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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.
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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.
Super easy and quick to make. It’s a winner here at home, thank u so much!
Hi Thayane, I’m so glad you loved them! You’re welcome! – Meggan
I made this today. I really liked it. Not only that, I have a suggestion.
In your instructions, you should make it clear the oil is only required if you intend to fry the meatballs.
Hi Bob, thank you! I’m glad you loved them! – Meggan
Thanks for a great recipe! These were so easy to make and everyone enjoyed them. Definitely will make again!
I’m so happy you loved them, Lynn! Thanks for writing, take care! – Meggan
Delicious
I’m so happy you loved it, Thayane! – Meggan
Just made the meatballs…Thank you so much for sharing with us your recipe it was soooo good!!! All my meatballs disappeared in a second and I got so many compliments (of course I said it isn’t mine and I shared your recipe 😍)
You’re so welcome, Ulia! Thank you for the lovely comment! I’m glad it was a hit. Take care! – Meggan
Very tasty. Did not fall apart. Followed directions and it worked.
I’m so glad you loved them, Michele! Thank you and take care! – Meggan
These look great! I’m not a huge fan of Worcestershire sauce. Is there anything I can use as a substitute that won’t distort the taste?
Hi Jaqueline, thank you for your question! I would recommend soy sauce, but other readers have used liquid smoke, liquid aminos, or have omitted it. Please write back after you make them! – Meggan
Really tasty. Thanks!
You’re welcome, Alex! Take care! – Meggan
For the freezing instructions: Do you freeze them before or after cooking?
Hi jenn, I prefer to freeze them after cooking and cooling. If you choose to freeze them uncooked, no need to thaw and place on a baking sheet, brush with oil, cover with foil, and bake in a 300-degree oven for 20-25 minutes, or until thoroughly cooked. (You’ll want them to reach 165 degrees in the middle). Hope you love them! – Meggan
If I use rolled oats do I grind the oats 1st?
Hi Jamie, if you use oats, they can just be added as is. Other readers have commented that they threw them in the food processor first, so it’s really a personal preference. Please let me know if you have any more questions, I’m happy to help! – Meggan