Healthy Turkey Meatball Recipe with Simple Ingredients:
These turkey meatball recipe are a delicious and healthy twist on the classic meatballs. They’re lean, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal preparations. Make this turkey meatball recipe by mixing breadcrumbs, eggs, cheese, and seasonings like garlic, onions, and parsley. You can add Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for extra flavors. You can try baking them with a drizzle of olive oil or cooking them in a slow cooker with your favorite sauce and make your cozy nights more special.
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Turkey Meatball Recipe:
Turkey meatball recipe is a healthy, delicious, and versatile dish that can fit into almost a meal plan. You can make turkey meatballs that are juicy, tender, and flavorful by using simp ingredients like ground turkey, breadcrumbs, eggs, seasonings, and Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. These meatballs are perfect for anyone looking for a lighter option without compromising the taste. Whether you’re serving them with spaghetti, in a sandwich, or as an appetizer, these meatballs are sure to impress.
Why you’ll love this:
- Lean and healthy: You’re familiar with ground turkey, which is lighter meat than ground beef or pork, and it is an extremely good source of protein. Ground turkey is lower in fat than any other options, which is a great choice for those watching their calorie intake.
- Versatile: this recipe is highly customizable. You can tweak the flavors to suit your preference or choices or availability, whether you want them spicy, herbaceous, or cheesy.
- Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients, turkey meatballs come together quickly, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or parties.
Health Benefits of Choosing Ground Turkey Over Beef:
Ground turkey has less fat than beef. Turkey provides a good amount of lean protein, which is important for building the muscles and maintaining the metabolism. Ground turkey provides essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B, which are beneficial for overall health Ground beef has more calorie intake than turkey, which is not a healthier meal option. By choosing ground turkey, you can enjoy delicious, healthy meatballs with fewer unhealthy fats and more nutrients!
From Pantry to Plate: What Goes Into Turkey Meatball recipe:
- Ground Turkey: Used 93% lean ground turkey, as very lean turkey can make the meatballs dry. Ground turkey is high in protein and lower in fat as compared to ground beef. So, this is a great option for a light meal.
- Breadcrumbs: I’ve recommended using regular breadcrumbs instead of panko. It helps to bind the ingredients together and make the meatballs hold their shape. Plain breadcrumbs absorb moisture from the mixture, keeping the meatballs juicy and tender as they cooked.
- Eggs: Eggs help to hold all the ingredients together, like turkey, breadcrumbs, and spices, so the meatballs don’t fall apart when they are cooked.
- Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated parmesan cheese; it is superior to pre-shredded one. Great cheese adds rich, savory flavor to your meatballs. You can experiment with cheddar cheese, grated mozzarella cheese, or feta cheese. The cheese melts into the mixture as the meatballs cook and enhance their taste.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is best for meatballs. It releases a bold aroma, making your meatballs more flavorful. If you prefer a milder taste, roasted garlic can also be used for a sweeter and softer flavor
- Onion: Here I’m using 1 chopped yellow onion, but if you’re in a hurry, use onion powder. But chopped onions add flavor and moisture to your turkey meatballs recipe
- Fresh parsley: parsley brings a pop of color and a touch of freshness and makes the meatballs visually appealing and more delicious. Freshly chopped parsley or basil adds the earthiness.
- Salt and black pepper: Salt and pepper are common seasonings used in meatballs to add flavor. You can add Italian seasonings as well; it makes your meatballs more delicious
- Olive oil: used olive oil for frying the balls. You can use the oil according to your preference.
Baking vs. Frying: Which Method Wins for turkey meatball recipe?
Both are best, but it depends on you. If you prefer a healthier option, then go with baking. It requires little or no oil and keeps the meatballs lower in fat while evenly cooking them in the oven. It is also more convenient than any other option.
On the other hand, frying gives the meatballs a crispy outside and rich flavor. It requires more oil and attention while cooking. For a balance of health and flavor, you could bake the meatballs and finish them in a skillet for a light sear.
Step-by-Step: Crafting the Perfect Turkey Meatball Mixture :
Prepare the meatballs:
Make sure you have everything ready in your hand that is mentioned above. Grab a large mixing bowl; first, you’ve got to add ground turkey, then breadcrumbs, eggs, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped onions, freshly chopped parsley, salt, and seasonings. Mix everything with your hands or a fork. Make sure not to overmix the mixture; it leads to tough meatballs instead of tender.
Scoop out the portions of the mixture using the tablespoon or a cookie scoop. It helps to give even-sized meatballs and then roll each portion properly between your palms to form smooth and round balls.
Pan-frying turkey meatball recipe:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet for frying over medium heat and place the meatballs in a pan, leaving some space between the balls, and cook them for about 4-5 minutes until they’re golden brown and fully cooked.
Baking the meatballs:
Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then arrange the meatballs on the sheet and bake for at least 15-20 minutes. You can check the doneness by inserting the meat thermometer into the meatballs; the internal temperature should reach up to 165°F. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, no worries, guys! Just cut one of the meatballs and check the color; if it looks pink, then cook for another minute, and if it is not pink, now your turkey meatball recipe is ready to serve.
Air-frying the meatballs:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and spray the basket lightly with cooking spray and arrange the meatballs into a single layer, and yeah! Please don’t crowd your basket. Then cook the meatballs for 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through. Once they cooked, your turkey meatball recipe is ready to be served over pasta with marinara sauce. See below for serving suggestions.
Serving Ideas: Elevate Your Turkey Meatball Recipe Game:
1) One of my favorite servings is with spaghetti : just simply toss your favorite pasta with marinara sauce and top it with turkey meatballs and grated parmesan.
2) You can serve it as an appetizer by inserting a toothpick into the meatballs and a side of dipping sauce like ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or marinara.
3) Serve in a sub sandwich: instead of breaded chicken, use these turkey meatballs. Fill a hoagie roll with meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese.
4) Pair your meatballs with a side of fluffy rice or quinoa, and you can add your turkey meatballs to a broth-based soup with pasta and vegetables. For a low-carb option, you can serve it over zucchini noodles and spaghetti squash.
Storing and Reheating: Keeping Them Fresh and Tasty:
- Store your cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- For freezing, arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container, and you can store them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, reheat them in the microwave, oven, or stovetop until they warm.
Recipe Variations of Turkey Meatball Recipe:
- Cheesy turkey meatball recipe: If you’re a cheese lover like me, then this is for you. Stuff a small cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of each meatball for a gooey twist.
- For a gluten-free option, swap the ingredients: use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko or regular ones.
- Add a spicy kick: add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture to make your meatballs spicy.
- Greek-style turkey meatball recipe: add crumbled feta cheese, chopped spinach, dried oregano, and a touch of lemon juice to the meatball mixture and serve with pita bread. It gives a Mediterranean twist to your meatballs.
- Sweet and savory BBQ turkey meatball recipe: These BBQ meatballs are perfect for your backyard parties. Just mix in tablespoons of barbeque sauce and a tablespoon of honey. Glaze the cooked meatballs with the barbecue sauce and serve with your favorite cornbread.
- Switch up the protein: use ground chicken, ground beef, or ground pork instead of ground turkey. If you want to stick with turkey but enhance the flavor, then use a mix of ground turkey, pork, and ground beef.
Tips and tricks for the perfect turkey meatball recipe:
1) Adding chopped onions, grated zucchini, or a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the mixture can help to prevent dryness of meatballs.
2) Don’t overmix the mixture; it makes your meatballs tough instead of tender. Just mix until they’re well combined; it keeps your meatballs tender.
3) Chilling the mixture before making the balls helps to maintain their shape during cooking and makes them easy to handle.
4) Overcooking leads to dry and crumbly meatballs. So, make sure to bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. Or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Always use a meat thermometer to check the accurate temperature.
5) Prepare ahead of time; these turkey meatball recipe is freezer-friendly, so making them ahead of time is the great option for your cozy nights. Cook them as usual and let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag.
Turkey Meatball Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Air Fryer
- 1 Skillet
Ingredients Â
- 1 Ib Ground Turkey ( 450g )
- 1/2 Cup Breadcrumbs ( Regular Or Panko )
- 1 Large Egg
- 2 Garlic ( Minced )
- 1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese ( Grated )
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Parsley ( Chopped )
- 1/2 Tsp Paprika
- 1/4 Tsp Black Pepper
- 1 Tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 2-3 Tbsp Olive Oil ( For Pan – Frying )
InstructionsÂ
- Take a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped onions, eggs, garlic , parsley, some Italian seasonings and grated parmesan.
- Mix the ingredients gently with the help of spoon or you can used your hands as well. Don't overmix the mixture it leads to dense meatballs.
- lightly oil your hands and roll the mixture into evenly sized balls and fry or you can bake them.
- Bake your turkey meatballs in a preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature of balls should be reaches to 165°F. Toss them with spaghetti and your favourite Marinara sauce and enjoy the delicious treat.
Frequently asked questions:
1) How do you keep turkey meatballs from falling apart?
Ans: Add the ingredients like breadcrumbs, eggs, or grated cheese to hold the meatballs together, and don’t overmix the mixture; mix until just combined. Let the mixture sit in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before rolling, and don’t pack them too tight. This all tricks helps to keep turkey meatballs from falling apart.
2) Are turkey meatballs healthier than beef?
Ans: Turkey meatballs are considered healthier than beef meatballs because they’re usually lower in fat and calories. This is the best choice for people who are watching their weight and cholesterol levels. The healthiness of meatballs also depends on how they’re cooked and what ingredients are added, like breadcrumbs or cheese. Turkey meatballs can be a lighter option and considered as a healthier meal.
3) What mistakes should you avoid when preparing meatballs?
Ans: You must have to keep an eye on these things and avoid overmixing the mixture. Don’t skip seasoning the meat. Bland meatballs can ruin the dish, so make sure to season with salt, pepper, and spices. Don’t make the balls too large unless you’re planning to bake or roast them thoroughly, as larger ones may stay raw inside. Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying the meatballs.
4) Why are my turkey meatballs rubbery?
Ans: Your meatball turns rubbery; when you skip the breadcrumbs or eggs, it can also lead to a dense texture as well. Another factor is overcooking, which can dry out the meat. And the root of every problem is overmixing the mixture. To fix this, mix the ingredients gently, include some fat or moisture (like grated onion or milk-soaked breadcrumbs), and cook just until done to keep them tender and juicy.
5) How to make ground turkey taste like ground beef?
Ans: To make ground turkey taste like ground beef, you’ll need to add additional seasonings like Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or a beef bouillon cube in water. Adding olive oil or butter can also enhance the richness of meatballs. Also used common spices that paired with beef, such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper, these all spices help to enhance the overall taste and give beefy flavor to your turkey meatball recipe
6) What is the secret of a tender meatball?
Ans: It’s all about balancing the right ingredients and gentle handling. Using the mix of meat with some fat, like ground beef and pork, keeps your meatballs tender and juicy. Using the breadcrumbs, which are soaked in a milk can, gives a soft texture, and shaping them gently without packing too tightly can help to keep them tender. And one last thing, which is to cook them until just done. Overcooking leads to drying out the meatballs.