Juicy Baked Turkey Meatballs – Healthy, Easy & Delicious

Introduction

If you love classic meatballs but want a lighter, healthier option, these juicy baked turkey meatballs are perfect for you! Made with lean ground turkey, fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, and simple seasonings, they are just as comforting as traditional beef meatballs but with less fat.

These meatballs come together in just 35 minutes, making them a great option for a quick weeknight dinner. Whether you serve them with marinara sauce over pasta, toss them in a sub sandwich, or enjoy them on their own, they are moist, flavorful, and packed with protein. Plus, they can be baked or pan-fried, so you can customize the cooking method to your preference.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

Healthy & Lean – Ground turkey has less fat than beef, making these meatballs a lighter option.

Quick & Easy – Ready in just 35 minutes, with minimal prep.

Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike will love these flavorful meatballs.

Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly – Perfect for meal prep.

Taste & Texture

These turkey meatballs are tender and juicy on the inside, with a lightly crispy exterior when baked or pan-fried. The combination of fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings gives them a rich, savory flavor with just the right amount of seasoning.

Dietary Attributes

This recipe is naturally high in protein and lower in fat compared to traditional beef meatballs. You can also make them gluten-free by using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

• 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

Notes on Quality

For the juiciest meatballs, use ground turkey with at least 7% fat instead of extra-lean turkey. The small amount of fat helps keep the meatballs moist and tender.

Possible Substitutions

Breadcrumbs – Swap for panko, gluten-free breadcrumbs, or almond flour.

Onion Powder – Use ½ of a small onion, grated, for more freshness.

Parmesan – Replace with nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan for a dairy-free option.

Egg – Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) for an egg-free version.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, parsley, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs dense.

Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the mixture and shape it into 1 ½-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet.

To Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick spray. For a crispier texture, place a baking rack on top of the sheet and spray it with nonstick spray.

Arrange the meatballs on the rack and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

To Cook in a Skillet

Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

Use a light hand when mixing – overworking the meat will result in tough meatballs.

If baking, use a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow air circulation for even cooking.

Chilling the mixture for 10 minutes before shaping can help with easier handling.

Common Mistakes

Not using enough seasoning – Turkey has a milder flavor than beef, so season generously.

Overcooking – Keep an eye on the oven and use a thermometer to avoid drying them out.

Skipping the resting time – Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain their juices.

Time-Saving Tips

Prepare the meatball mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Double the batch and freeze extra meatballs for a quick meal later.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

Serve with marinara sauce over spaghetti or zucchini noodles.

Make meatball subs with toasted hoagie rolls and melted mozzarella cheese.

Pair with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for a cozy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.

Use a decorative serving dish when serving as an appetizer.

Drizzle with a balsamic glaze for an elegant touch.

Beverage Pairings

Pair with a glass of light red wine, such as Pinot Noir.

For a non-alcoholic option, serve with a sparkling lemon or basil-infused water.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To freeze, place meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour before transferring them to a freezer bag. They will keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating Methods

Microwave – Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Oven – Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.

Skillet – Reheat in a covered pan over low heat with a splash of broth or sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works well as a substitute with similar results.

What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
Almond flour, crushed crackers, or oats can be used in place of breadcrumbs.

Troubleshooting

My meatballs turned out dry. What went wrong?
This can happen if they are overcooked or made with extra-lean turkey. Try using ground turkey with a little fat for juicier meatballs.

Why did my meatballs fall apart?
Make sure the mixture isn’t too dry and that the egg and breadcrumbs are well incorporated to bind everything together.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

To make these gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.

For a dairy-free version, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Flavor Twists

Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Italian Style – Mix in dried oregano, basil, and fennel seeds.

Teriyaki – Swap Parmesan for ginger and soy sauce, and glaze with teriyaki sauce.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

For Thanksgiving-inspired meatballs, mix in a little sage and serve with cranberry sauce.

In summer, try grilling them on skewers with vegetables.

Conclusion

These juicy baked turkey meatballs are the perfect combination of healthy and delicious. Whether you bake or pan-fry them, they are easy to make, full of flavor, and ideal for meal prep. Try them for dinner tonight and let me know how they turn out in the comments!

Looking for more easy and delicious recipes? Check out these favorites:

Creamy Chicken Marsala – A restaurant-quality dish perfect for date night.

Sheet Pan Gnocchi – A simple one-pan meal ready in 30 minutes.

Follow me on Pinterest for more tasty recipes: Pinterest – Cooking with Callie

Print