This recipe for Juicy Baked Turkey Meatballs is your new go-to for a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile meal. These meatballs are packed with savory seasonings and fresh herbs, and baking them instead of frying makes them wonderfully light and tender, not to mention cleanup is a breeze. They come out perfectly moist and juicy every time, ready to be tossed in your favorite sauce or served as a simple, protein-packed snack.
Perfect for meal prep, a quick weeknight dinner, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is a true kitchen staple. You can pair them with pasta and marinara, stuff them into a sub, or serve them with a dipping sauce—the possibilities are endless!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy & Lean: A fantastic, lighter alternative to traditional beef meatballs.
- Quick & Easy: Simple to mix and bake, with minimal hands-on time.
- Juicy & Flavorful: Expertly seasoned to ensure they are never dry or bland.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch to use in various meals throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Ground Turkey (93/7 lean is recommended)
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/2 Yellow Onion, finely grated
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, finely chopped
- 2 large Eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup Milk
- 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, grated onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, eggs, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Mix Gently: Use your hands to gently mix all the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
- Shape the Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. Place them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Serve the meatballs immediately with your favorite sauce, or let them cool and store for later use.
Tips & Variations
- Pro Tip: For the juiciest meatballs, use 93/7 ground turkey. Leaner ground turkey (99/1) can become dry more easily. Grating the onion also adds moisture and flavor without a chunky texture.
- Add Veggies: Finely shred a zucchini or carrot and squeeze out the excess moisture before adding it to the meat mixture for extra nutrients.
- Make them Gluten-Free: Simply substitute the panko with your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Different Herbs: Feel free to use other fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a different flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How do I know when the meatballs are cooked?
- The best way is to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). They should also be firm to the touch and lightly browned.
- How do I store and reheat leftovers?
- Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in sauce on the stovetop, or in the microwave.
- Can I freeze these meatballs?
- Yes, they freeze beautifully. Let the baked meatballs cool completely, then place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
- These turkey meatballs are incredibly versatile. Toss them with marinara sauce and serve over spaghetti, place them in a hoagie roll for a meatball sub, or serve them as an appetizer with a sweet chili or BBQ dipping sauce.
Baked Turkey Meatballs
Tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned baked turkey meatballs. Made with simple ingredients like breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, and eggs, these meatballs are flavorful, healthy, and family-friendly. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray a medium baking dish with pan spray and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1½–2 inch balls and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the tops are lightly browned.
Notes
You can use regular breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning if you don’t have Italian breadcrumbs. Serve with pasta, rice, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
