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To make Greek turkey meatballs, you need some simple and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 pound ground turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small red onion, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 large egg - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/4 cup tzatziki sauce (for serving) - Fresh cucumber and tomato slices (for garnish) These ingredients work together to create a burst of flavor. Ground turkey keeps the meatballs lean. Breadcrumbs and cheese add texture. Fresh parsley and garlic bring a bright taste. The spices, such as oregano and cumin, give the meatballs a unique flavor. Using fresh lemon juice adds a zesty kick. Tzatziki sauce complements the meatballs perfectly with its cool creaminess. Feel free to adjust the quantities to your taste. You can add more garlic for a stronger flavor. Using whole wheat breadcrumbs makes these meatballs healthier. Enjoy preparing this dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key to getting the meatballs nice and brown. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help the meatballs cook evenly and make cleanup easy. Next, gather all your ingredients. You will need ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, red onion, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, an egg, and lemon juice. Having everything ready makes mixing easier. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Add the chopped parsley, minced garlic, and finely chopped red onion. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg and lemon juice together. Once mixed, pour this into the turkey mixture. Use your hands to mix everything well. Make sure there are no dry spots. The mixture should feel sticky and well combined. Now, it’s time to shape the meatballs. Take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place the meatballs on the lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them. This helps them cook evenly. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. They are done when they are golden brown and cooked through. To check doneness, you can cut one open. It should be no longer pink in the center. After baking, let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with tzatziki sauce and fresh cucumber and tomato slices! To keep your meatballs moist, use ground turkey with some fat. This helps maintain juiciness. Adding breadcrumbs and egg also helps. They act as binders and keep the meatballs from drying out. Form meatballs gently. If you pack them too tight, they will be dense. For great flavor, season your meat mixture well. Use salt, pepper, oregano, and cumin. These spices add depth and warmth. Fresh herbs like parsley brighten the dish. Don’t be shy with garlic! It packs a punch and adds a nice kick. Serve these meatballs with tzatziki sauce. The cool sauce complements the warm meatballs. You can also pair them with fresh cucumber and tomato slices. They add crunch and freshness. For a complete meal, try serving with pita bread or a side salad. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a vibrant flavor and color to the meatballs. Consider adding other fresh herbs like mint or dill for an extra twist. Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Serve with Homemade Tzatziki: Elevate your dish by making your own tzatziki sauce using Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice. {{image_2}} If you have dietary needs, you can still enjoy Greek turkey meatballs. Here are some easy swaps: - Gluten-free options: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs. This will keep the meatballs tasty and safe for those avoiding gluten. - Low-fat variations: Choose lean ground turkey or ground chicken. You can also cut back on cheese or skip it entirely for a lighter version. Changing up the flavors can make your meatballs exciting. Here’s how to do it: - Alternative herbs and spices: Instead of oregano, try dill or thyme. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Experiment with flavors to find what you love. - Adding vegetables: Mix in finely grated zucchini or shredded carrots. These add moisture and extra nutrition without changing the taste much. Meatballs are great for any meal. Here are some serving ideas: - How to serve meatballs as finger food: Make smaller meatballs, about half the size, for easy snacking. Serve them with toothpicks and a side of tzatziki for a fun appetizer. - Pairing meatballs with pasta or salads: Serve the meatballs over whole wheat pasta or a fresh salad. Drizzle with tzatziki or your favorite dressing for a complete meal. This will please everyone at the table! To store leftovers, place the meatballs in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. Cover the container tightly to keep moisture in. This way, your meatballs stay fresh and tasty. The best method for refrigerating meatballs is to layer them gently. If you stack them, use parchment paper between layers. This keeps them from sticking together. Freezing meatballs is a great way to save them for future meals. First, let the cooked meatballs cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. For thawing, move the meatballs to the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the oven or microwave for a quick meal. Greek turkey meatballs can be stored safely in the fridge for up to three days. If frozen, they can last for about three months. Just remember to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Always trust your senses! If they smell off or look strange, it’s best to throw them out. Keeping an eye on these guidelines helps you enjoy your meatballs at their best. Look for a few signs to tell if your meatballs are cooked. First, they should be golden brown on the outside. Next, use a meat thermometer. The inside should reach 165°F (74°C). If you cut one open, the meat should look white and no longer pink. The juices should run clear too. These signs help you avoid undercooked meat. Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. Prepare them, and then store them in the fridge for up to two days. You can also freeze them. Just freeze the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you're ready, bake them straight from the freezer. Greek turkey meatballs pair well with many sides. You can serve them with a fresh salad. A Greek salad with cucumber, tomato, and feta is great. Another option is to serve them with warm pita bread. You can add tzatziki sauce for extra flavor. Rice or quinoa with herbs also works well. Enjoy them as a main dish or an appetizer. You learned how to make Greek turkey meatballs with common ingredients. We went through the steps to mix, shape, and bake them perfectly. I shared tips to keep them moist and flavorful. You now have options for dietary needs and serving ideas. Remember, these meatballs freeze well for easy meals later. Enjoy creating a tasty dish that satisfies your cravings and fits your needs. Your kitchen is ready for this delicious recipe!

Mediterranean Greek Turkey Meatballs

Delicious turkey meatballs infused with Mediterranean flavors, perfect for a healthy meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 0.25 cup tzatziki sauce (for serving)
  • fresh cucumber and tomato slices (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, red onion, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and lemon juice. Add this mixture to the turkey mixture and mix until everything is well combined.
  • Using your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet, keeping them spaced apart.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
  • Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
  • Serve the meatballs with a dollop of tzatziki sauce and garnish with fresh cucumber and tomato slices.

Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature with tzatziki sauce.
Keyword Greek, healthy, meatballs, Mediterranean, turkey