Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
Baked turkey meatballs are a healthier alternative to traditional beef or pork versions, offering a lean and flavorful option for any meal. These meatballs are tender, juicy, and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
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
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1/2 tablespoon of the olive oil. Allow it to heat.
- Step 2: Add the minced onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Step 3: In a bowl, combine the cooked onions and garlic with breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Step 4: Add the ground turkey and mix gently with your hands, being careful not to overmix to avoid tough meatballs.
- Step 5: Shape the mixture into meatballs using about 2 tablespoons of meat per ball. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Step 6: Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Step 7: Optional: Turn on the broiler and broil the meatballs for 2-3 minutes to brown the tops if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra moisture, add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese or a splash of chicken broth to the mixture.
- Try swapping Italian seasoning for your favorite herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Serve with marinara sauce and spaghetti for a classic meal or enjoy as an appetizer with a dipping sauce.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked meatballs 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 produce similarly tender meatballs.
How do I prevent meatballs from drying out?
Be careful not to overmix the meat and avoid overbaking. Adding a bit of milk or grated cheese also helps keep them moist.
Print
Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 18 meatballs 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for baked turkey meatballs, featuring sautéed onions and garlic mixed with ground turkey and Italian seasonings, baked to perfection and optionally broiled for a golden finish.
Ingredients
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
- Preheat the Oven and Heat Oil: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1/2 tablespoon of the olive oil, allowing it to warm up.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the minced onion to the hot skillet and sauté until translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked onions and garlic with breadcrumbs, egg, whole milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the mixture and gently mix with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to prevent the meatballs from becoming tough.
- Form Meatballs: Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll it into a ball. Place each meatball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture, spacing meatballs evenly.
- Bake Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Optional Broil for Browning: For a browned and slightly crispy exterior, switch the oven to broil and broil the meatballs for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs are fully cooked.
- Breadcrumbs help to bind the meat and keep meatballs moist.
- Baking instead of frying reduces fat content.
- Olive oil adds healthy fats and helps with sautéing onions and garlic.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: turkey meatballs, baked meatballs, healthy meatballs, Italian seasoning, ground turkey, easy dinner
