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Turkey Meatballs Recipe

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4.92 from 12 votes
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These quick and easy, ultra juicy Turkey Meatballs are the perfect blend of nutritious and delicious! Made without breadcrumbs, these are naturally gluten-free and kid-approved.

Turkey meatballs over bowl of spaghetti

Why you’ll love these meatballs

  • Nutritious. Thanks to lean turkey, these meatballs are a great source of protein.
  • Flavorful. A simple blend of herbs and parmesan cheese pack a flavorful punch! 
  • Quick and Easy. These meatballs come together with just a few simple, every day ingredients. 
  • Versatile. Serve them over pasta, in a sub, or even spooned over your favorite potatoes. 

Meatball being placed onto bowl of noodles/zoodles

Ingredients

  • Ground Turkey – I like using 93% lean. It keeps the meatballs lower in calories without being too dry. If you want more moisture, look for a ground turkey with a higher fat content. 
  • Egg – our binding agent which keeps the meatballs from falling apart. 
  • Parmesan – adds a salty, nutty flavor. A cheese blend, such as parmesan, asiago, and romano would also be delicious. 
  • Spices: Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Basil, Salt, and Pepper – this simple seasoning blend adds so much delicious flavor to the meatballs. Fresh garlic, onion, and herbs may also be used, but it adds additional prep. 

How to make

  1. Mix ground turkey, egg, parmesan, and seasonings together in a large bowl, then shape into meatballs using a cookie scoop. 
  2. Broil on a baking sheet until golden, then simmer the meatballs in your favorite pasta sauce. 
  3. Spoon over noodles and serve with fresh basil and additional parmesan!

Turkey meatball being picked up off baking sheet

Variations

  • Make them cheese. Stuff a cube of mozzarella into each meatball for a ooey-gooey center.
  • Add some spice. Add red pepper flakes for a little kick.
  • Switch up the meat. Try ground chicken, pork, beef, or a combination of them all!
  • Simmer in another sauce. Try alfredo or pesto! 

Tips

  • Use a cookie scoop. This is the easiest way to ensure all meatballs are the same size.
  • Don’t over-mix. Over-mixing the meat as it can lead to tough meatballs.

How to make meatballs without breadcrumbs

This recipe doesn’t use breadcrumbs; the egg and parmesan work together to bind the meatballs.

How to serve turkey meatballs

  • Keep it classic. Serve the meatballs over your choice of noodles with your favorite marinara sauce. 
  • On a sub. Toast some bread, spoon on the meatballs and sauce, then broil with some cheese!
  • Over mashed potatoes. Fluffy potatoes pair beautifully with tender meatballs. 

What to serve with turkey meatballs

Healthy turkey meatballs over bowl of noodles

How to store

Leftovers will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

To enjoy again, thaw, if frozen, then heat with pasta sauce on the stove or in the microwave until warm.

– Jennifer

At only 60 calories, these Turkey Meatballs are the perfect, healthy, easy, weeknight meal. These are made without breadcrumbs, are gluten free, and are so juicy! showmetheyummy.com #glutenfree #turkeymeatballs

Turkey Meatballs Recipe

4.92 from 12 votes
These quick and easy, ultra juicy Turkey Meatballs are the perfect blend of nutritious and delicious! Made without breadcrumbs, these are naturally gluten-free and kid-approved.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 18 meatballs
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Ingredients

US Customary - Metric
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • ¼ cup freshly shaved parmesan
  • 1 teaspoon dried garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Marinara Sauce for serving
  • Spaghetti for serving

Recipe Video

Instructions

  • Place oven rack onto the top rung, then preheat broiler on high for 5 minutes.
  • Place ground turkey, beaten egg, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, salt, and pepper into a large bowl, then mix to combine.
  • Use a cookie scoop to form 18 meatballs, place meatballs onto a rimmed baking sheet, then broil for 5 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
  • Bring pasta sauce to a low simmer in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Stir in broiled meatballs and simmer for 5-10 minutes or until meatballs are completely cooked through.
  • Serve with your choice of pasta, fresh basil, and parmesan and enjoy!
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STORING
Room Temp:N/A
Refrigerator:3-4 Days
Freezer:3-4 Months
Reheat:Microwave, bake, or fry
*Storage times may vary based on temperature and conditions

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Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts
Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 meatball)
Calories 59 Calories from Fat 30
% Daily Value*
Fat 3.3g5%
Carbohydrates 0.3g0%
Protein 7.7g15%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.

Keywords: easy dinner, ground turkey, healthy, healthy dinner recipe, healthy meatballs, high protein dinner, kid friendly, low fat recipe
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Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Italian

Reader Interactions

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  2. Debbie

    Tacoma, Washington

    5 stars Delicious! I didn’t put any salt in them because the spaghetti sauce already had quite a bit. I made a burger out of a portion of it and it was also great. This one is a keeper.
    Reply

  4. Mary

    Brookline, Massachusetts

    5 stars I made 2x of this, but I added italian bread crumbs and I also air fried it for 12 minutes. It was a hit at our home. Thank you
    Reply

    • Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy

      Hi, Rita. You can definitely freeze the meatballs after they’re fully cooked you should just let them cool fully first. They will last 3-4 months in the freezer!

  9. Thythy

    Jacksonville, Florida

    Hi! I am interested in trying this recipe, but I also cook for myself most of the time. Is there a way to freeze these meatballs or should I just reduce the quantity?
    Reply

    • Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy

      Hi! You can absolutely freeze these. 🙂 I would freeze them after they are cooked.

  10. Genevieve

    5 stars These are DELICIOUS! I did not make the sauce, so I still broiled them for 5 minutes and the cooked them in a skillet until browned. SO MUCH FLAVOR!
    Reply

  11. Dana

    i want to make these without the red sauce and serve with mashed potatoes instead of pasta. How would i make them without the sauce?
    Reply

  12. C.G.

    5 stars I made the meatballs for dinner last night and they were DELICIOUS. my spag sauce was already frozen. This is a keeper recipe. Thanks for sharing.
    Reply

  13. Marina

    Cranston, Rhode Island

    5 stars Omg YUMMM. Turkey meatballs are soooo good and these look like such an easy thing to make for a quick weeknight dinner! 🙂 Next you should spiralize carrots cause I’m totally a rabbit and would love that 😉
    Reply
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