Indulge in a delightful and easy culinary adventure with this simple turkey meatball recipe. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping, these meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. Serve them over pasta, rice, or incorporate into your favorite dishes for a satisfying meal.
If you don't have panko bread crumbs on hand, you can typically find them in the baking aisle or bread section of your supermarket. Ground turkey is readily available in the meat section. Fresh parsley might be in the produce section. The rest of the ingredients, like garlic powder, onion, and dried basil, are kitchen staples.
Ingredients For Easy Turkey Meatballs
ground turkey: Provides a lean protein base for the meatballs.
panko bread crumbs: Adds a light and airy texture to the meatballs, helping them retain moisture.
garlic powder: Enhances the savory flavor without the need for fresh garlic.
parsley: Fresh herb that adds a burst of color and freshness.
onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the meatballs.
eggs: Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together.
black pepper: Adds a hint of spiciness and enhances the overall flavor.
salt: Balances and elevates the other flavors.
dried basil: Brings an aromatic, slightly sweet flavor.
dried oregano: Adds a robust, earthy taste to the meatballs.
One reader, Chase Toliver says:
This easy turkey meatball recipe is fantastic! The meatballs are juicy and flavorful, and the recipe is so simple to follow. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. My family loved it!
Techniques Required for Making Turkey Meatballs
How to preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to reach the desired temperature before placing the meatballs inside.
How to combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, parsley, onion, eggs, black pepper, salt, dried basil, and dried oregano until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
How to line a baking pan with parchment paper: Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of your baking pan. Place the parchment paper on the pan to prevent the meatballs from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
How to divide and roll meatballs: Use your hands to divide the meat mixture into 1-inch portions. Roll each portion between your palms to form a ball.
How to bake meatballs: Place the rolled meatballs on the parchment-lined baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 28 to 30 minutes, or until they are just cooked through.
How To Make Easy Turkey Meatball
Our juicy turkey meatball works on a number of flavorful, savory dishes! They’re made with simple ingredients, and can be whipped up in under an hour.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2lbground turkey
- 1cuppanko bread crumbs
- 1tspgarlic powder
- ⅔cupparsley,fresh, chopped
- ½cuponion,minced
- 2eggs
- 1tspblack pepper
- ½tspsalt
- ½tspdried basil
- ½tspdried oregano
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Combine the turkey, bread crumbs, garlic powder, parsley, onion, eggs, pepper, salt, basil, and oregano in a large bowl. Mix just until combined.
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Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
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Divide the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs, rolling the meat into balls by hand.
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Bake for 28 to 30 minutes or just until cooked.
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Serve over pasta, rice, or other desired meals, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 34.83kcal
- Fat: 1.60g
- Saturated Fat: 0.42g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.54g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.44g
- Carbohydrates: 1.14g
- Fiber: 0.12g
- Sugar: 0.12g
- Protein: 3.96g
- Cholesterol: 18.92mg
- Sodium: 38.51mg
- Calcium: 8.81mg
- Potassium: 53.97mg
- Iron: 0.31mg
- Vitamin A: 9.78µg
- Vitamin C: 1.18mg
Technique Tip for Making Perfect Turkey Meatballs
To ensure your turkey meatballs are evenly cooked and maintain their shape, use a small ice cream scoop or a tablespoon to portion out the meat mixture. This will help you create uniform meatballs that cook at the same rate. Additionally, wet your hands slightly before rolling the meatballs to prevent the meat mixture from sticking to your fingers.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Turkey Meatballs
Pre-chop ingredients: Chop the onion and parsley in advance and store them in the fridge to save time when mixing.
Use a cookie scoop: Use a cookie scoop to quickly and evenly portion out the meatballs, ensuring they cook uniformly.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half of the meatballs for a quick meal later.
Preheat the oven: Start preheating the oven as soon as you begin gathering your ingredients to save time.
Mix gently: Over-mixing the meat mixture can make the meatballs tough. Mix just until combined.
Substitute Ingredients For Easy Turkey Meatball Recipe
ground turkey - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative.
panko bread crumbs - Substitute with regular bread crumbs: Regular bread crumbs can provide the same binding effect and texture.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced garlic: Minced garlic offers a fresher, more robust garlic flavor.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can add a fresh, slightly citrusy flavor similar to parsley.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the meatballs well.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) can act as a binder for those who are vegan or have egg allergies.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat level but a slightly different flavor profile.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.
dried basil - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil can provide a more vibrant and aromatic flavor.
dried oregano - Substitute with Italian seasoning: Italian seasoning contains oregano along with other herbs, adding a more complex flavor.
Best Way to Present Turkey Meatballs
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the turkey meatballs in smaller, bite-sized portions to create an elegant and refined appearance.
Use decoration: Garnish the plate with finely chopped parsley and a drizzle of balsamic reduction to add color and sophistication.
Elevate the plating: Place the turkey meatballs on a bed of creamy polenta or truffle mashed potatoes to provide a luxurious base.
Add texture: Incorporate a crispy element, such as parmesan crisps or toasted pine nuts, to contrast with the tender meatballs.
Highlight the sauce: Serve the turkey meatballs with a rich marinara sauce or a delicate white wine reduction to enhance the flavors.
Use elegant dishware: Present the dish on a sleek, white plate or a rustic wooden board to complement the aesthetic of the meal.
Create height: Stack the turkey meatballs in a pyramid shape or arrange them in a vertical line to add visual interest and dimension.
Incorporate fresh herbs: Top the dish with fresh basil leaves or a sprig of thyme to add a burst of freshness and aroma.
Add a pop of color: Include a side of roasted cherry tomatoes or a beet puree to introduce vibrant colors to the plate.
Finish with a flourish: Lightly dust the plate with smoked paprika or grated parmesan for a final touch of elegance and flavor.
Essential Tools for Making Turkey Meatballs
Oven: Used to bake the meatballs at 350 degrees f until they are cooked through.
Large bowl: Used to combine the turkey, bread crumbs, garlic powder, parsley, onion, eggs, pepper, salt, basil, and oregano.
Parchment paper: Lined on the baking pan to prevent the meatballs from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
Baking pan: Used to hold the meatballs while they bake in the oven.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the panko bread crumbs, parsley, and onion.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the garlic powder, black pepper, salt, dried basil, and dried oregano.
Mixing spoon: Used to mix the ingredients together until just combined.
Knife: Used to finely chop the parsley and onion.
Cutting board: Used as a surface to chop the parsley and onion.
Hands: Used to roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
Timer: Used to keep track of the baking time to ensure the meatballs are cooked for 28 to 30 minutes.
How To Store and Freeze Turkey Meatballs
- Allow the meatballs to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To freeze the meatballs, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
- Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Frozen meatballs can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- To reheat, place the frozen meatballs in a covered dish and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the meatballs in a saucepan with your favorite sauce over medium heat until warmed through.
- Avoid refreezing previously frozen and thawed meatballs, as this can affect their texture and quality.
How To Reheat Leftover Turkey Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain the meatballs' shape and texture while ensuring even heating.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the meatballs in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the meatballs to become rubbery.
If you want to add extra flavor and moisture to your leftover meatballs, simmer them in a pot of your favorite pasta sauce or broth. This method not only reheats the meatballs but also infuses them with additional taste and keeps them moist.
For a crispy exterior, reheat the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan and cook the meatballs, turning them occasionally, until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. This method works well if you plan to serve the meatballs as an appetizer or in a sandwich.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your leftover meatballs. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the meatballs in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through. This method provides a crispy exterior without the need for additional oil.
Random Fact About Turkey Meatballs
A random fact about this recipe is that using panko bread crumbs instead of regular bread crumbs gives the meatballs a lighter and crunchier texture, which helps them hold their shape better during baking.
Is This Turkey Meatball Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
This easy turkey meatball recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Using ground turkey instead of pricier meats like beef or lamb keeps costs down. Panko bread crumbs and common pantry spices like garlic powder, dried basil, and oregano are inexpensive. Fresh parsley and onion add flavor without breaking the bank. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $15-$18 USD. Overall verdict: 8/10.
Are Turkey Meatballs Healthy or Unhealthy?
This turkey meatball recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional beef meatballs. Turkey is a lean protein source, which means it is lower in saturated fat and calories compared to beef. The recipe also incorporates some nutritious ingredients, such as parsley and onion, which provide vitamins and minerals.
However, there are a few aspects of this recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- The recipe calls for a significant amount of bread crumbs, which can add unnecessary calories and carbohydrates. Consider reducing the amount of bread crumbs or using a whole-grain variety for added fiber.
- The salt content could be reduced to make the recipe more heart-healthy. Instead, try using more herbs and spices to enhance the flavor without relying on salt.
- The recipe does not include any vegetables, which are essential for a well-rounded, nutritious meal. Consider adding some finely chopped or grated vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, to the meatball mixture to boost the nutrient content.
To further enhance the healthiness of this recipe, you could:
- Use a combination of lean ground turkey breast and thigh meat for a balance of protein and moisture
- Incorporate more herbs and spices, such as fresh basil, thyme, or red pepper flakes, to add flavor without increasing calorie or sodium content
- Serve the meatballs with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to make it a complete, well-rounded meal
- Opt for a whole-grain pasta or rice to serve alongside the meatballs for added fiber and nutrients
- Use a low-sodium, homemade tomato sauce instead of store-bought varieties, which can be high in added sugars and salt
Editor's Thoughts on This Turkey Meatball Recipe
This turkey meatball recipe is straightforward and ideal for a quick, healthy meal. The use of panko bread crumbs ensures a light texture, while the combination of garlic powder, parsley, basil, and oregano provides a well-rounded flavor profile. Baking the meatballs at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 28 to 30 minutes is a convenient, hands-off cooking method. Serving suggestions like pasta or rice make it versatile. Overall, it's a balanced, easy-to-follow recipe that delivers delicious results.
Enhance Your Easy Turkey Meatball Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Easy Turkey Meatball Recipe:
This recipe is a must-try because it uses ground turkey for a leaner, healthier option without sacrificing flavor. The combination of panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, and fresh parsley ensures a deliciously seasoned meatball. The addition of onion and eggs helps keep the meatballs moist and tender. Baking at 350 degrees ensures they are cooked to perfection. Serve these versatile meatballs over pasta, rice, or any dish of your choice for a satisfying meal.
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