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Healthy Turkey Meatballs

Easy, healthy and full of flavor. Low in carbs and fat and high in protein. This turkey meatball recipe makes the perfect weeknight dinner!

turkey meatballs
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Baked Turkey Meatballs

Whenever I’m looking for a healthy dinner idea, this recipe is always a top pick. Using ground turkey in place of ground beef helps lean out the meatballs, while still keeping them moist and delicious. Plus, they’re loaded with flavor!

These turkey meatballs are so healthy and delicious along with this healthy turkey chili! Both ground turkey recipes are low in carbs and fat and high in protein. They have tons of flavor and make the perfect weeknight dinner along with this turkey tetrazzini. We’re constantly baking them at our house on busy weeknights.

We love to serve these healthy turkey meatballs with marinara and put them over cooked pasta, spaghetti squash or in a sub sandwich or meatball casserole. They are popular served with mashed potatoes and gravy as well. You can also use a sweet and sour sauce and serve over rice. So many different ways to enjoy them!

Tips for Success

  • Make sure the egg and ground turkey are both cold, it will help the meatballs hold their shape.
  • Be sure to use fresh parsley and cheese, it will help the meatballs stay moist.
  • Use a small cookie scoop to make the meatballs the same size.
  • Flip halfway to prevent the bottoms from browning.
  • Add red pepper flakes for a little extra heat, if desired.
  • Fresh herbs (fresh basil, thyme, oregano) work really well with turkey, and can be swapped for the parsley.

Recipe Ingredients

It doesn’t take many ingredients to make these healthy turkey meatballs. In fact, most you probably already have on hand.

ground turkey meatballs

Find the full printable recipe with measurements below.

  • Turkey: Ground turkey makes the meatballs lighter and feel a little bit healthier.
  • Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a brightness to the turkey meatballs.
  • Egg: The necessary binder to keep everything together.
  • Breadcrumbs: These help absorb the juices in the meat, so that your meatballs stay juicy and flavorful on the interior.
  • Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated adds a nice nutty flavor.
  • Seasoning: I use garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to give the turkey meatballs a well-rounded flavor.

How to Make Ground Turkey Meatballs

These turkey meatballs are so simple to make and come together quickly. Just throw everything in a bowl, mix together/form into balls and then bake!

Healthy turkey meatballs on a baking sheet.
  1. Combine ingredients. Add all ingredients in a bowl and stir just until combined. Be sure not to over mix.
  2. Form into balls. Using a small cookie scoop (or Tablespoon), scoop the meat out and form into balls. Then place on a foil-lined baking sheet.
  3. Bake in oven. Bake meatballs at 375°F for 17-20 minutes, or until no longer pink in the middle. Remember to flip halfway through.

Cook on Stove

You can make this recipe in the skillet, too! Add 1 Tablespoon of oil to your pan and cook over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes, or until cooked through.

Ways to Serve Meatballs

These turkey meatballs are so versatile and can be eaten a lot of different ways! Below are a few of our favorites.

Stack of healthy turkey meatballs in a white bowl.

FAQs

How long do I bake the turkey meatballs?

I’ve found that the recipe turns out perfectly when baked for 17-20 minutes. The meatballs are firm in shape, but still moist and delicious.

What temperature are turkey meatballs done?

They are cooked through when they’ve reached an internal temperature of 160°F.

Do you have to use breadcrumbs in meatballs?

I always use breadcrumbs in my turkey meatball recipe. They help to keep the meatballs tender and moist.

How long are leftover turkey meatballs good for?

The turkey meatballs will keep for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I make these in the air fryer?

Yes, just follow the directions in my air fryer meatball recipe and cook meatballs at 380 degrees for 12 minutes or less.

Freezing Instructions

Another great thing about these healthy turkey meatballs is that they are meal prep freezer-friendly! I like to double the batch and freeze half to use later for Hawaiian meatballs or any of these meatball recipes.

  1. Let the turkey meatballs cool completely, then transfer to a clean baking sheet. Place sheet in freezer for an hour to harden the meatballs.
  2. Once they’ve hardened, place in a freezer bag or container.
  3. Add a freezer label and store in freezer for up to 3 months.
Bowl of turkey meatballs with pasta sauce and marinara.

Looking for more ways to use ground turkey? You’ll also love my turkey meatloaf recipe, egg roll in a bowl and turkey burgers.

More Delicious Meatball Recipes

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healthy turkey meatballs

Turkey Meatball Recipe

5 from 30 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
Easy, healthy and full of flavor. Low in carbs and fat and high in protein. This turkey meatball recipe makes the perfect weeknight dinner!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6

Video

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 3-4 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 large egg , beaten
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick spray. 
  • In a large bowl, mix the turkey, parsley, egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  • Using a medium cookie scoop or a spoon, portion the mixture onto the baking sheet. Using your hands, shape each portion into 1 1/2-inch balls. Return to the baking sheet.
  • Bake uncovered, turning halfway through, 17 to 20 minutes, or until no longer pink in the center. 

Notes

Stovetop: You can also cook in a pan on the stove with 1 Tablespoon oil over medium-high heat for 6 to 7 minutes, or until cooked through. 
Storage: These meatballs can be kept in the fridge up to 1 week in an airtight container.
Freeze: Store in a freezer-friendly bag up to 3 months. To avoid having them freeze in a clump, flash freeze them on the baking tray first before transferring them to the bag.

Nutrition

Calories: 114kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 375mg | Potassium: 216mg | Vitamin A: 225IU | Vitamin C: 2.3mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 0.9mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American

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