Mouth-Watering Turkey Meatballs That Satisfy Any Craving
Are you tired of the same old meatball recipes using beef? Why not switch to lean, flavorful ground turkey for a change? My amazing turkey meatballs recipe will introduce you to a scrumptious and healthy alternative to your typical beef meatballs.
My love for throwing parties inspired me to create this savory dish that will be the perfect addition to any dinner table, whether it’s a family gathering or an intimate date night. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to make!
In this article, I will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to create this inviting dish. I’ll also give you tips and tricks to ensure that your turkey meatballs turn out perfect every time. Join me as we explore what makes these baked turkey meatballs so unique and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you why you are going to fall in love with this amazing turkey meatballs recipe. First and foremost, it is incredibly easy to make – even if you are a novice cook – requires a handful of ingredients, and the result is absolutely delectable.
The lean ground turkey mixed with the breadcrumbs, eggs, and grated parmesan cheese creates a perfect balance of flavors in each bite. The addition of garlic cloves, sweet basil, parsley, and onion brings delicious aromas to the dish that will leave your mouth watering.
Moreover, this recipe uses healthier alternatives such as whole wheat breadcrumbs and Greek yogurt instead of milk or cream, making it a guilt-free option for those who want to maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing flavor. You can even make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
But what sets this recipe apart from others is its versatility. You can serve these meatballs with tomato sauce over spaghetti for a classic Italian meal or pair them with mashed potatoes and gravy for a comforting dinner option. You can also cook them in a slow cooker with some marinara sauce to make an easy appetizer that your guests will love.
In conclusion, this turkey meatballs recipe is simple, healthy, delicious, and versatile enough to suit every taste and occasion. Once you try it out, I am confident that you will be adding it to your weekly meal planning rotation.
Ingredient List
Here is what you need for these mouthwatering Turkey Meatballs:
Ground Turkey
We will be using ground turkey in this recipe. You can either use 93% lean ground turkey or 99% lean ground turkey. Using a lean type of turkey will make the meatballs healthier.
Bread Crumbs
This ingredient will hold the texture of the meatball and absorb any excess moisture. Use either whole-wheat seasoned breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs if you prefer gluten-free options.
Parmesan Cheese
Grated parmesan cheese is an ideal ingredient to add savory flavor to your meatballs. You can use any grated parmesan cheese that you prefer.
Eggs
Using eggs in your recipe will help keep the meatballs together as well as add moisture.
Onion and Garlic
You will need one medium onion and a couple of garlic cloves, minced, to add some flavor and aroma to your dish.
Fresh Herbs
The combination of fresh herbs such as finely chopped sweet basil and parsley adds a freshness to these meatballs that is sure to please.
Worcestershire Sauce
A little bit of Worcestershire sauce adds some depth to these turkey meatballs. It’s important to get a gluten-free option if you have gluten restrictions in your diet.
Salt and Pepper
Don’t forget the seasoning! Use salt and pepper to taste for your preference.
Olive Oil
Use extra virgin olive oil in making these meatballs, which adds distinct oil flavors, with some amazing health benefits as well
The Recipe How-To
Before I start, let me give you a rundown of the ingredients you will need: ground turkey, eggs, bread crumbs, grated asiago cheese, sweet onion, fresh parsley and sweet basil, garlic cloves, salt and black pepper. Now that we’ve got the ingredients sorted, let’s get started.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 pounds of ground turkey, 1 whole egg, 3/4 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of freshly grated asiago cheese, 1/4 cup of finely chopped sweet onion, 1/4 cup each of minced parsley and sweet basil leaves, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
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Mix everything well with your hands or a spatula until it is fully combined.
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Once thoroughly mixed, using your hands or a small scoop form the mixture into small balls roughly one inch in diameter each so that they cook evenly.
Baking the Meatballs
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Place the meatballs on a baking sheet a couple of inches apart to prevent them from sticking together as they cook.
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Bake for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown before removing them from the oven.
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Using a toothpick or meat thermometer, check if the center of each meatball is cooked through before removing them from the oven.
Pro Tip: To make sure your meatballs don’t get too dry, add some extra-virgin olive oil in the mixture to keep them moist while cooking.
After following this recipe precisely step by step, you’ll be able to come up with some perfectly soft homemade turkey meatballs that are a healthier option than classic beef ones while retaining all their same delicious flavors!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to switch up this turkey meatball recipe? Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try.
– Cheese: If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to swap it out. Try using parmesan or feta cheese for a stronger flavor, or mozzarella for a milder taste.
– Breadcrumbs: Don’t have breadcrumbs on hand? No problem! You can use crushed crackers, oats or even stale bread instead.
– Meat: This recipe uses ground turkey, but you can also use other meats. Ground chicken, beef or even pork would work perfectly fine.
– Gluten-free: If you have a gluten allergy or intolerance, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or a gluten-free flour blend.
– Vegetarian: For a vegetarian option, you can swap out the meat for quinoa, lentils or chickpeas. Be sure to add extra binding ingredients like eggs or flaxseed to hold the mixture together.
– Sauce: While these turkey meatballs are delicious with tomato sauce, you can switch things up by serving them with garlic butter cream sauce or gravy.
Remember that substitutions may require adjustments to the cooking time and overall recipe, so keep an eye on your mixture as you cook it. Enjoy trying out new combinations until you find your own perfect variation!
Serving and Pairing
The Amazing Turkey Meatballs Recipe is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, making it perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving and pairing options to consider:
– With Spaghetti and Tomato Basil Sauce: Pour the tomato basil sauce over the spaghetti and top with meatballs. This classic combination is sure to satisfy your Italian craving.
– With Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes: Arrange the meatballs on top of garlic butter mashed potatoes for a comfort food feast that will warm your belly on a chilly night.
– With Cream Sauce: Smother the meatballs with creamy mushroom or alfredo sauce to make it more satisfying and indulgent.
The serving options are endless. You can try pairing the meatballs with marinara sauce, gravy or even slow cooker. In addition to being delicious, these meatballs are also perfect for those who are looking for a low-carb option — just skip the bread crumbs!
Looking for a healthier way to enjoy these meatballs? Consider using Greek yogurt instead of milk when combining the ingredients. This substitution adds protein to the dish without sacrificing flavor.
No matter how you choose to serve and pair these amazing turkey meatballs, they are sure to impress your guests and fill their tummies with savory goodness. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Having turkey meatballs on-hand for a quick and easy meal is a great way to ensure you’re eating healthy, delicious food even on busy nights. Luckily, this recipe for amazing turkey meatballs can be easily made ahead of time, stored in the fridge or freezer, and reheated to enjoy whenever you need them.
To make these turkey meatballs ahead of time, simply follow the recipe as instructed, form the meat mixture into balls, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
When you’re ready to cook, remove the baking sheet from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and bake the turkey meatballs for about 20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (73°C).
If you want to store leftover turkey meatballs, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When reheating frozen turkey meatballs, either defrost overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen in a microwave on medium power for about 5 minutes or until heated through.
These delicious turkey meatballs can also be reheated in other ways, such as simmering them in marinara sauce for a flavorful pasta dish or serving them with mashed potatoes and gravy. They’re versatile and can be used in many different meal combinations.
In summary, having a batch of these amazing turkey meatballs on hand is sure to make your weeknight dinners stress-free and delicious. With easy-to-follow make-ahead instructions and foolproof storage tips included, you’ll never have to sacrifice taste for convenience again.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making turkey meatballs, there are some tips and tricks to ensure perfect results every time. Here are my top recommendations to make your turkey meatballs delicious, moist, and packed with flavor:
Firstly, use lean ground turkey for your meatballs. Lean ground turkey has less fat content than regular ground turkey, which makes it healthier while also keeping the meatballs moist.
Secondly, use a binder such as breadcrumbs or eggs to help your meatballs stick together. This will prevent them from falling apart while cooking.
Next, don’t overwork the meat when mixing in the ingredients. Overworking the mixture can result in tough and dry meatballs.
It’s important to season your turkey meatballs well with salt, pepper, onion, garlic cloves, and fresh herbs like sweet basil and parsley. This will give your meatballs a depth of flavor that is hard to resist.
Another tip is to use freshly grated cheese like asiago or parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged grated cheese. It will add a burst of flavor that cannot be duplicated by store-bought cheese.
When forming your turkey meatballs, make sure they are all evenly sized so they cook at the same rate. You can use a cookie scoop or simply measure each ball out with a tablespoon.
For best results, bake your turkey meatballs. Baking allows them to cook evenly without any risk of burning or sticking to the pan. Plus, baking allows them to retain their shape and stay juicy.
Finally, let your turkey meatballs rest before serving. This will allow them to cool down slightly and settle into their shape, making them easier to handle and preventing them from crumbling apart.
With these tips in mind, you are now ready to make the best turkey meatballs ever!
FAQ
As you embark on your culinary journey to make these amazing turkey meatballs, you might have some questions that need answers. It’s indeed essential to have all the necessary knowledge before starting the cooking process, and in this section, we’ll address some of the most frequently asked questions about this recipe. From ingredient substitutions to storage tips and dietary concerns, we’ve got you covered. So read on for solutions to your doubts and make sure to have a seamless cooking experience.
How do you make Bobby Flay meatballs?
For this recipe, you’ll need a combination of ground beef, ground pork, and ground veal. Please refer to the notes section for more information on choosing the right type of meat. The meat mixture will then be seasoned with lightly beaten eggs, Parmesan cheese that’s been grated into a powder, finely diced garlic, Italian breadcrumbs (preferably homemade), and finely chopped parsley.
Why are my turkey meatballs rubbery?
One common mistake when making meatballs is packing the mixture too tightly, resulting in tough and chewy meatballs. To avoid this, it is important to be gentle while forming the meatballs. One tip is to lightly grease your hands with oil to prevent the mixture from sticking to them. With a gentle and quick hand, form the meat into evenly sized balls to achieve a perfect texture.
Why do turkey meatballs fall apart?
Meatballs crumbling apart can often be attributed to issues with the binding agents used in their recipe. Traditional meatball recipes typically incorporate bread crumbs and eggs; however, finding the right balance between the two is crucial. Overdoing the bread crumbs can result in loose and flimsy meatballs, while underdoing them won’t provide enough binding support. This is a common issue experienced by many home chefs when making meatballs.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this turkey meatball recipe is truly exceptional. Not only does it taste delicious but it is also healthy, gluten-free, and low-carb. With easy-to-follow instructions and practical tips, you can cook a perfect batch of turkey meatballs every time.
I encourage you to give this recipe a try and savor the scrumptiousness of these juicy meatballs with diverse serving options like marinara sauce, tomato basil, or even garlic butter! If you’re a fan of comfort food, try serving them with mashed potatoes and gravy for an unforgettable meal.
Moreover, you won’t have to worry about the intricacies of reheating or storing leftovers since this turkey meatballs recipe stores well in the fridge and freezer. The best part? The meatballs don’t fall apart when reheated!
In sum, I assure you that this turkey meatball recipe won’t disappoint. Instead, it will impress your guests, satisfy your cravings, and nourish your body. Try them at your next gathering and see the look on your guest’s face when they bite into the perfect turkey meatball!
Amazing Turkey Meatballs Recipe Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 lbs ground turkey
- 4 garlic cloves, pressed
- 3 teaspoons parsley
- 1 teaspoon sweet basil
- 1 small-medium onion, grated
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 cup asiago cheese, grated
- 2 eggs, beaten add dash of water
- 4 slices of dry Italian bread
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Start to cook a double batch of Sugu without the ground beef (See sugu recipe).
- Sugu should simmer on low heat about 1 hour before meatballs are placed inside).
- In a large bowl, Mix turkey, garlic, parsley, sweet basil, onion, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and Asiago cheese.
- Soak the slices of bread thoroughly in a bowl of water, squeeze out water and pull apart, add to turkey mixture.
- Add two beaten eggs in mixture to hold together.
- Form meatballs in desired size, then place on a plate.
- Sauté meatballs in 3 tablespoon of olive oil about 2-3 minutes.
- Place meatballs in Sugu.
- Simmer meatballs in Sugu for ½ hour on low heat.
- Serve with pasta and fresh grated Asiago cheese.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!