatballs always get rave reviews.

My family requests them frequently, and I’m happy to oblige. I’ve even started making them in bulk and freezing them for future meals.

It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights when I need something quick and delicious on the table. The key to these meatballs is using high-quality ingredients and not overmixing the meat mixture.

This ensures that they stay tender and juicy on the inside while developing a nice crust on the outside. It’s all about balance – you want enough flavor from the seasonings without overpowering the delicate taste of the turkey.

Turkey Italian Meatballs

Turkey Italian Meatballs

4.8 from 527 votes

These turkey Italian meatballs are a lighter twist on a classic comfort food. Made with lean ground turkey, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs, they are baked until golden and juicy.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

For Serving

2 cups marinara sauce
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
4Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
5Shape the mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs, about 1.
5 inches in diameter.
6Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
7Brush the meatballs lightly with olive oil.
8Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the meatballs are golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
9While the meatballs bake, warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until it simmers.
10Reduce the heat to low and keep warm.
11Serve the baked meatballs with the warm marinara sauce, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
12Enjoy over pasta, on a sub roll, or as an appetizer.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Measuring cups and spoons
Small bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 16g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For extra moisture, you can add 2 tablespoons of milk to the meatball mixture. If you prefer a crispier exterior, broil the meatballs for the last 2 minutes of baking. Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Watch Video Of How Turkey Italian Meatballs Works

These turkey Italian meatballs are incredibly versatile – serve them as an appetizer with marinara sauce or use them as part of a hearty pasta dish.

They also freeze beautifully so consider making a batch or two ahead of time for future meals.

You can store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to six months; reheat as needed by microwaving until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Italian Meatballs

Q1: What’s the difference between ground turkey and regular turkey?

Ground turkey is leaner than regular turkey, with less fat and calories per serving. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their intake of saturated fats.

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