Juicy Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe: Zesty & Wholesome Delight

Crafting delectable baked turkey meatballs can revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Juicy and packed with flavor, these protein-rich gems emerge from the oven golden and irresistible.

Mediterranean herbs and lean protein combine to create a healthier alternative to traditional beef versions.

Comfort meets nutrition in this simple yet satisfying dish that appeals to everyone at the table.

Minimal prep work means you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.

Crispy exterior and tender interior promise a culinary experience that will have people asking for seconds.

Savor every bite of these mouthwatering meatballs that prove healthy eating never means compromising on taste.

Why Baked Turkey Meatballs Are Packed With Zesty Flavor

• Transform Meal Prep: Discover a simple turkey meatball recipe that turns ordinary weeknight dinners into restaurant-quality experiences with minimal kitchen skills.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Create a crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies both picky eaters and gourmet food lovers with its zesty lemon garlic butter sauce and tender turkey meatballs.
• Quick Nutrition Boost: Pack protein-rich ground turkey with fresh herbs and seasonings for a healthier alternative to traditional beef meatballs that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Versatile Culinary Companion: Serve these meatballs alongside multiple sides like pasta, rice, or vegetables, making it an adaptable recipe for different meal preferences and dietary needs.

Everything You Need For Turkey Meatballs Recipe

• Ground Turkey: A lean protein that serves as the main component of the meatballs.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg, Parmesan Cheese: Help hold the meatballs together and add richness to the mixture.

• Garlic, Minced Garlic, Onion Powder, Parsley, Chopped Parsley, Oregano, Thyme: Provide depth and aromatic seasonings to the meatballs.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

• Butter: Creates a rich and smooth base for the sauce.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Adds bright, citrusy notes to complement the savory meatballs.
• Lemon Slices: Provides a fresh garnish and additional visual appeal.

Steps To Bake Lemon Garlic Turkey Meatballs

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F. Grab a baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray to keep those meatballs from getting stuck.

Step 2: Mix Meatball Magic

• Ground turkey
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Egg
• Minced garlic
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried oregano
• Dried thyme

Dive in with your hands and blend everything until it’s perfectly combined. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy!

Step 3: Shape Tasty Morsels

Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, about the size of a golf ball. Carefully place each meatball in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between them for even cooking.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the hot oven. Let the meatballs bake for about 20 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and cook through completely.

Step 5: Whip Up Zesty Sauce

• Butter
• Minced garlic
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Salt
• Pepper

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice, zest, and seasonings.

Step 6: Dress and Garnish

Pour the lemony butter sauce over the freshly baked meatballs. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and add a few lemon slices for extra pizzazz.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Plate up these juicy meatballs while they’re hot. They’re perfect alongside pasta, rice, or a crisp vegetable medley. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Pro Tips For Juicy Turkey Meatballs

• Prep Perfectly: Use cold, lean ground turkey for firmer meatballs that hold their shape better during baking.
• Moisture Magic: Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the meat mixture to keep the meatballs juicy and prevent dryness.
• Flavor Boost: Toast breadcrumbs lightly before mixing to enhance their nutty flavor and improve overall texture of the meatballs.
• Sauce Savvy: Adjust lemon intensity by tasting the butter sauce before pouring, allowing you to balance tanginess to your preference.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Replace traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.

Fun Flavor Variations For Turkey Meatballs

• Chicken Herb Meatballs: Swap ground turkey with ground chicken, maintaining the same herb and seasoning profile for a lighter protein option.
• Mediterranean Lamb Fusion: Replace turkey with ground lamb, adding mint and cumin to create a rich, aromatic Mediterranean-style meatball.
• Gluten-Free Turkey Bites: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the recipe.
• Vegetarian Zucchini Balls: Create a plant-based version using grated zucchini, quinoa, and breadcrumbs, mimicking the texture and adding a nutritious alternative for vegetarians.

Best Pairings For Turkey Meatballs Dish

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the zesty lemon and garlic flavors with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the richness of the butter sauce.
• Serve with Herb-Roasted Potatoes: Create a perfect side dish with golden roasted potatoes seasoned with rosemary and thyme, matching the herb profile of the meatballs.
• Match with Fresh Mediterranean Salad: Balance the meal with a light salad featuring cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette that echoes the dish's bright citrus notes.
• Enhance with Garlic Bread: Add a crunchy, garlicky companion that complements the meatballs' flavor profile and helps soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce.

Smart Storage For Turkey Meatballs Recipe

• Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure the container is clean and completely sealed to maintain freshness.
• Transfer meatballs to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and store for up to 3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place meatballs in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs On Baked Turkey Meatballs

• Are these meatballs healthy?

These turkey meatballs are a healthier protein option compared to beef. They’re lean, packed with herbs, and baked instead of fried, which reduces excess oil and calories.

• Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works perfectly as a substitute. The cooking method and seasonings remain the same, giving you similar delicious results.

• How do I prevent the meatballs from becoming dry?

Mix in the egg and use fresh breadcrumbs to help retain moisture. Don’t overmix the meat and avoid overcooking – bake just until they reach 165°F internal temperature.

Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting Italian-style “Turkey Meatballs” bring Mediterranean warmth to dinner tables with lean protein and rich herbs. Succulent meatballs drizzled with marinara sauce invite hungry diners to savor each hearty, satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (lb) ground turkey
• 1 large egg

Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Binding and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Lemon slices for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent meatballs from sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Roll the meat mixture into uniform balls approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, placing them carefully and evenly in the prepared baking dish.
4. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, ensuring meatballs are golden brown and fully cooked through.
5. During baking, create the lemon garlic butter sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
6. Incorporate lemon juice and zest into the butter mixture, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
7. Once meatballs are cooked, pour the lemon garlic butter sauce over them, allowing the sauce to coat and penetrate the meat.
8. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon slices for additional visual appeal and flavor complexity.
9. Serve immediately while warm, pairing with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

• Meat Moisture Tip: Avoid overmixing the ground turkey to prevent tough, dense meatballs by gently combining ingredients just until they’re incorporated.
• Baking Surface Trick: Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking without extra grease.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly and equally delicious.
• Flavor Boost: For extra depth, toast the minced garlic briefly before adding to the butter sauce to enhance its nutty, aromatic qualities.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 405
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg