Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4
If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious meal that’s ready in no time, turkey meatballs are here to save the day. Packed with flavor, they’re lighter than beef and perfect for pasta nights, meal prep, or even a quick snack. You’ll love how easy these are to whip up and how versatile they can be!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy alternative: Ground turkey is leaner than beef, yet when paired with the right seasonings, you won’t miss the extra fat.
- Freezer-friendly: Cook once, freeze the leftovers, and you’ll have quick protein ready for future meals.
- Quick and easy: From mixing to cooking, you can have these ready in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile: These meatballs can be paired with pasta, soups, or even turned into sub sandwiches!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground Turkey: 1 lb. (93% lean)
- Breadcrumbs: ½ cup
- Egg: 1 large
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp
- Garlic Powder: ½ tsp
- Onion Powder: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: ¼ tsp
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup
How to Make It
- Mix: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, seasonings, and Parmesan. Mix well but don’t overwork the meat.
- Form: Shape into golf ball-sized meatballs. You should get about 20.
- Cook: Choose your preferred method:
- Oven: Preheat to 400°F and bake for 20 minutes.
- Skillet: Brown on all sides in a hot skillet with oil, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Air Fryer: Cook at 400°F for 8 minutes, shaking once halfway through.
Tips
- Don’t overmix! Keeping the mixture tender will result in softer meatballs.
- For extra moisture, add a splash of milk to the mixture.
- If air frying, avoid overcrowding the basket for even cooking.
How to Serve Turkey Meatballs
- Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs: Serve with pasta and marinara sauce.
- Sub Sandwiches: Layer in a hoagie with marinara and melted mozzarella.
- Appetizers: Serve with a dipping sauce like marinara or garlic aioli.
- In Soups: Add them to minestrone or vegetable soup for extra protein.
Storing and Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Simmer frozen meatballs in sauce or reheat thawed meatballs in a skillet until warmed through.
What to Pair With This Recipe
- Pasta: Try fettuccine, spaghetti, or even zoodles for a low-carb option.
- Garlic Bread: No pasta meal is complete without a side of buttery, toasted garlic bread.
- Salad: A fresh side salad balances out the richness of the meatballs and sauce.
(Adapted from Budget Bytes’ Easy and Tasty Turkey Meatballs)
Leave a Reply