How to Make the Perfect Turkey Meatballs
Italian · Medium · 35 min · 4 servings
Tender and flavorful lean turkey meatballs seasoned with garlic, herbs and Parmesan cheese. They are lighter than traditional beef meatballs but packed with protein and satisfying flavor.
Why this recipe works
This Turkey Meatballs recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 290 calories with 34g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 500 g lean ground turkey
- 1 whole egg
- 0.33 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.75 tsp salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Mix the meatball mixture
In a large bowl combine ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning and salt. Use your hands or a fork to mix until just combined. Do not overmix or the meatballs will become tough and dense.
Step 2: Form the meatballs
Wet your hands with cold water to prevent sticking. Scoop roughly two tablespoons of mixture and roll gently between your palms to form smooth balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet and aim for uniform size so they cook evenly.
Step 3: Preheat and prepare oven
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray the lined baking sheet with cooking spray. Space the meatballs at least half an inch apart so they brown properly rather than steam.
Step 4: Bake the meatballs
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the meatballs are golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. They will firm up as they cool slightly.
Step 5: Serve or store
Serve immediately over pasta with marinara sauce or let cool completely before storing in an airtight container. They keep in the refrigerator for 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- breadcrumbs → rolled oats blended fine or almond flour for a gluten-free option
- Parmesan cheese → nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version
- fresh parsley → fresh basil or dried parsley using half the amount
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overmixing the meat mixture which breaks down the protein strands and creates a tough dense texture
- Making meatballs of different sizes which causes some to overcook while others remain undercooked
- Skipping the internal temperature check and relying on color alone which can be misleading with turkey
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 290 calories, 34g protein, 8g carbs, 13g fat, 1g fiber.
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