Prepare to revolutionize your dinner routine with these incredibly juicy and flavor-packed turkey meatballs that are about to become your new family favorite! Imagine biting into a perfectly seasoned, tender meatball that's crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth delicious on the inside. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dish to wow your guests, these Italian-inspired turkey meatballs are guaranteed to satisfy every craving while keeping things surprisingly healthy and easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking the meatballs to a golden brown while keeping them tender inside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground turkey, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 egg. The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the meatballs together.
- Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano to the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly using your hands or a fork until well combined.
- Once the mixture is well combined, use your hands to form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- After all the meatballs are shaped, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- While the meatballs are baking, heat 2 cups of marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sauce is warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.
- Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully transfer them to the saucepan with the marinara sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce and allow them to simmer together for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve the tender turkey meatballs hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. They pair well with pasta, on a sub roll, or on their own as a delicious appetizer.
Tips
- Use fresh breadcrumbs if possible, as they create a lighter, more tender texture compared to store-bought dried breadcrumbs.
- Don't overmix the meat mixture - this can make your meatballs tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Use a light touch when forming meatballs. Gently roll them without compressing too tightly to keep them tender.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a small amount of finely chopped fresh parsley or basil to the meat mixture.
- If you want to check doneness without cutting into the meatballs, use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F internally.
- For a crispy exterior, you can briefly broil the meatballs for 1-2 minutes after baking to give them a golden-brown finish.
- If meal prepping, these meatballs freeze beautifully. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
