Turkey Meatballs

Leaner than beef, these Turkey Meatballs are healthy, packed with flavor, and incredibly moist on the inside. A combination of fresh and dried herbs give these meatballs an Italian flare while also providing a balance of flavors.

Good and good for you, these meatballs freeze beautifully and can be reheated in no time.

To sauce or not to sauce, I leave that up to you!

What are the benefits of eating turkey?

Turkey is like the underrated protein powerhouse. It sure packs a nutritional punch by providing a high amount of protein, a low amount of fat, and a number of vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin B6, and niacin, which are essential for the body’s energy production.

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How long do you cook turkey meatballs?

The length of time varies based on the size of the meatball and cooking method. Just keep in mind turkey is poultry, so cook until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees on an instant read thermometer. The carry-over cooking will bring it up to the required 165 degrees.

How do you keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Eggs. In the case of meatballs, the egg’s job is simply to act as a binder. For every pound of meat, one egg is the perfect amount.

What’s the best method to get equal portions?

The easiest method is to use a small ice cream scoop. Not only does this give you equal portions, but creates the round shape you’re looking for. If you would like an even more precise measurement, scoop and place on your kitchen scale. Your looking for a 1 ½ ounce measurement for each meatball.

How do you freeze and reheat the meatballs?

1. Scoop, cook, cool, and line the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet.
2. Place in the freezer for 1 hour, or until solid.
3. Transfer to a freezer safe container, label, date, and keep for up to one month.

To reheat, place on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and bake in 300 degree oven for 15 minutes, or until heated through.

If you would like to reheat in your favorite sauce, simply place the meatballs in with the sauce and cook over low heat for 10 minutes, or until heated through.

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Turkey Meatballs

Leaner than beef, these Turkey Meatballs are healthy, packed with flavor, and incredibly moist on the inside. A combination of fresh and dried herbs give these meatballs an Italian flare while also providing a balance of flavors. Good and good for you, these meatballs freeze beautifully and can be reheated in no time. To sauce or not to sauce, I leave that up to you!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 248 kcal

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground turkey 93% lean
• 1 cup bread crumbs or panko or rolled oats
• 2/3 cup onion minced
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley minced
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

To make the meatballs:

1. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, bread crumbs, onion, parsley, eggs, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, basil, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. 

2. Using a strong spatula or your hands (I like to wear latex gloves), mix well. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls (you should have around 48 total).
   

To bake the meatballs:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Coat a wire rack with nonstick spray and set on prepared baking sheet.

2. Arrange meatballs on rack, brush with oil, and bake until browned with crispy edges, about 15 to 20 minutes (an internal thermometer should read 155 degrees for 15 seconds).

To fry the meatballs:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides and the meatballs are cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes per batch (an internal thermometer should read 155 degrees for 15 seconds). Add more oil between batches if the skillet looks dry.

To freeze the meatballs:

1. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet, not touching. Freeze until solid, about 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and store up to 1 month.

Recipe Notes

Adapted from my Crockpot Meatballs recipe.

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