turkey meatballs
These flavorful turkey meatballs are a healthy twist on the classic recipe, using lean turkey instead of beef. They’re easy to make and perfect for serving with spaghetti, adding to a sub sandwich, or enjoying on their own.
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 parchment paper or cooking spray
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 large skillet or saucepan
- 1 cooking thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- ½ cup breadcrumbs Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional.
- 1 cup marinara sauce For serving.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat it with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Mix all the ingredients together until well blended, but be careful not to overmix as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Once the meatballs are done, add them to the marinara sauce and allow them to simmer for about 5 minutes to soak up the flavor.
- Serve hot with spaghetti, in a sub sandwich, or on their own, garnished with extra parsley or Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
You can customize the flavor by adding your favorite herbs or spices.
These meatballs freeze well; simply bake, let them cool, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.