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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 have recently had gallbladder problems and now have a strict diet list. We wanted spaghetti and meatballs but turkey scares me… however I made this recipe and cooked then in olive oil, stove top and they are super yummy! I used whole wheat Ritz for the breading and that was ny only change! I’m freezing some for lunch and snacks!!!
I’m so happy you tried and loved them, Ashley! Take care! – Meggan
My ground turkey looks and feels like mush. Is this normal. I have never used it before.
Hi Artena, thanks for writing! Ground turkey can be softer than ground beef. Does it have a slimy texture or smell “off”? If so, it may be spoiled. Sorry about that! – Meggan
I never write reviews for recipes online, but just feel compelled to review this recipe because it’s PERFECT!!!! I followed the recipe exactly and the meatballs were amazing. Even my picky beef-obsessed kid ate these and loved them.
Thank you, Sara! It’s great that they love them! 🙌 – Meggan
I added a couple shots of hot sauce to boost the flavor and it was superb.
Sounds delicious! Thank you, Sheila! – Meggan
I’m hoping to try these tomorrow night and wondering if it’s necessary to fry them to be done. Will they be fully cooked with the above baking time alone, or would I need additional time in the oven if I wanted to skip the frying? Thanks!!
Hi Maelia, thanks for writing! There’s no need to fry, they will be done within the 15 to 20 minutes baking time at 400 degrees. I hope you love them! – Meggan
Love these meatballs, they’re so easy and flavourful! Could you please add the salt and pepper measurements to the ingredients list? I’ve missed them a couple times and it would be a huge help!
Hi Parker, thank you so much for the suggestion! I’ve updated the recipe card so it’s listed. Sorry about that and thanks again! – Meggan
Made these for dinner tonight. Delicious! Great recipe that I will be repeating. Thank you.
You’re welcome, Janet! I’m glad you loved them! – Meggan
Very good
Glad you enjoyed the, Mariam! – Meggan
So good! Made them for my toddler and almost devoured the entire 1lb worth of meatballs. Must save recipe!
So glad you loved them! I hope your toddler loved them, too! – Meggan
can grated parm be used for binder in place of crackers/panko/oats?
Hi Janet, I haven’t tried it myself. I reviewed what other readers shared and I didn’t see any that substituted it, only added it to the mix. Sorry about that. – Meggan