If you're looking for a healthy and easy-to-make meal, look no further than baked turkey meatballs. Made with lean ground turkey, these meatballs are a delicious alternative to traditional beef meatballs. In this blog post, we will go over everything you need to know about baked turkey meatballs.

Ingredients for Baked Turkey Meatballs:

  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
  • 1/3 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs (whole wheat, if available)
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, or chives, or a combination - plus extra for serving)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey (keep refrigerated until ready to use)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (plus more as needed)

For serving:

  • Prepared pasta sauce
  • Cooked whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles
  • Creamy polenta
  • Split and toasted hoagie buns
  • Prepared brown rice

Directions 

  • To start, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and prepare a rimmed baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and coating it with nonstick spray.
  • Next, take a large mixing bowl and combine the cheese, bread crumbs, herbs, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until well-combined. Then, add the ground turkey to the bowl.
  • In a separate small bowl, beat the egg and then add it to the meat mixture. Use a fork or your fingers to gently mix everything together, being careful not to compact the meat.
  • Using a scoop or spoon, shape the meat mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. You should end up with roughly 20 meatballs.
  • Brush the tops of the meatballs with olive oil and bake in the oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into a meatball reads 165 degrees F. Alternatively, you can cut a meatball in half to check if it's fully cooked through in the center.
  • While the meatballs are baking, warm up your desired sauce and any other side items (such as pasta, hoagie buns, or rice). Once the meatballs are done, serve them hot and top them with the sauce, cheese, herbs, and any other desired additions.


Nutritional values of Baked Turkey Meatballs:

  • Serving size: 4 meatballs
  • Calories: 210
  • Total fat: 11g
  • Saturated fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 510mg
  • Total carbohydrate: 8g
  • Dietary fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 20g

How to store Baked Turkey Meatballs:

If you have any leftover baked turkey meatballs, it is important to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat. The best way to store meatballs is to transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can also freeze meatballs for up to three months, but be sure to thaw them thoroughly before reheating.

Tips on making Baked Turkey Meatballs:

To make the perfect baked turkey meatballs, follow these tips:

  1. Use lean ground turkey: When shopping for ground turkey, look for the leanest option available. This will help keep your meatballs from becoming too greasy or heavy.

  2. Add moisture: Turkey can be quite dry, so it's important to add moisture to your meatball mixture. This can be achieved by adding ingredients like breadcrumbs, eggs, or grated vegetables.

  3. Use a cookie scoop: To ensure your meatballs are evenly sized and cook at the same rate, use a cookie scoop to portion out your mixture.

What are Baked Turkey Meatballs:

Baked turkey meatballs are a healthier alternative to traditional beef meatballs. They are made by combining lean ground turkey with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, forming the mixture into balls, and baking them in the oven until golden brown. Baked turkey meatballs can be served with marinara sauce and whole grain pasta for a nutritious and satisfying meal.


Baked turkey meatballs are a delicious and healthy meal option that can be enjoyed any night of the week. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can make perfect meatballs every time. So give them a try and see how easy and delicious healthy eating can be!