Savory Oven Baked Turkey Meatballs

$- 1 lb ground turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or gluten-free) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 egg - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper The main ingredients for oven baked turkey meatballs are simple and easy to find. Ground turkey gives the meatballs a lean protein base. Whole wheat breadcrumbs add texture and help bind the meatballs. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory kick. Fresh parsley brings color and freshness. Minced garlic gives that classic flavor. An egg helps hold everything together, while oregano, salt, and pepper enhance the taste. - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving) You can add red pepper flakes for some heat. Marinara sauce is perfect for dipping or drizzling on top. It adds moisture and a rich flavor to your meatballs. - Mixing bowl - Baking sheet - Parchment paper To make this recipe, you need a few kitchen tools. A mixing bowl is key for combining the ingredients. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper helps with easy cleanup. Parchment paper also prevents the meatballs from sticking. These tools make the process smooth and quick. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is key. A hot oven cooks meatballs evenly. Parchment paper helps with easy cleanup. It prevents sticking, so your meatballs stay whole and perfect. - Combine all ingredients in a bowl: - 1 lb ground turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 egg - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Mix the ingredients well. Use your hands or a spoon. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. You want them tender and juicy. - Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. - Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are evenly spaced. This helps them cook evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and firm texture. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This means they are safe to eat. To make great turkey meatballs, mix gently. This keeps them soft. If you mix too much, they get tough. You also need to check your oven's temperature. If it's off, your meatballs might not cook well. Serve your meatballs with warm marinara sauce. It adds a nice flavor. You can also pair them with pasta or a fresh salad. This makes for a complete meal. Add herbs and spices to boost the taste. Fresh parsley and dried oregano work well. You can also try red pepper flakes for heat. For dipping, marinara or a yogurt sauce is great. These options add extra flavor to your meal. Pro Tips Use Lean Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey to keep your meatballs juicy without excess fat. Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a unique flavor twist. Moisten Your Mixture: If the mixture feels too dry, add a splash of milk or a little extra marinara sauce for moisture. Resting Time: Allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes after baking to enhance their flavor and texture. {{image_2}} You can swap ground turkey with other proteins. Ground chicken works well. It has a nice taste and is lean. Ground beef is another option. It gives a rich flavor. For a vegetarian choice, try lentils or chickpeas. Just mash them up and mix with breadcrumbs and spices. Each option brings a new taste to your meatballs. Adding flavor is easy. You can mix in different cheeses like feta or mozzarella. Feta adds a tangy taste, while mozzarella makes it creamy. You can also use herbs and spices to change things up. Try basil, thyme, or even a dash of cumin. Each will give your meatballs a unique twist. If you want to change how you cook meatballs, try air frying. It makes them crispy without extra oil. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 15 minutes. Another method is stove-top cooking. Brown the meatballs in a pan first, then add marinara sauce and simmer. This way, they soak up all the sauce's flavor. Each method has its perks, so you can choose what you like best. To keep your turkey meatballs fresh, start by letting them cool. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents them from drying out. You can store them in the fridge for up to four days. For best results, use glass containers. They keep food fresh and are easy to clean. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great choice. First, let the cooked meatballs cool completely. Then, lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about an hour. This prevents them from sticking together. After that, transfer the meatballs to a freezer bag. Be sure to squeeze out any air before sealing. When it’s time to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm. In the fridge, your turkey meatballs last about four days. If you freeze them, they are good for up to three months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. Proper storage makes a big difference in taste and safety. Yes, you can use frozen ground turkey. Just make sure to thaw it completely first. The safest way is to leave it in the fridge overnight. You can also use a microwave to defrost it quickly, but cook it right away after. Never refreeze thawed turkey. This keeps your meal safe and tasty. Check the internal temperature of the meatballs. They should reach 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy. If you don’t have one, cut a meatball in half. It should no longer be pink inside and the juices should run clear. This ensures your turkey meatballs are safe to eat. Reheating in the oven works great. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Heat them in short bursts. This helps keep them moist and tasty. Serve with warm marinara sauce for the best flavor! This post covers how to make tasty turkey meatballs. We discussed the main and optional ingredients you need. We also looked at tools, mixing steps, and baking instructions. I shared tips to avoid mistakes and ideas for serving. Finally, we explored variations, storage, and answered common questions. Remember, making turkey meatballs can be easy and fun. You can adjust flavors and find what you like. Enjoy cooking and sharing your delicious results!$

Savory Oven Baked Turkey Meatballs

Delicious and healthy turkey meatballs baked to perfection, served with marinara sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
0.5 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or gluten-free)
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 each egg
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup marinara sauce (for serving)

Instructions

Preheat the 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, egg, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Mix well using your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are fully incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
Serve the meatballs drizzled with warm marinara sauce and garnished with extra parsley, if desired.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste.

Keyword baked, healthy, meatballs, turkey