Description
Oven-baked turkey meatballs are a flavorful, nutritious alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs. By using lean ground turkey as the base, you can enjoy the classic meatball flavor while keeping your meal on the lighter side. These meatballs are easy to prepare, bake up perfectly in the oven, and can be served with a variety of sauces and sides for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey (preferably 93% lean)
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or gluten-free)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
- Olive oil, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and milk. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs dense and tough.
2. Scoop the mixture into uniform balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet. If desired, lightly drizzle or spray the meatballs with a touch of olive oil to help them get that delicious golden-brown crust.
3. Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes, until they’re cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. For an extra crispy exterior, you can broil the meatballs for 1-2 minutes at the end. Just be sure to keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
4. Once the oven-baked turkey meatballs are done, let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.
Notes
These versatile meatballs pair beautifully with a variety of sauces and sides. Serve them with your favorite marinara, BBQ, or even a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. They also make a delicious addition to pasta dishes, salads, or sandwiches. For a complete meal, try serving the meatballs over a bed of whole wheat pasta, zucchini noodles, or quinoa, with a fresh green salad on the side.
Oven-baked turkey meatballs also freeze incredibly well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy them for quick and easy meals throughout the week. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 meatballs
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg