If you’re on the hunt for a delightfully simple, healthy, yet utterly satisfying dish, this Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, these meatballs hit the perfect balance between wholesome ingredients and mouthwatering taste. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, these baked turkey meatballs bring comfort and ease to your dinner table with every juicy bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish right starts with straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play an important role in crafting the perfect meatball. From the lean, tender turkey that forms the base to the aromatic Italian seasoning and garlic that elevate every mouthful, these ingredients are gems that create a harmonious flavor and texture combination.
- 1 lb ground turkey: Using 93% lean turkey helps keep the meatballs moist yet light, perfect for a healthier twist.
- 1 large egg: Acts as the binder to hold all the ingredients together without falling apart in the oven.
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs: These give your meatballs a light, tender crumb instead of a dense chew.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced or ½ teaspoon garlic powder): Adds a savory depth that wakes up the entire dish.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs bringing classic Mediterranean flair without overpowering.
- ½ tablespoon soy sauce: A subtle umami boost that deepens the beefy flavor of the turkey.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper: Adds a gentle kick of heat that balances the savory notes.
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk: Keeps the mixture juicy and tender without adding dairy.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Surface
Start by heating your oven to 400°F to create the ideal baking environment. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or apply a light coat of non-stick cooking spray — this small prep step makes cleanup a breeze and helps your meatballs release easily after baking.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients Thoroughly
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, panko breadcrumbs, garlic, Italian seasoning, soy sauce, sea salt, pepper, and almond milk. Use your hands or a spatula to gently mix everything until it’s just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender and delicate rather than dense.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
With clean hands, roll the mixture into 1-2 inch balls—this size ensures a juicy center while cooking evenly. You can use a cookie scoop to keep the portions uniform. Place each meatball carefully a few inches apart on your prepared baking sheet so they have room to bake perfectly without sticking together.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray into the oven and bake the meatballs for about 15 minutes. You’re aiming for a slight golden brown on the outside and an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures your turkey meatballs are safe to eat while keeping them juicy and flavorful. Once baked, let them rest briefly before serving to lock in those delicious juices.
How to Serve Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano sprinkle a fresh brightness over the warm meatballs, making each bite pop with color and aroma. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can elevate your presentation and taste too.
Side Dishes
These turkey meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them atop a bed of spaghetti smothered in marinara sauce for a classic meal or alongside a creamy mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option. Roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a crisp green salad make refreshing side companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe into party bites by skewering them with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls for an eye-catching appetizer. Or load them into a pita pocket with tzatziki and crunchy cucumber for a Mediterranean-inspired lunch that’s bursting with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay delicious for up to 3 days and are perfect for quick lunches or dinner on busy nights.
Freezing
For longer storage, arrange cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen turkey meatballs will keep well for up to 3 months, letting you enjoy your favorite Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe anytime.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen meatballs gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave for short intervals to avoid drying them out. Adding a splash of water or sauce before reheating can help maintain their juicy texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well as a substitute and will give you similarly tender meatballs. Just keep an eye on cooking time since lean chicken might cook a little faster.
Is it necessary to add almond milk to the mixture?
The almond milk adds moisture that helps keep the meatballs tender, especially since turkey can sometimes be on the leaner side. You can substitute with another unsweetened plant-based milk or regular milk if you prefer.
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or finely ground oats. This small swap keeps the texture intact without any gluten concerns.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. When the internal temperature reaches 165°F, the meatballs are fully cooked and safe to eat.
Can I add cheese or other mix-ins to the meatballs?
For sure! Adding grated Parmesan or mozzarella inside the meatballs creates a cheesy surprise. You can also fold in chopped spinach, finely diced bell pepper, or sun-dried tomatoes to boost the flavor and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a delicious, approachable way to enjoy a healthy, protein-packed dinner that feels comforting and special. Once you try these juicy, flavorful meatballs, I promise they’ll become a staple in your home cooking routine. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to wow yourself and everyone at your table!
PrintBaked Turkey Meatballs Recipe
These Baked Turkey Meatballs are a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional meatballs, made with lean ground turkey and Italian seasonings. They are easy to prepare, baked to perfection, and perfect for serving over spaghetti or alongside your favorite sauce and fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 meatballs
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 garlic cloves, minced or ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ Tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper or spraying it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground turkey, egg, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic (or garlic powder), Italian seasoning, soy sauce, sea salt, ground pepper, and unsweetened almond milk. Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: With clean hands, shape the meat mixture into 1 to 2-inch balls. Place the formed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart. Alternatively, use a cookie scoop for uniform meatballs.
- Bake Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for about 15 minutes. They should be lightly browned on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven and serve warm. They pair wonderfully over spaghetti with your favorite sauce and fresh herbs for added flavor.
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, do not overcrowd the baking sheet; leave space between each meatball.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; turkey must be cooked to at least 165°F internally.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- You can freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months; reheat thoroughly before serving.
- If using garlic powder instead of fresh garlic, adjust to taste.
