Turkey meatballs are the culinary equivalent of a cozy hug—everyone loves them, and they fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Imagine biting into tender, juicy meatballs bursting with flavor, perfectly seasoned and ready to be smothered in marinara sauce. satisfying casserole recipes perfect pairing with meatballs These delightful bites are ideal for weeknight dinners, parties, or even a lazy Sunday afternoon feast.
Every time I whip up a batch of turkey meatballs, I can’t help but reminisce about family gatherings where laughter filled the air and plates piled high with delicious food brought us all together. delicious ground beef recipes Whether served over spaghetti or nestled in a sub sandwich, these meatballs always steal the show. Get ready to embark on a flavor adventure that will have your taste buds dancing!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These turkey meatballs are quick to prepare and incredibly flavorful, making them perfect for busy weeknights
- Their golden-brown crust is visually appealing and adds texture to every bite
- You can easily swap ingredients based on dietary preferences or pantry availability
- Serve them as appetizers or main dishes—versatile enough for any occasion!
I remember one holiday dinner when my cousin claimed he could eat an entire plate of these turkey meatballs by himself—spoiler alert: he almost did! For more inspiration, check out this bangers and mash recipe recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey for a healthier option without sacrificing moisture and flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: Use plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs to bind the meatballs together while adding texture.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley gives the meatballs freshness and a pop of color—don’t skip it!
- Eggs: One egg helps bind everything together; make sure it’s at room temperature for better mixing.
- Garlic Powder: A must-have seasoning that adds depth; fresh garlic works too if you want more punch.
- Onion Powder: Enhances flavor without worrying about chopping onions—perfect for those lazy days!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds richness; use freshly grated cheese if possible for the best results.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that elevate flavors; adjust according to your taste preference. For more inspiration, check out this smashed potatoes recipe recipe.
- Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought variety or whip up a homemade version for extra love.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup after the culinary fun.
Mix Those Ingredients!: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan. Mix until just combined—hands work best here!
Sculpt the Meatballs!: Using your hands (or an ice cream scoop if you’re fancy), shape the mixture into balls about 1-2 inches in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake Until Golden Brown!: Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The delicious aroma will make you feel like a kitchen superstar.
Simmer in Marinara Sauce!: While the meatballs bake, warm your marinara sauce in a saucepan. Once baked, gently add the meatballs to the simmering sauce to soak up all that flavorful goodness.
Serve and Enjoy!: Serve these succulent turkey meatballs over pasta, in subs, or even on their own as an appetizer. Garnish with more chopped parsley or grated cheese if feeling extra generous!
And there you go! You’ve mastered the art of turkey meatball-making! Your friends and family will be begging for seconds—and maybe even thirds!
You Must Know
- Turkey meatballs are not just delicious; they’re also a leaner alternative to traditional beef
- The aromatic spices and fresh herbs create a delightful flavor explosion, making them perfect for family dinners or meal prep
- Their versatility allows for various sauces, keeping boredom at bay
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve juicy turkey meatballs, start by mixing the ingredients evenly, then shape them before baking or pan-frying. This ensures they cook uniformly and stay moist inside.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap breadcrumbs for oats or add grated vegetables like zucchini for extra nutrition. Spice up the flavors with unique seasonings like smoked paprika or fresh parsley.
Storing & Reheating
Store cooked turkey meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring they remain tender.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use ground turkey with some fat content for juicier meatballs
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture; otherwise, you’ll end up with tough meatballs
- Let them rest after cooking to enhance flavor and texture
Sharing my first experience making turkey meatballs reminds me of laughter-filled kitchen chaos when my friends joined me, creating our own flavorful disaster while experimenting!
FAQ
What can I serve with turkey meatballs?
Pair turkey meatballs with spaghetti, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. refreshing salad options.
Can I freeze turkey meatballs?
Yes, freeze cooked or uncooked turkey meatballs in an airtight container for up to three months.
How do I know when turkey meatballs are done?
Turkey meatballs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Turkey Meatballs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 4 people 1x
Description
Turkey meatballs are a delicious, healthy alternative to traditional beef meatballs, delivering a satisfying bite with every flavor-packed morsel. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, these juicy turkey meatballs can be served with marinara sauce over spaghetti, as a delightful sub sandwich filling, or enjoyed on their own as appetizers. They come together quickly and easily, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Parmesan. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-2 inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- While baking, warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan. Once cooked, add meatballs to the sauce and simmer briefly.
- Serve over pasta or in subs with additional parsley or cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (about 150g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
