This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through those links (at no extra cost to you).
Leaner than beef, these Turkey Meatballs are healthy, packed with flavor, and incredibly moist on the inside. A combination of fresh and dried herbs give these meatballs an Italian flare while also providing a balance of flavors.
Try your ground turkey in my favorite turkey tacos or turkey chili! You might also enjoy my homemade rotisserie chicken recipe or copycat Chipotle Chicken, a long time reader favorite.
Good and good for you, these meatballs freeze beautifully and can be reheated in no time.
To sauce or not to sauce, I leave that up to you!
What are the benefits of eating turkey?
Turkey is like the underrated protein powerhouse. It sure packs a nutritional punch by providing a high amount of protein, a low amount of fat, and a number of vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin B6, and niacin, which are essential for the body’s energy production.
How long do you cook turkey meatballs?
The length of time varies based on the size of the meatball and cooking method. Just keep in mind turkey is poultry, so cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees on an instant-read thermometer.
How do you keep the meatballs from falling apart?
Eggs. In the case of meatballs, the egg’s job is simply to act as a binder. For every pound of meat, one egg is the perfect amount.
What’s the best method to get equal portions?
The easiest method is to use a small ice cream scoop. Not only does this give you equal portions, but creates the round shape you’re looking for. If you would like an even more precise measurement, scoop and place on your kitchen scale. Your looking for a 1 ½ ounce measurement for each meatball.
How do you freeze and reheat the meatballs?
- Scoop, cook, cool, and line the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Place in the freezer for 1 hour, or until solid.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container, label, date, and keep for up to one month.
To reheat, place on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and bake in a 300-degree oven for 15 minutes, or until heated through.
If you would like to reheat in your favorite sauce, simply place the meatballs in with the sauce and cook over low heat for 10 minutes, or until heated through.
More From Culinary Hill
Join Us
Turkey Meatballs
Equipment
- Baking sheet (I love Nordic Ware!)
- Mixing bowl (I recommend using these nesting bowls from Amazon)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground turkey 93% lean
- 1 cup bread crumbs or panko or rolled oats
- 2/3 cup minced onion
- 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
- 2 eggs
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for frying)
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 (I like to wear latex gloves), mix well. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls (you should have around 48 total).
To bake the meatballs:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Coat a wire rack with nonstick spray and set on prepared baking sheet.
- Arrange meatballs on rack, brush with oil, and bake until browned with crispy edges, about 15 to 20 minutes (an internal thermometer should read 165 degrees for 15 seconds).
To fry the meatballs:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides and the meatballs are cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes per batch (an internal thermometer should read 165 degrees for 15 seconds). Add more oil between batches if the skillet looks dry.
To freeze the meatballs:
- Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet, not touching. Freeze until solid, about 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and store up to 1 month.
These were great! I made half a batch, using 1 lb of ground turkey. It made 25 nice sized meatballs. Need to mince onions a bit finer next time! (This might be my second comment – sorry!)
Hi Carolyn, no worries! I’m glad you loved them! – Meggan
Such tasty meatballs! I baked mine in the oven and they were just right. Will mince the onion a little finer next time!
Hi Carolyn! I’m glad you loved them! – Meggan
Fry the onions (sweat them off) with the garlic first. Also you can test a little by frying the mixture for seasoning etc
Absolutely love this recipe
Thanks Jenns! – Meggan
This is the best turkey meatball recipe I’ve tried! Perfect flavor and texture. I cooked mine in a big pan of sauce and they were so delicious!
Thanks Amanda, I’m so glad you like them! – Meggan
Hey the meatballs in your picture did you bake or fry them
The meatballs on the baking sheet were baked in the oven! You can bake or fry this recipe though. – Meggan
Delicious recipe, 100% recommend
Thank you Sharon! – Meggan
About to attempt this but have a question. I want to make larger sized meatballs, my kids like to be able to cut them up. I halved the recipe cuz I only had 1lb of turkey. Instead of 24 balls I made 16. We will see how it goes. But for future reference, any tips on baking/cooking time if the balls are 1/3 or 1/2 larger size than your recipe? I’m going to try cooking for a little longer on a lower temp.
Hi Sarah, I usually just cook the meatballs for less time if they are larger, so it sounds like it would work if you wanted to cook them longer and at a lower temperature, but I haven’t tried it myself with larger meatballs. I hope your kids love them! – Meggan
These were delicious 😋
Thank you Lauren! – Meggan
I made these meatballs for my Italian wedding soup..added romano cheese to the mixture..they were perfect!!
Sounds delicious Peggy, so glad you enjoyed! Thanks – Meggan
Love this recipe! I was wondering how to cook them after freezing them.
Hi Kara, place them on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and bake in a 300-degree oven for 15 minutes, or until heated through. If you would like to reheat in your favorite sauce, simply place the meatballs in with the sauce and cook over low heat for 10 minutes, or until heated through. Hope this helps! – Meggan