These turkey meatballs are just as comforting as beef but leaner with ground turkey! They are moist and flavorful with a combination of fresh and dried herbs plus Parmesan.
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Easy Baked Turkey Meatballs
Using ground turkey in place of ground beef helps lean out these turkey meatballs, while simple seasonings keep them flavorful, moist and delicious.
They are a great healthy alternative just like healthy turkey chili and turkey meatloaf and baking the turkey meatball recipe means most of the work to make them is hands-off!
When it comes to healthy ground turkey recipes that are low carb plus high in protein, this recipe is favorite. Swap them for beef meatballs in spaghetti and meatballs for a lighter weeknight dinner that is just as comforting and satisfying!
Ingredient Notes
Find the full printable recipe with measurements below.
- Turkey: I recommend using 93% lean ground turkey, any leaner and your meatballs could be tough and dry.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a brightness to the turkey meatballs. If you have fresh basil on hand that is delicious too.
- Egg and bread crumbs: These help bind the meatballs as well as keep them juicy and moist. Regular or Italian breadcrumbs work better than Panko breadcrumbs which are more coarse in texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a rich flavor while also making the meatballs more moist.
- Seasoning: I use garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to give the turkey meatballs a well-rounded flavor. Use Italian seasoning or oregano for more herbal flavor.
How to Make Turkey Meatballs
Combine ground turkey, Parmesan, egg, breadcrumbs, fresh parsley and seasonings to a bowl and gently stir just until combined. For tender meatballs, do not overmix.
Using a small cookie scoop (or Tablespoon), scoop out the turkey mixture and form into balls. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup or to make them crispier, spray a baking rack with non stick spray and place the meatballs on top.
Bake meatballs at 375°F for 17-20 minutes, or until no longer pink in the middle. Remember to flip halfway through.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Make sure the egg and ground turkey are both cold, it helps the turkey meatball mixture hold its shape.
- Brushing the ground turkey meatballs with olive oil before baking can also add extra moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer to know when these easy turkey meatballs are cooked through. It should read an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Cook in a skillet on the stove. Just add add 1 Tablespoon of oil to your pan and cook over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Follow my easy air fryer meatball recipe to make these in the air fryer, preheat air fryer to 380°F and cook for about 12 minutes.
- Swap ground turkey for ground chicken for chicken meatballs.
Serving Suggestions
These turkey meatballs are so versatile and can be use in a variety of meatball recipes. Try eating them the traditional way, with spaghetti and marinara sauce or for a family friendly dinner option serve them in meatball subs or drop them into meatball soup.
Make Ahead, Storing and Freezing
- Meal prep: I love to have ready-to-cook meatballs in the freezer for meal prep! Assemble and scoop onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Flash freeze then store in a freezer safe container for 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and bake as directions.
- Store: These meatballs are a great make ahead option and will keep for about 3 to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Freeze turkey meatballs: Cool completely then transfer to a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Flash freeze, place in a freezer bag, add a freezer label and store in freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw or use from frozen.
Looking for more ways to use ground turkey? Try this ground turkey pasta or turkey burgers, too.
More Turkey Recipes
Turkey Meatballs
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 3-4 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg , beaten
- ⅓ 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
Mix
- In a large bowl, mix one pound ground turkey, 3-4 Tablespoons parsley, one beaten egg, 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup parmesan, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Using a medium cookie scoop or a spoon, portion the mixture onto a baking sheet. Using your hands, shape each portion into 1 1/2-inch balls.
To Bake
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick spray. To make them crispier, spray a baking rack with non stick spray and place the meatballs on top.
- Bake uncovered, turning halfway through, 15 to 20 minutes, or until no longer pink in the center.
To Cook in Skillet
- Heat about 2-3 Tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry meatballs until browned and the center has reached 165°F, about 5-7 minutes.
Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Alisha
I love that these are ligher (as my family gets back on track after the holidays) and they taste great too. – Alisha, recipe tester
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
Exactly why we love them too! So good! Thanks for the review of the turkey meatballs!
Anne Southwick
This is great recipe. Very straightforward and delicious. I paired it with a Marinara sauce and added the meatballs right out of the oven. I let them simmer in the sauce while the pasta cooked. Will make again and again.
Dina
This is my go to recipe for meatballs. No need to use vea//beef ever again. They are so easy to make and are delicious. They freeze well also!!
I Heart Naptime Community
So happy you loved the meatballs Dina!
Andrea
The meatballs turned out better than the ones I make using beef. Thank you!
Ashleigh
This was my first time making turkey meatballs. Didn’t have fresh parsley so i added Italian seasoning. They are so yummy! Also super easy and quick after a long workday. Thank you!
I Heart Naptime
I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe, Ashleigh! Thanks for your comment :)
Tina scharley
Hello my name is tina, I made your turkey meatballs, you were awesome. I used dried parsley and dried shallots but rehydrated them no hot water, worked a treat. I can’t wait to try other recipes soon♥️🇨🇦
MB
How many meatballs in a serving?
Jamielyn Nye
It depends on how big or small you make them. It will be 3-4 meatballs.
clara mccann
Getting ready to make the meatballs and wonder if they freeze well. Love your recies. clara
jennifer
delicious and easy to make.
Jamielyn Nye
I’m so glad you enjoyed them!
Monica Jaimez
What’s the serving size?
Jamielyn Nye
6 servings.
Zena Ford
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!
Jamielyn Nye
Your comment made my day! I’m so glad you enjoyed them!!
Pamela
The best turkey meatballs I’ve ever tasted. It was easy to make, moist and delicious. I plan to make again.
Jamielyn Nye
I’m so glad you enjoyed them! :)
Sara Welch
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!
Kristyn
I am all for easy, healthy meatballs!! These are great as a meal or appetizer. They are such a crowd pleaser!
Betsy
Delicious and moist! Sometimes I forget to turn my meatballs halfway through the cooking time. I end up getting them too dark…thank you for the reminder! :)