Snacks

Turkey Meatballs

Name: Turkey Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 20 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground turkey; 1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh basil; 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh oregano; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup (250g) marinara sauce

By Lena Carmody · June 19, 2026 · Snacks

Prep20 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves20

As a home cook, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are both easy to make and packed with flavor. That's why I love making Turkey Meatballs - they're the perfect combination of protein, taste, and convenience. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a meal that's easy to prepare, these meatballs are a great option. In this recipe, I'll show you how to make Turkey Meatballs from scratch, with a focus on flavor and texture that's sure to please.

I've always been a fan of meatballs, but I found that many recipes were either too complicated or didn't have enough flavor. That's why I decided to create my own recipe, using ground turkey as the base and adding in some key ingredients to give it a boost of flavor. The result is a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that's perfect for any occasion.

One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve the meatballs on their own as a snack, or add them to a pasta dish or sub sandwich for a quick and easy meal. You can also customize the recipe to suit your tastes, by adding in different herbs and spices or using different types of meat. Whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll love the flavor and texture of these Turkey Meatballs.

In addition to being delicious, this recipe is also relatively healthy. Ground turkey is a lean protein, and by using it as the base of the meatballs, we can keep the fat content low. We're also using plenty of vegetables and herbs to add flavor, which helps to reduce the need for salt and sugar. Overall, this recipe is a great option for anyone looking for a healthy and flavorful meal or snack.

So, let's get started! In this recipe, we'll cover everything you need to know to make delicious Turkey Meatballs from scratch. From the ingredients and equipment you'll need, to the step-by-step instructions and tips for customizing the recipe, we'll cover it all. By the end of this recipe, you'll be a pro at making Turkey Meatballs, and you'll have a delicious and easy-to-make recipe to add to your collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
The meatballs are packed with flavor and have a great texture
You can customize the recipe to suit your tastes by adding different herbs and spices
The recipe is relatively healthy, using lean ground turkey and plenty of vegetables
You can serve the meatballs on their own or add them to a pasta dish or sub sandwich for a quick and easy meal
The recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion
You can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer for later use

Why This Recipe Works

So, what makes this recipe work so well? For starters, we're using a combination of ground turkey and breadcrumbs to give the meatballs a nice texture. The turkey provides plenty of protein, while the breadcrumbs help to keep the meatballs moist and add some extra flavor. We're also using a blend of herbs and spices to give the meatballs a boost of flavor, including parsley, basil, and oregano.

In addition to the ingredients, the cooking method is also important. We're baking the meatballs in the oven, which helps to cook them evenly and prevents them from drying out. By cooking them at a moderate temperature, we can ensure that the outside is nice and brown, while the inside remains juicy and flavorful.

Another key factor in this recipe is the use of a marinara sauce. By simmering the meatballs in the sauce, we can add even more flavor to the dish and help to keep the meatballs moist. The acidity in the tomatoes also helps to break down the proteins in the meat, making it even more tender and flavorful.

Overall, the combination of ingredients, cooking method, and marinara sauce all come together to create a delicious and flavorful recipe that's sure to please. Whether you're serving the meatballs on their own or adding them to a pasta dish or sub sandwich, this recipe is a great option for anyone looking for a tasty and convenient meal or snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few key ingredients. We'll be using ground turkey as the base of the meatballs, along with some breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings. We'll also be using a blend of herbs and spices to give the meatballs a boost of flavor, including parsley, basil, and oregano. Finally, we'll be simmering the meatballs in a marinara sauce to add even more flavor to the dish.

When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality ground turkey that is lean and has a good texture. You'll also want to select a good-quality marinara sauce that is made with fresh ingredients and has a rich, tangy flavor. With these ingredients, you'll be well on your way to making delicious Turkey Meatballs that are sure to please.

1 lb (450g) ground turkeyChoose a lean ground turkey with a good texture, and be sure to handle it gently to avoid compacting it
1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbsUse plain breadcrumbs, and be sure to toast them in the oven for a few minutes to give them a nutty flavor
1 eggUse a large egg, and be sure to beat it well before adding it to the mixture
1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsleyChoose fresh parsley with a good flavor and texture, and be sure to chop it finely before adding it to the mixture
1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh basilChoose fresh basil with a good flavor and texture, and be sure to chop it finely before adding it to the mixture
1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh oreganoChoose fresh oregano with a good flavor and texture, and be sure to chop it finely before adding it to the mixture
1/2 tsp (2g) saltUse a good-quality salt with a fine texture, and be sure to use it sparingly to avoid over-salting the meatballs
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperUse a good-quality black pepper with a fine texture, and be sure to use it sparingly to avoid over-peppering the meatballs
1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheeseChoose a good-quality Parmesan cheese with a nutty flavor, and be sure to grate it finely before adding it to the mixture
1 cup (250g) marinara sauceChoose a good-quality marinara sauce with a rich, tangy flavor, and be sure to heat it up before adding the meatballs

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlMeatball scoop or small ice cream scoopBaking sheet lined with parchment paperOvenInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Turkey Meatballs

1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C)
2
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined
3
Use the meatball scoop or small ice cream scoop to form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. You should end up with around 20-25 meatballs
4
Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one to allow for even cooking
5
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
6
While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a large saucepan over medium-low heat
7
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and carefully place them in the saucepan with the marinara sauce
8
Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for 5-7 minutes, or until they are fully coated and heated through
9
Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired
10
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatballs, especially when they are done baking and after they have been simmered in the sauce

Expert Tips

Make sure to handle the ground turkey gently to avoid compacting it, which can make the meatballs dense and heavy
Don't overmix the meat mixture, as this can also make the meatballs dense and heavy
Use a good-quality marinara sauce with a rich, tangy flavor to add depth and complexity to the dish
Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can cause the meatballs to steam instead of brown. If necessary, bake them in batches
Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving, which can help them to retain their juices and flavor
Experiment with different herbs and spices to find the combination that you like best
Consider making a double batch of the meatballs and freezing them for later use. Simply thaw and reheat in the marinara sauce when you're ready to serve

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the meat mixture, which can make the meatballs dense and heavy
Not handling the ground turkey gently, which can also make the meatballs dense and heavy
Not using a good-quality marinara sauce, which can result in a bland and unappetizing dish
Overcrowding the baking sheet, which can cause the meatballs to steam instead of brown
Not letting the meatballs rest before serving, which can cause them to dry out and lose their flavor
Not using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatballs, which can result in undercooked or overcooked meatballs

Variations and Substitutions

Try using different types of meat, such as ground beef or pork, to create a unique flavor profile
Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as thyme or rosemary, to add depth and complexity to the dish
Add some heat to the meatballs by incorporating diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes
Use a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone, to add a unique flavor and texture
Try serving the meatballs with a different type of sauce, such as BBQ or teriyaki, to create a unique flavor profile
Consider adding some chopped vegetables, such as onions or bell peppers, to the meat mixture to add extra flavor and nutrition

What to Serve With Turkey Meatballs

Serve the Turkey Meatballs hot, garnished with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired. They're perfect as a snack or appetizer, and can also be served as part of a larger meal. Consider serving them with a side of pasta, garlic bread, or a green salad for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Some other ideas for serving the meatballs include adding them to a sub sandwich, serving them as part of a meatball sub, or using them as a topping for a pizza. You could also try serving them with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts, for a healthy and flavorful meal.

Serve with pasta and marinara sauceAdd to a sub sandwich for a meatball subUse as a topping for pizzaServe with a side of roasted vegetablesAdd to a salad for a protein-packed mealServe with garlic bread for a satisfying snack

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The Turkey Meatballs can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, simply place the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer.

To reheat the meatballs, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and then reheat them in the marinara sauce over medium-low heat. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause them to dry out.

It's also possible to make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer before cooking. Simply prepare the meat mixture and shape it into meatballs, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate or freeze until you're ready to bake them.

When reheating the meatballs, be sure to heat them to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, especially when reheating frozen meatballs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to cook the Turkey Meatballs?

The best way to cook the Turkey Meatballs is to bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also simmer them in marinara sauce on the stovetop or in the oven for added flavor

Can I make the Turkey Meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Turkey Meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer before cooking. Simply prepare the meat mixture and shape it into meatballs, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate or freeze until you're ready to bake them

How do I reheat the Turkey Meatballs?

To reheat the Turkey Meatballs, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and then reheat them in the marinara sauce over medium-low heat. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause them to dry out

Can I freeze the Turkey Meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze the Turkey Meatballs for up to 2 months. To freeze, simply place the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer

What is the internal temperature of the Turkey Meatballs when they are cooked?

The internal temperature of the Turkey Meatballs should be at least 165°F (74°C) when they are cooked. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, especially when reheating frozen meatballs

Can I use different types of meat to make the meatballs?

Yes, you can use different types of meat to make the meatballs, such as ground beef or pork. Simply substitute the ground turkey with the meat of your choice and proceed with the recipe as instructed

How do I prevent the Turkey Meatballs from drying out?

To prevent the Turkey Meatballs from drying out, be sure to handle the ground turkey gently and don't overmix the meat mixture. You should also avoid overcooking the meatballs, and make sure to let them rest for a few minutes before serving

Can I make the marinara sauce from scratch?

Yes, you can make the marinara sauce from scratch using canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Simply sauté the garlic and herbs in olive oil, then add the canned tomatoes and simmer the sauce for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally

The Full Recipe

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