These baked turkey meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and a healthier take on a classic comfort dish. Packed with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan, they make the perfect meal for any time of day, and they’re baked to perfection in the oven for a lighter option. Whether served with marinara sauce, tossed over pasta, or nestled on top of a fresh salad, these turkey meatballs are sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey
1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 tablespoons milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray or additional olive oil for greasing
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, milk, garlic, olive oil, parsley, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix everything gently with your hands or a fork until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown on the bottom.
For a crispier exterior, broil the meatballs for 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time.
Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Variations
Gluten-Free: Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a gluten-free option.
Add Spices: If I want to mix things up, I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or a teaspoon of smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor.
Use Chicken: I can substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken if I prefer.
Cheese Options: For a twist, I like using a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella for a cheesy, gooey interior.
Storage/Reheating
These meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I simply place them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until warmed through. I can also reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, but baking them is the best way to retain their crisp texture. These meatballs are also freezer-friendly — just store them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until fully heated.
FAQs
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, I can prepare these meatballs a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge before baking, and bake them just before serving for the best results.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
I check if the meatballs are fully cooked by inserting a meat thermometer — the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If I don’t have a thermometer, I look for a golden brown color on the outside and clear juices when cut open.
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
I can! If I prefer a richer flavor, ground beef is a great alternative. Just keep in mind it will have a higher fat content, making it a less lean option.
Can I freeze cooked meatballs?
Absolutely! I can freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. I just let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. To reheat, bake them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I add vegetables to the meatballs?
Yes, I can! Finely diced vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms can be mixed into the meatball mixture for added nutrition. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture to avoid the mixture getting too wet.
Conclusion
These baked turkey meatballs are a simple, delicious, and healthier version of a classic comfort food. With minimal ingredients and a quick prep time, they’re perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Whether paired with pasta, salad, or even eaten on their own, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. And with the option to customize the flavors and ingredients, I can make them fit any dietary needs or personal tastes.
Recipe:
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Baked Turkey Meatballs
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
These baked turkey meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and a healthier take on a classic comfort dish. Packed with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan, they make the perfect meal for any time of day.
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey
1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 tablespoons milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray or additional olive oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, milk, garlic, olive oil, parsley, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything gently with your hands or a fork until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown on the bottom.
- For a crispier exterior, broil the meatballs for 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time.
- Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
Spices like red pepper flakes or smoked paprika can be added for extra flavor.
You can substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken if preferred.
For a cheesy interior, use a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella.
These meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
They are freezer-friendly and can be stored for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
