These turkey meatballs are just as comforting as beef but leaner with ground turkey! They are moist and flavorful with a combination of fresh and dried herbs plus Parmesan.
Easy Baked Turkey Meatballs
Using ground turkey in place of ground beef helps lean out these turkey meatballs, while simple seasonings keep them flavorful, moist and delicious.
They are a great healthy alternative just like healthy turkey chili and turkey meatloaf and baking the turkey meatball recipe means most of the work to make them is hands-off!
When it comes to healthy ground turkey recipes that are low carb plus high in protein, this recipe is favorite. Swap them for beef meatballs in spaghetti and meatballs for a lighter weeknight dinner that is just as comforting and satisfying!
Ingredient Notes
Find the full printable recipe with measurements below.
- Turkey: I recommend using 93% lean ground turkey, any leaner and your meatballs could be tough and dry.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a brightness to the turkey meatballs. If you have fresh basil on hand that is delicious too.
- Egg and bread crumbs: These help bind the meatballs as well as keep them juicy and moist. Regular or Italian breadcrumbs work better than Panko breadcrumbs which are more coarse in texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a rich flavor while also making the meatballs more moist.
- Seasoning: I use garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to give the turkey meatballs a well-rounded flavor. Use Italian seasoning or oregano for more herbal flavor.
How to Make Turkey Meatballs
Combine ground turkey, Parmesan, egg, breadcrumbs, fresh parsley and seasonings to a bowl and gently stir just until combined. For tender meatballs, do not overmix.
Using a small cookie scoop (or Tablespoon), scoop out the turkey mixture and form into balls. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup or to make them crispier, spray a baking rack with non stick spray and place the meatballs on top.
Bake meatballs at 375°F for 17-20 minutes, or until no longer pink in the middle. Remember to flip halfway through.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Make sure the egg and ground turkey are both cold, it helps the turkey meatball mixture hold its shape.
- Brushing the ground turkey meatballs with olive oil before baking can also add extra moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer to know when these easy turkey meatballs are cooked through. It should read an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Cook in a skillet on the stove. Just add add 1 Tablespoon of oil to your pan and cook over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Follow my easy air fryer meatball recipe to make these in the air fryer, preheat air fryer to 380°F and cook for about 12 minutes.
- Swap ground turkey for ground chicken for chicken meatballs.
Serving Suggestions
These turkey meatballs are so versatile and can be use in a variety of meatball recipes. Try eating them the traditional way, with spaghetti and marinara sauce or for a family friendly dinner option serve them in meatball subs or drop them into meatball soup.
Make Ahead, Storing and Freezing
- Meal prep: I love to have ready-to-cook meatballs in the freezer for meal prep! Assemble and scoop onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Flash freeze then store in a freezer safe container for 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and bake as directions.
- Store: These meatballs are a great make ahead option and will keep for about 3 to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Freeze turkey meatballs: Cool completely then transfer to a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Flash freeze, place in a freezer bag, add a freezer label and store in freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw or use from frozen.
Looking for more ways to use ground turkey? Try this ground turkey pasta , egg roll in a bowl and turkey burgers.
More Turkey Recipes
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Turkey Meatballs
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 3-4 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg , beaten
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
Mix
- In a large bowl, mix one pound ground turkey, 3-4 Tablespoons parsley, one beaten egg, 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup parmesan, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Using a medium cookie scoop or a spoon, portion the mixture onto a baking sheet. Using your hands, shape each portion into 1 1/2-inch balls.
To Bake
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick spray. To make them crispier, spray a baking rack with non stick spray and place the meatballs on top.
- Bake uncovered, turning halfway through, 15 to 20 minutes, or until no longer pink in the center.
To Cook in Skillet
- Heat about 2-3 Tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry meatballs until browned and the center has reached 165°F, about 5-7 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: American, Dinner, Freezer-Friendly, Freezer-Friendly, Low Carb, Meal Prep
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
These are simple and very tasty! I will definitely be making them again. Thank you!
How many meatballs in a serving?
Hi Ruth! It really depends on how large or small you make your meatballs. There are 6 servings in the recipe, so divide the number you make by 6. :)
Can the turkey meatballs be frozen like the beef ones? Any different instructions for freezing or thawing? Would you also leave the parsley out if using for your grape jelly/barbecue sauce recipe like you recommend with the beef? Thank you.
Freezing should be fine! Yes, I would probably leave out the parsley. Enjoy! :)
This recipe was super easy to make and very delicious. It is now my go to quick meatball recipe.
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed them!
Absolutely, delicious!! I made these meatballs for our weekly meal prep meals this week and set aside a few for kiddos meals (spaghetti & meatballs). I placed fresh minced garlic versus garlic powder. Definitely, will be making these beauties again.
Sounds delicious! I’m so glad you enjoyed them!
My family and I LOVED this recipe! I wouldn’t change a thing. Thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for your comment! :)
I need to know how many meatballs are a serving for the 114 calories in the recipe.
It depends on how large your meatballs are, but it should be 2-3 meatballs per serving.
I have a question: is the calories for just one meatball??
It is for 2-3 meatballs, depending on the size you make them. :)
These are so tasty and perfect to make in a large batch and freeze! Love it!
These turkey meatballs look fabulous! Now I know what to make for dinner tonight!
I love easy dinner ideas! I would eat some right now!
Great idea for dinner. It look so yummy! I want to try it immediately. Wonderful combination of ingredients.
I love the flavors this has!
I have been subbing turkey for beef in a lot of recipes. It hadn’t occurred to me to make meatballs! Now I know what is for dinner!
These would make for a perfect weeknight meal! Totally need to give these a try soon!
Paige
Definitely! Hope you enjoy! :)
I love using turkey meat in tacos. Don’t know why I haven’t tried it in meatballs!
Hope you enjoy! :)
I cannot wait to try these, they look so tasty and easy to make!
Great week dinner and leftovers for the office next day ! Great ! Thank you very much !