Let’s talk about turkey meatballs, because they’re the dinner hero you might not have expected.
They’re tender, packed with a quiet kind of flavor, and honestly, they’re just good food that makes you feel good.
Why These Meatballs Work So Well
Sometimes ground turkey gets a bad rap for being a bit, well, bland.
But that’s actually its secret superpower—it’s a perfect canvas for all the garlic, herbs, and savory notes you’re about to add.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to something delicious. Here’s what you’ll need.
- Ground Turkey (93% lean): The lean star of the show, providing a lighter base that still stays incredibly moist.
- Bread Crumbs, Panko, or Rolled Oats: Your choice of binder here, adding structure and helping to lock in all those juices.
- Minced Onion & Garlic: The essential aromatic foundation, building deep, savory flavor from the inside out.
- Minced Fresh Parsley: Brings a pop of fresh, green brightness that really lifts everything up.
- Eggs: They’re the crucial binder, holding your meatballs together beautifully.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A tiny dash adds a complex, umami-rich depth that makes the flavor sing.
- Dried Basil & Oregano: These classic dried herbs give that warm, Italian-inspired character we all love.
- Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: The simple, non-negotiable seasonings that make all the other ingredients taste more like themselves.
- Olive Oil: For brushing or frying, creating that gorgeous, golden-brown exterior.
How to make Turkey Meatballs?
The process is straightforward, really, and kind of satisfying. Let’s walk through it.
Step 1 – Combine Everything
In a large bowl, add your ground turkey, bread crumbs, onion, parsley, eggs, garlic, Worcestershire, and all the herbs and spices.
Now, roll up your sleeves, or pop on some kitchen gloves if you prefer, and mix it all together with your hands until it’s just combined.
Step 2 – Shape the Meatballs
This is where you get into a rhythm. Scoop up portions of the mixture and gently roll them into 1-inch balls.
A small cookie scoop is a fantastic helper here, ensuring each meatball is the same size for even cooking.
Step 3 – Choose Your Cooking Method
You have two fantastic options here, and both yield delicious results. Baking is my go-to for hands-off ease.
Preheat your oven to 400°F, arrange the meatballs on a rack over a baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes.
Step 4 – The Alternative: Pan-Frying
If you’re craving a crispier exterior, pan-frying is the way. Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the meatballs in batches, turning them to get a beautiful brown crust all over, for about 5-7 minutes per batch.
Step 5 – The Only Rule That Matters
No matter which method you choose, the most important thing is temperature.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the very center of a meatball has reached 165°F. Then you know they’re perfectly safe and juicy.
Simple Swaps and Tweaks
Don’t have an ingredient? No worries, cooking is flexible. Here are a few easy ideas.
If you’re out of breadcrumbs, that half-bag of rolled oats in the pantry works wonderfully, just give them a quick pulse in the blender.
And for a little twist, try swapping the dried herbs for two tablespoons of a good Italian seasoning blend—it’s a fantastic shortcut.
Tips
- Don’t Overmix: Once the ingredients are incorporated, stop. Overworking the meat can lead to tough, dense meatballs.
- Keep Your Hands Damp: If the mixture starts sticking to your palms, lightly dampen your hands with water. The meatballs will form much more smoothly.
- Test a Single Meatball: Before cooking the whole batch, pan-fry one tiny tester. You can adjust the seasoning of the main mixture if needed.
- Let Them Rest: After baking or frying, let the meatballs sit for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist.
Your Dinner, Your Way
The beauty of these meatballs is their versatility. They’re fantastic just as they are, maybe with a little sprinkle of Parmesan.
But they also swim happily in a pool of marinara, nestle into a sub roll, or top a bowl of zucchini noodles. It’s completely up to you.
Freezing for Future You
This is the best part, truly. These meatballs freeze like a dream, making a future busy night so much easier.
After cooking, let them cool completely, then spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid.
Once frozen, toss them all into a freezer bag. They’ll keep for about a month, ready to be reheated directly in sauce or in the oven.
Ground Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Description
Leaner than beef and bursting with Italian-inspired herbs, these Turkey Meatballs are moist, tender, and packed with high-quality protein. Perfect for meal prep, freezing, or serving with your favorite pasta or sauce. Healthy never tasted this good!
ingredients
Instructions
To make the meatballs:
-
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, bread crumbs, onion, parsley, eggs, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
-
Using a strong spatula or your hands (latex gloves recommended), mix well. Shape into 1-inch balls (yields about 48 meatballs).
To bake the meatballs:
-
Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Coat rack with nonstick spray.
-
Arrange meatballs on the rack, brush lightly with olive oil, and bake 15–20 minutes until browned and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
To fry the meatballs:
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry meatballs in batches, turning to brown all sides, about 5–7 minutes per batch, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
To freeze the meatballs:
-
Arrange uncooked or cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid (about 1 hour), then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Store up to 1 month.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 220kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10g16%
- Saturated Fat 2.5g13%
- Cholesterol 105mg35%
- Sodium 480mg20%
- Potassium 320mg10%
- Total Carbohydrate 9g3%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 24g48%
- Calcium 4 mg
- Iron 15 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Want extra moisture? Add 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan or a splash of milk to the mix.
- Gluten-free? Use rolled oats or certified GF panko instead of regular bread crumbs.
- Make ahead: These freeze beautifully—perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
- Serving idea: Toss with marinara and spaghetti, or serve in a sub roll with melted mozzarella.
