The Juciest Turkey Meatballs

Highlighted under: Cozy Home-Cooked Recipes

Discover the secret to making the juiciest turkey meatballs you'll ever taste. Perfectly seasoned and easy to prepare, these meatballs are a family favorite!

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-05T19:06:21.263Z

These turkey meatballs are not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to traditional beef meatballs. Packed with flavor and moisture, they’re perfect for spaghetti nights or on their own as an appetizer.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Juicy and flavorful, thanks to a perfect blend of spices and ingredients.
  • Quick and easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
  • Healthy alternative without sacrificing taste.

Perfectly Seasoned for Maximum Flavor

The secret to these turkey meatballs lies in the careful selection of spices and fresh ingredients. By combining ground turkey with aromatic garlic, fragrant parsley, and a hint of oregano, each bite delivers a burst of flavor that will delight your taste buds. The addition of Parmesan cheese not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful richness that pairs beautifully with the turkey meat.

Seasoning is key when it comes to turkey meatballs, as turkey can be quite lean and may lack flavor on its own. That's why we use a blend of onion powder, salt, and pepper to elevate the taste. These seasonings work together to ensure that every meatball is not just juicy but also packed with savory goodness.

A Healthy Twist on a Classic Dish

Turkey meatballs provide a lighter alternative to traditional beef meatballs, making them a healthier option without compromising on taste. Ground turkey is lower in fat and calories, allowing you to enjoy a nutritious meal that fits into various dietary preferences. Additionally, these meatballs are a fantastic source of protein, essential for maintaining a balanced diet.

By using whole ingredients like fresh herbs and spices, you can create a dish that is not only good for you but also bursting with flavor. The incorporation of breadcrumbs helps with the texture, ensuring that the meatballs remain moist while being baked instead of fried. This means you can indulge in a comforting meal while still taking care of your health.

Easy to Make for Any Occasion

These turkey meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you're serving them over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as an appetizer at a gathering, they are sure to impress your family and friends. Their simplicity and ease of preparation make them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.

Moreover, they are freezer-friendly, which means you can make a double batch and store half for later. This not only saves you time in the kitchen but also ensures you have a delicious, homemade meal ready to go whenever you need it. Just reheat and enjoy!

Ingredients

For the Turkey Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil

Mix all ingredients thoroughly for best results.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix until well combined.

Form Meatballs

Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Bake Meatballs

Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through.

Prepare Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add marinara sauce and simmer.

Serve

Once meatballs are cooked, add them to the sauce and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot.

Enjoy your delicious turkey meatballs!

Tips for Perfect Meatballs

To ensure your meatballs are perfectly shaped and cooked, consider using a cookie scoop to portion out the mixture. This guarantees uniformity, which helps them cook evenly. Additionally, avoid overmixing the meatball mixture, as this can lead to tough meatballs. Gentle handling is key to achieving a tender texture.

If you prefer a little extra moisture, you can add a tablespoon of milk or a splash of chicken broth to the mixture. This small addition can significantly enhance the juiciness of your meatballs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the turkey meatballs over a bed of spaghetti for a classic Italian meal, or pair them with zoodles for a low-carb option. You can also place them on a sub roll, smothered in marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese for a delicious meatball sandwich.

For a fresh twist, consider serving the meatballs with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad. This complements the rich flavors of the meatballs while adding a healthy crunch to your meal.

Storage and Reheating

To store leftover meatballs, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, ensure they are heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

For best results, reheat in a saucepan over medium heat with a splash of marinara sauce to keep them moist. Alternatively, you can microwave them, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture during the reheating process.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works well and will yield similar results.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze these meatballs?

Absolutely! You can freeze them after baking for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with turkey meatballs?

They are great with spaghetti, on a sub roll, or served with a salad.

The Juciest Turkey Meatballs

Discover the secret to making the juiciest turkey meatballs you'll ever taste. Perfectly seasoned and easy to prepare, these meatballs are a family favorite!

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Cozy Home-Cooked Recipes

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Turkey Meatballs

  1. 1 pound ground turkey
  2. 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  3. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  4. 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  5. 1 large egg
  6. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  7. 1 teaspoon onion powder
  8. 1 teaspoon salt
  9. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  10. 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

For the Sauce

  1. 2 cups marinara sauce
  2. 1 teaspoon olive oil

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix until well combined.

Step 03

Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Step 04

Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through.

Step 05

While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add marinara sauce and simmer.

Step 06

Once meatballs are cooked, add them to the sauce and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 135mg
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 25g