Description
This Ground Turkey Recipe for Juicy Herb Meatballs, baked to perfection, offers a healthy, comforting, and family-friendly meal perfect for weeknights. It ensures tender, flavorful meatballs without the fuss, simplifying cooking without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 Tbsp fresh oregano (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 Tbsp fresh basil (or 1 tsp dried)
- 0.5 cup plain breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 1 large egg
- 0.25 cup finely minced yellow onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, minced yellow onion, minced garlic, herbs (fresh or dried), egg, breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix to ensure juicy meatballs.
- Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into uniform 1.5-inch balls (about 2 Tbsp each). For even baking, ensure consistent sizing.
- Bake Meatballs: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the formed meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). (Note: If the mixture seems dry before rolling, you may add 1-2 Tbsp milk or broth.)
Notes
To avoid tough meatballs, do not overmix. For substitutions, use ground chicken or lean beef, almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, or add grated zucchini or carrots for moisture. For variations, make smaller 1-inch meatballs (baking 15-18 minutes) or broil for the last 2-3 minutes for a crispier exterior. Ensure the baking sheet is lined with parchment paper and not overcrowded to promote even browning and easy cleanup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs
- Calories: 240 calories
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
Keywords: turkey, meatballs, baked, herb, family-friendly, easy, healthy, weeknight, meal prep, comforting