italian turkey meatballs recipe

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

I’ve been making Italian turkey meatballs for years, and they’re still a favorite in our household. My kids love helping me mix the ingredients together, and my husband enjoys them as a snack or appetizer.

I like that this recipe is easy to customize – you can adjust the seasonings to suit your taste, and it’s also a great way to get some extra veggies into your diet. The best part?

They’re incredibly versatile – you can serve them as is, or use them as a topping for pasta dishes, salads, or even as a sub sandwich filling. Plus, they freeze beautifully, making them a great option for meal prep or batch cooking.

I’ve even started using this recipe as a base for other dishes, like meatball subs or Italian-style sliders. The flavor is so good that you won’t even miss the beef!

One of the things I appreciate about this recipe is how well it holds up to reheating – whether you’re serving it straight from the freezer or warming up leftovers in the oven, these meatballs stay juicy and flavorful. I’ve found that they’re also an excellent choice for potlucks or game-day gatherings – everyone loves ’em!

And let’s not forget about the nutritional benefits: by using ground turkey instead of beef, we’re cutting back on saturated fat and calories while still packing in plenty of protein and fiber. It’s a win-win situation all around!

Italian Turkey Meatballs

Italian Turkey Meatballs

4.7 from 793 votes

Juicy and flavorful turkey meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This lighter take on a classic Italian dish is perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or on their own.

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 (93/7 lean)
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
5Roll the mixture into 1.
5-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and bake for 15 minutes, until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
7While the meatballs bake, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
8Add the chopped onion and cook for 4 minutes until softened, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
9Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, salt, and red pepper flakes if using.
10Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
11Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer together for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
12Serve the meatballs and sauce over cooked pasta, on a sandwich roll, or as an appetizer.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Large skillet or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

For extra moisture, add 2 tablespoons of milk to the meatball mixture. You can also substitute ground chicken or pork for the turkey.

Watch Video Of How Italian Turkey Meatballs Works

These Italian turkey meatballs are a reliable recipe that works for any occasion. They are easy to make and always a hit with my family. I serve them at weeknight dinners and also at holiday gatherings.

They are simple yet impressive and everyone asks for the recipe. For storage, I keep leftovers in a container in the fridge. They reheat well in the microwave or on the stove.

I also freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet then transfer to a bag. To reheat, I simmer them in sauce for about 10 minutes. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes.

They are great on their own or with pasta. I also like to serve them on a sub roll with melted cheese for a quick sandwich. These meatballs are always a good idea for a family meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Turkey Meatballs

Q: What type of turkey should I use for these meatballs?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use lean ground turkey – look for a brand with at least 90% lean meat. This will help keep your meatballs nice and moist while also reducing the fat content.

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