Tender Italian Turkey Meatballs: A Quick and Healthy Weeknight Dinner Recipe

My Italian Turkey Meatballs

turkey meatballs are a delicious, lean twist on classic Italian favorites, combining tender ground turkey with Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and fresh herbs for a family-friendly dinner.

Ingredients for Turkey Meatballs

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, bread crumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined – don’t overwork the meat.
3. Using your hands, form the mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs, about 1½ inches each.
4. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
5. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and golden on the outside.
6. Remove from the oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving. Serve with pasta, marinara sauce, or a crisp green salad.

Chef’s Tips & Tricks

• Room Temperature Turkey: Let your ground turkey sit at room temperature for 10 minutes—this helps the meatballs stay moist.
• Mixing Lightly: Overmixing can make them dense. Combine ingredients just until they stick together.
• Make Ahead: Freeze formed meatballs on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 30 g | Fat: 13 g | Carbs: 10 g | Fiber: 1 g | Sodium: 573 mg

Enjoy your turkey meatballs hot out of the oven for a comforting, protein-packed meal that’ll become a weeknight staple!

Recipe credit: Allrecipes – My Italian Turkey Meatballs