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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.
I’m an oddity and really need chicken, turkey and fish recipes. I was found to be so allergic to red meat I wasn’t allowed to leave the office that did my tests until my epipen was delivered.
Hi Janette, thanks for taking the time to write. I hope you love these meatballs! Here are some links for seafood, chicken, and turkey recipes. Please write again if you have any questions! – Meggan
https://cash-surge.live/eats/fish-and-seafood-recipes/%3C/a%3E%3Cbr /> https://cash-surge.live/tag/chicken/%3C/a%3E%3Cbr /> https://cash-surge.live/tag/turkey/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
I love these! I make them in bulk as part of my lunch food prep. I make 3x the recipe. Freeze and then meal prep with roasted broccoli for a healthy delicious lunch option.
Wonderful! I’m so glad you enjoy them! – Meggan
Hi! I love your turkey meatball recipe! How long do you cook the meatballs after freezing? (I froze them uncooked)
Hi Alexa, I’m so glad you love it! To bake them from frozen, 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
Hi, the recipe looks healthy and great!
Would it be possible for me to make the meatballs a few hours in advance and refrigerate until baking?
Hi Hannah, yes! Absolutely. Hope you love them! – Meggan
Sooooo good!!! Didn’t have parsley or basil and they were still mouth watering! A new family favorite 💖
So glad you loved them, Nichole! – Meggan
Super easy and super yummy! Love it with the oats & fresh parsley. Thanks!
You’re welcome, Sharon! – Meggan
Made this today. Super yummy! My 5 years picky eater approved!
I love to hear that we’re kid approved 🙂 Thanks for sharing! – Meggan
My family loves these meatballs!
That’s great to hear, Beth! Thank you for sharing 🙂 – Meggan
I literally finished eating these turkey meatballs half hour ago. So so good. I cut the recipe in half because I only had one pound of turkey meat. I had no Worcetershire sauce. I made them using one cup of rolled oats, ground. I baked them in the oven. Made a side of stir-fried yellow peppers, onions and brussels sprouts. OMG! These are so good. I have been looking for a good turkey meatball recipe. Will definitely buy the sauce for next time. I’m wondering what kind of flavour it will add. Delicious!
Sounds delicious, Mary Lou. Come back after you make them with the sauce and let me know what you think! – Meggan
How long do I cook the raw frozen meatballs for?
I have never frozen raw meatballs, I always bake them immediately and then freeze. Personally, I would thaw them, brush them with olive oil, and then bake them at 400 degrees until they reach 165 degrees, about 15 to 20 minutes. I don’t know the baking time or temp to bake them raw from frozen. Thanks! – Meggan