Ground turkey meatballs are a delightful mix of nutritious and flavorful bites that everyone can enjoy. These little gems are packed with protein, making them a smart choice for a family dinner or meal prep. Unlike the dense and sometimes greasy meatballs you might find at restaurants or in store-bought versions, these turkey meatballs are light yet satisfying, thanks to fresh herbs and a touch of butter. They cook up beautifully in marinara sauce, soaking in all the rich flavors, and are perfect over your favorite pasta to round out your meal.
I first stumbled upon this recipe when searching for a healthier alternative to traditional beef meatballs. The first time I made them, my whole family devoured them — no leftovers in sight! They’re incredibly easy to put together and provide a comforting, home-cooked experience. Trust me; once you try this recipe for turkey meatballs, you’ll never want to go back to the store-bought versions!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This recipe comes together in just 10 minutes and cooks in 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of fresh herbs and garlic creates a deliciously fragrant aroma while cooking, and you’ll taste that goodness in every bite.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Beautifully golden-brown and nestled in marinara sauce, these meatballs are as lovely to look at as they are to eat.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy these meatballs with pasta for dinner, pair them with crusty bread for a snack, or even toss them into a meatball sub for lunch.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to red meat, making this dish a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb. ground turkey: The star of the dish that’s leaner than beef, providing a wonderful texture and flavor.
- 1 large egg: This acts as a binder, holding everything together, ensuring your meatballs stay moist.
- ½ cup plain bread crumbs: These add structure to the meatballs. You can use Italian breadcrumbs for added flavor.
- 2 shallots, minced (approx. ¼ cup): Shallots offer a milder onion flavor that enhances the meatballs without overpowering them.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic imparts a robust aroma and flavor, giving the meatballs their delicious savory profile.
- 3 tablespoons cold butter, grated: Adding cold butter keeps the meatballs moist and adds a lovely richness to each bite.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: This herb adds an earthy flavor that complements the turkey beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced: A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the dish and gives it a pop of color.
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, minced: Basil adds a delightful fragrance and brings a touch of freshness to the overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper: For just the right amount of kick; feel free to adjust based on your taste preference.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and is crucial for well-seasoned meatballs.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for browning the meatballs, adding flavor and preventing sticking.
- 2 jars (24 oz.) marinara sauce: This saucy partner is key for simmering the meatballs, ensuring they are flavorful and juicy.
- 8 oz. angel hair pasta: Although you can use any pasta you like, angel hair cooks quickly and catches the sauce beautifully.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: A generous sprinkle of cheese adds a delightful finishing touch.
- More fresh basil and parsley: Use extra as a garnish for a vibrant presentation.
How to Make Recipe For Turkey Meat Balls
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add 1 lb. ground turkey, 1 large egg, ½ cup plain or Italian bread crumbs, 2 minced shallots, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon fresh basil, ½ teaspoon ground pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt. Gently mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until fully combined.
Add Butter: Grate 3 tablespoons of cold butter and fold it into the mixture until evenly distributed. This helps keep the meatballs tender.
Form Meatballs: Use your hands to create golf ball-sized meatballs from the mixture. Aim for about 12 meatballs in total for even cooking.
Brown Meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides for about 3-5 minutes. Use tongs to turn them carefully without burning the exterior; they won’t be fully cooked yet.
Simmer: After browning, remove the meatballs from the skillet. Clean the skillet, then pour in the 2 jars of marinara sauce. Carefully return the meatballs to the pan, bringing the sauce to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let them simmer for 10 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Serve: Enjoy the turkey meatballs over 8 oz. angel hair pasta, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh herbs!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze them, place the cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until heated through; keep in mind that the texture might change slightly, but they’ll still be flavorful. You can refresh them with a splash of marinara sauce if needed!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid over-mixing the turkey mixture, as that can result in tough meatballs.
- Make sure the butter is cold; this helps ensure moisture retention during cooking.
- If you have time, let the meatball mixture chill for 30 minutes before forming the meatballs to enhance the flavors.
- Don’t skip browning the meatballs; it adds a delicious depth of flavor that’s irreplaceable.
- Feel free to experiment with herbs based on your preferences; thyme or rosemary can also be delicious additions!
Ground turkey meatballs are not just a healthy meal option; they’re also incredibly versatile and packed with flavor. I encourage you to try this recipe, perhaps even adding your special twist! It’s a simple dish that quickly becomes a household favorite, and I can assure you, the delicious aroma filling your kitchen will have everyone eager to sit down for dinner. Enjoy every bite and happy cooking!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken can be used in place of ground turkey and will yield a similar texture and flavor. Just ensure you cook it to the same internal temperature for safety.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. When cut in half, the meat should be opaque, with no pink remaining.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the turkey meatball mixture and store it in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What do I serve with turkey meatballs?
They’re fantastic over pasta, but you can also serve them in a sub sandwich with marinara and cheese or alongside a fresh salad for a lighter meal.
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Recipe Card
Recipe For Turkey Meat Balls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These turkey meatballs are bursting with flavor and made with fresh herbs and spices. Perfect for a quick dinner or a healthy meal, they pair wonderfully with marinara sauce and pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup plain bread crumbs, or italian breadcrumbs
- 2 shallots, minced (approx. ¼ cup)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons cold butter, grated
- 1 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, minced
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 24-oz. marinara sauce, 2 jars
- 8 oz. angel hair pasta, or any kind of pasta
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- more fresh basil and parsley
Instructions
- Combine the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, shallots, garlic, oregano, parsley, basil, ground pepper, and salt in a large bowl.
- Mix with a large wooden spoon or your hands until thoroughly combined.
- Fold in the cold grated butter until evenly mixed throughout.
- Form golf ball-sized meatballs with your hands and place them on a tray. Continue until no meat is left.
- This recipe yields approximately 12 meatballs.
Notes
You can use any type of pasta with these meatballs.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra herbs before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
