Easy, healthy and full of flavor. Low in carbs and fat and high in protein. This turkey meatball recipe makes the perfect weeknight dinner!
Table of Contents
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.
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!
- 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.
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.
- 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 these crock pot mashed potatoes and gravy topped with meatballs!
- Soup: Serve in a bowl of warm Italian wedding soup or meatball soup with a piece of crusty bread on the side.
- Salad: Serve over fresh salad greens with your favorite dressing or sauce like I do with Greek chicken meatballs!
FAQs
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.
They are cooked through when they’ve reached an internal temperature of 160°F.
I always use breadcrumbs in my turkey meatball recipe. They help to keep the meatballs tender and moist.
The turkey meatballs will keep for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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 freezer-friendly! Sometimes I like to double the batch and freeze half. Perfect for meal prep!
- Let the turkey meatballs 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.
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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Turkey Meatball Recipe
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
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: American, Dinner, Freezer-Friendly, Low Carb, Meal Prep
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.
These are simple and very tasty! I will definitely be making them again. Thank you!
How many meatballs in a serving?
Hi Ruth! It really depends on how large or small you make your meatballs. There are 6 servings in the recipe, so divide the number you make by 6. :)
Can the turkey meatballs be frozen like the beef ones? Any different instructions for freezing or thawing? Would you also leave the parsley out if using for your grape jelly/barbecue sauce recipe like you recommend with the beef? Thank you.
Freezing should be fine! Yes, I would probably leave out the parsley. Enjoy! :)
This recipe was super easy to make and very delicious. It is now my go to quick meatball recipe.
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed them!
Absolutely, delicious!! I made these meatballs for our weekly meal prep meals this week and set aside a few for kiddos meals (spaghetti & meatballs). I placed fresh minced garlic versus garlic powder. Definitely, will be making these beauties again.
Sounds delicious! I’m so glad you enjoyed them!
My family and I LOVED this recipe! I wouldn’t change a thing. Thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for your comment! :)
I need to know how many meatballs are a serving for the 114 calories in the recipe.
It depends on how large your meatballs are, but it should be 2-3 meatballs per serving.
I have a question: is the calories for just one meatball??
It is for 2-3 meatballs, depending on the size you make them. :)
These are so tasty and perfect to make in a large batch and freeze! Love it!
These turkey meatballs look fabulous! Now I know what to make for dinner tonight!
I love easy dinner ideas! I would eat some right now!
Great idea for dinner. It look so yummy! I want to try it immediately. Wonderful combination of ingredients.
I love the flavors this has!
I have been subbing turkey for beef in a lot of recipes. It hadn’t occurred to me to make meatballs! Now I know what is for dinner!
I love using turkey meat in tacos. Don’t know why I haven’t tried it in meatballs!
Hope you enjoy! :)
These would make for a perfect weeknight meal! Totally need to give these a try soon!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
Definitely! Hope you enjoy! :)
I cannot wait to try these, they look so tasty and easy to make!
Great week dinner and leftovers for the office next day ! Great ! Thank you very much !