Best 7 Tender Turkey Meatballs Recipes

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Preparing tender turkey meatballs is an art that requires careful consideration of ingredients, technique, and cooking methods. Whether you prefer baked, pan-fried, or slow-cooked meatballs, understanding the secrets to achieving the perfect texture is essential. From selecting the right turkey mince to creating a flavorful yet balanced blend of herbs and spices, this guide will take you through the steps to craft delectable meatballs that melt in your mouth.

Let's cook with our recipes!

THE BEST TURKEY MEATBALLS



The Best Turkey Meatballs image

These juicy meatballs with a tender, light texture are packed with flavorful herbs. The meat mixture is softer than you might expect, thanks to the addition of ricotta, but sacrificing a perfectly round shape is worth it. You'll make these turkey meatballs so often you just might forget about your beef meatball recipe.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 55m

Yield 12 meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons canola oil
3/4 cup finely ground fresh breadcrumbs (from 3 to 4 slices white bread, crusts removed)
1/2 cup milk
1 pound ground turkey (93/7 ratio)
1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
1 clove garlic, grated
1/4 cup packed parsley leaves, finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons chopped)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large egg, lightly beaten

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and drizzle the olive oil and canola oil in an even layer over the paper.
  • Pour the breadcrumbs into a large mixing bowl, pour the milk over top and stir to fully moisten the breadcrumbs. Add the remaining ingredients to the mixing bowl and mix with your hands just until combined.
  • Scoop 1/4-cupfuls of meatball mixture and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet; you should have 12 meatballs. Gently roll them into balls. Bake until bottoms are golden brown, about 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F and continue to bake for 15 to 20 minutes more until the meatballs are cooked through.

BAKED TURKEY MEATBALLS



Baked Turkey Meatballs image

Quick, healthy, and delicious!

Provided by Kudra

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Meat and Poultry     Turkey

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 pound ground turkey
½ cup Italian bread crumbs
¼ cup thinly sliced baby spinach
1 egg
2 tablespoons onion powder
2 tablespoons garlic powder

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Combine turkey, bread crumbs, spinach, egg, onion powder, and garlic powder together in a bowl. Roll mixture into palm-size meatballs and place 2 inches apart on a baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until no longer pink in the center and outside is browned, 15 to 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 267.3 calories, Carbohydrate 16.1 g, Cholesterol 130.3 mg, Fat 10.7 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 27.2 g, SaturatedFat 2.8 g, Sodium 349.6 mg, Sugar 3.1 g

TURKEY MEATBALLS WITH SPINACH AND FETA



Turkey Meatballs with Spinach and Feta image

Hands-down the best baked turkey meatballs that are juicy and won't fall apart! A slice of soaked toasted bread adds moisture to the meatballs and works with an egg and some good olive oil to bind the meat mixture together. Serve these ground turkey meatballs with salad, or in my rich homemade pasta sauce over pasta or rice. Also delicious as an appetizer to feed a crowd!

Provided by Suzy Karadsheh

Categories     Dinner

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups baby spinach
1 slice whole wheat bread (crust removed)
1 pound ground turkey
1 yellow onion (grated)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
1 egg (beaten)
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon dried crushed mint
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Toast the bread until just brown then transfer it to a bowl and add water to cover. Allow it to soak for about 5 minutes or until very tender. Discard the water and squeeze the bread very dry and crumble it a bit with your hands.
  • In a skillet heat 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil. Add the spinach and cook briefly over medium heat until just wilted. Remove from the heat and let cool briefly.
  • Make the meatball mixture. In a large mixing bowl, add the ground turkey, onions, garlic, crumbled feta, egg, parsley, and mint. Add the bread and wilted spinach. Season with a big pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
  • Form the mixture into balls (golf ball size) and arrange them on a large lightly oiled sheet pan.
  • Bake in the heated oven for about 30 minutes or until fully cooked through.
  • Transfer to the top rack and turn the broiler on for just a couple of minutes or until the tops are browned.
  • Serve immediately with salad of your choice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 252.8 kcal, Carbohydrate 8.8 g, Protein 34.2 g, Fat 9.5 g, SaturatedFat 2.8 g, TransFat 0.1 g, Cholesterol 113.3 mg, Sodium 433.2 mg, Fiber 1.7 g, Sugar 2.4 g, UnsaturatedFat 5 g, ServingSize 1 serving

BASIC TURKEY MEATBALLS RECIPE BY TASTY



Basic Turkey Meatballs Recipe by Tasty image

Everybody loves meatball night! These classic turkey meatballs pair perfectly with your favorite pasta and sauce, or alongside any of your favorite vegetables. Make a double or triple batch of meatballs and freeze for future meals!

Provided by Betsy Carter

Categories     Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 14 meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground turkey
1 large egg, beaten
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
pasta, for serving
Sauce, for serving

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400˚F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the onion and cook, stirring often, until softened and golden brown, about 7 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until aromatic, about 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat and let the onion mixture cool to room temperature.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, panko, Parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper, and onion mixture. Use your hands to mix until just combined.
  • Shape the turkey mixture into 1½-inch balls (you should have about 14). Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
  • Bake the meatballs until browned and cooked through, 20-25 minutes.
  • Serve with pasta and sauce of your choice.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 94 calories, Carbohydrate 4 grams, Fat 4 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 8 grams, Sugar 1 gram

MOIST TURKEY MEATBALLS



Moist Turkey Meatballs image

This is an adaptation of Kittencal's recipe#69173. I wanted to be able to enjoy meatballs without the fat and had not, until now, found a good recipe for turkey meatballs. I made her delicious ones for the kids and hubby, but changed it up with turkey and extras for me(and my waistline). They are not dry and the flavor is slightly sweet from the basil. I usually have these with homemade pasta sauce and ww pasta.

Provided by Nancygirl

Categories     Poultry

Time 45m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/4 lbs ground turkey breast
1 large egg
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
3/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
black pepper
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup skim milk
1/4 cup roasted red pepper, chopped
3 tablespoons basil
1 tablespoon fat free sour cream

Steps:

  • slightly beat egg, mix in breadcrumbs, parm, garlic, roasted peppers, s & p, liquids and herbs,and sour cream. blend well.
  • mix in ground turkey, do not over mix.
  • make meatballs.
  • they can be baked on a cookie sheet at 425 for 30mins or so, or dropped into pasta sauce, which is my preferred method.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 203.1, Fat 3.4, SaturatedFat 1.4, Cholesterol 93.8, Sodium 890.3, Carbohydrate 12.8, Fiber 0.8, Sugar 2, Protein 28.5

SAUCY TURKEY MEATBALLS



Saucy Turkey Meatballs image

It's easy to turn lean ground turkey into these moist, tender meatballs. Ideal for informal gatherings of family and friends, the appetizers feature a tangy sauce that my guests find delicious.-Janell Fugitt, Cimarron, Kansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 50m

Yield 15 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 cup old-fashioned oats
3/4 cup fat-free evaporated milk
1 medium onion, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 pounds lean ground turkey
SAUCE:
2 cups ketchup
1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons Liquid Smoke, optional
1/2 teaspoons garlic salt

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Crumble turkey over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-in. balls. Place on a rack coated with cooking spray in a shallow baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 10-15 minutes. , Meanwhile, combine the sauce ingredients; pour over meatballs. Bake 30-35 minutes longer or until meat is no longer pink.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 217 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 36mg cholesterol, Sodium 695mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

FLAVORFUL TURKEY MEATBALLS



Flavorful Turkey Meatballs image

It's hard to believe meatballs this juicy, flavorful and tender could be low in fat and calories-and sized just right for two. Thanks to our Test Kitchen for a zesty meal mainstay that can double as an appetizer.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers     Dinner

Time 35m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons chopped green pepper
1 egg white
1 garlic clove, minced
2 drops Louisiana-style hot sauce
1/3 pound lean ground turkey
1 teaspoon canola oil
SAUCE:
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons water
4 teaspoons lemon juice
4 teaspoons red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons molasses
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, green pepper, egg white, garlic and hot sauce. Crumble turkey over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-in. balls. In a small nonstick skillet, brown meatballs in oil; drain., Combine the sauce ingredients; pour over meatballs. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 63 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 15mg cholesterol, Sodium 134mg sodium, Carbohydrate 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips:

  • Use a combination of ground turkey and ground chicken: This will help to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful.
  • Add some bread crumbs to the mixture: This will help to bind the meatballs together and prevent them from becoming dry.
  • Use a variety of seasonings: This will help to give the meatballs a delicious flavor. Some good options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme.
  • Don't overcook the meatballs: They should be cooked until they are just cooked through, otherwise they will become dry and tough.
  • Serve the meatballs with your favorite sauce: Some good options include tomato sauce, Alfredo sauce, or a simple yogurt sauce.

Conclusion:

Turkey meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They are perfect for appetizers, main courses, or even snacks. With a few simple tips, you can make sure that your turkey meatballs are moist, flavorful, and cooked to perfection.

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