Print

Baked Turkey Meatballs 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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