Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

These baked turkey meatballs are a flavorful and healthy alternative to traditional beef meatballs. Easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner, they come out tender and juicy with a delicious blend of herbs and spices.

Ingredients

• 2 and 1/2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1/4 cup minced onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1 Tbsp. whole milk
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground pepper
• 1 lb. ground turkey

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1/2 tablespoon of the olive oil to heat.
2. Step 2: Add the minced onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine the cooked onions and garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Step 4: Add the ground turkey to the bowl and mix well with your hands, being careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
5. Step 5: Shape the mixture into meatballs using about 2 tablespoons of meat for each. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Step 6: Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.
7. Step 7: For a browned finish, turn on the broiler and broil the meatballs for 2-3 minutes, watching closely.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, try substituting half the ground turkey with ground chicken or adding a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese.
• Serve with marinara sauce and spaghetti for a classic meal or with a side of roasted vegetables for a lighter option.
• If you prefer, add chopped fresh parsley or basil for a fresh herb flavor.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave until heated through. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works well as a substitute and will yield similar results. Just be sure to check cooking times as they may vary slightly.

How do I prevent the meatballs from drying out?

Be careful not to overmix the meat mixture and avoid overbaking. Adding a little milk or a small amount of grated cheese can also help keep them moist.

Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 104 reviews

These Baked Turkey Meatballs are a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional meatballs. Made with lean ground turkey, sautéed onions and garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of milk and egg for moisture, these meatballs are baked to perfection for a tender and juicy texture. Perfect as a main dish or added to your favorite pasta or sauce, they offer a delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort meal with a lighter twist.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20 meatballs 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Meatball Mixture

• 2 and 1/2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1/4 cup minced onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1 Tbsp. whole milk
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground pepper
• 1 lb. ground turkey

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Skillet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1/2 tablespoon of the olive oil. Allow the oil to heat up properly.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced onion to the heated skillet and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine thoroughly.
4. Add Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the mixture. Using your hands, gently mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix to prevent tough meatballs.
5. Shape Meatballs: Take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a meatball. Place each meatball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Broil to Brown (Optional): For a nicely browned exterior, turn on the broiler and broil the meatballs for 2-3 minutes until the tops are golden and slightly crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Notes

• Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
• Use parchment paper on the baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
• These meatballs can be served with marinara sauce, pasta, or in a sub sandwich.
• Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Keywords: baked turkey meatballs, healthy meatballs, turkey dinner, Italian seasoning, lean ground turkey, easy meatballs, oven baked meatballs