Easy, healthy and full of flavor. Low in carbs and fat and high in protein. This turkey meatball recipe makes the perfect weeknight dinner!
Whenever I’m looking for a healthy dinner idea, this recipe is always a top pick. Using ground turkey 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! They’re low in carbs and fat and high in protein. They have tons of flavor and make the perfect weeknight dinner. 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. 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.
How do I 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!
- Combine ingredients. Add all ingredients in a bowl and stir just until combined. Be sure not to over mix.
- 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.
- 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.
To cook on stove: You can make this recipe on 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.
Spaghetti: Try eating them the traditional way, with spaghetti and marinara sauce. You could even swap the spaghetti for zucchini noodles if looking for a low carb option.
Subs: Meatball subs are a family favorite! We love to use homemade french bread as the base and add the meatballs along with lots of marinara and cheese.
Sliders: This recipe is perfect for making meatball sliders. You can serve them as an appetizer or a main dish.
Rice: Sometimes we like to coat them in sweet and sour sauce and then serve over rice.
Mashed Potatoes: Nothing says comfort like mashed potatoes and gravy topped with meatballs!
FAQ’s
How long do I bake them? 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 meatballs good for? The turkey meatballs will keep for about 3-4 days. Make sure to store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Freezing instructions
Another great thing about these healthy turkey meatballs is that they are freezer-friendly! Sometimes I like to double the batch and freeze half. Perfect for meal prep!
- Let cool completely, then transfer to a clean baking sheet. Place sheet in freezer for an hour to harden the meatballs.
- Once they’ve hardened, place in a freezer bag or container.
- Add a freezer label and store in freezer for up to 3 months.
More delicious meatball recipes:
Turkey Meatball Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3-4 Tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick spray.
- Combine the turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper and parsley in a bowl. Stir just until combined, do not over mix.
- Use a small cookie scoop or Tablespoon to scoop the meat out. Then form into balls and place on the pan.
- Bake for 17-20 minutes. Turn halfway through if you don't want the bottoms to brown.
I had a 1 lb roll of ground chicken and I did a quick Google search for meatball recipes and your recipe for Italian Meatballs came up. I saw you had one for Swedish meatballs and another one for healthy turkey meatballs. I opted for minced garlic instead of garlic powder and I served them over polenta rounds with a homemade tomato gravy. Yum yum yummers!! These were the best meatballs I ever made (or tasted) in my life. Thank you, Jamielyn!
Your comment made my day! I’m so glad you enjoyed them!!
The best turkey meatballs I’ve ever tasted. It was easy to make, moist and delicious. I plan to make again.
I’m so glad you enjoyed them! :)
This will be a fun recipe and make with my kids (and then enjoy, of course)! Looking forward to giving this healthy version a try this weekend!