Turkey Meatball Recipe
Savor the World.
Turkey Meatball Recipe
Since I was a child, I’ve always loved meatballs—not only for their taste but also for their fun shape! So, if you’re looking for a delicious yet healthy and easy-to-make recipe, turkey meatballs are the way to go! Not only are they low in fat, but they’re also packed with flavor and perfect for any meal. Enjoy them with anything you like—pasta, rice, or a fresh salad. These meatballs will definitely be a hit at your table. Discover how to make them simply and surprise your family with this amazing dish!
Turkey Meatball Recipe
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (450 g)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (50 g)
- 1/4 cup chopped onion (40 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (25 g)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
Materials Needed
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet (optional)
See 5 variations of the recipe at the end.
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Did You Know?
Besides being an excellent source of lean protein, turkey also contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid that helps regulate sleep. While it's commonly associated with the feeling of drowsiness after a festive meal, turkey can be part of a balanced and health-beneficial diet!
Instructions
- First things first, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) if you want to bake the meatballs. This will allow the heat to distribute evenly during cooking, giving you golden brown meatballs on the outside and juicy on the inside.
- Now, in a large mixing bowl, add and mix well the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Make sure all the ingredients are well integrated to achieve a homogeneous mixture that won’t fall apart during cooking. You can use a spatula or your hands; you should feel how the ingredients come together well.
- With your hands, form the meatballs to the size you like, considering the servings. If you prefer smaller or larger meatballs, adjust the size to your liking, but just remember that cooking time may vary depending on the size.
- If you choose to bake the meatballs, place them on a lightly greased baking sheet or lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until fully cooked and lightly browned on top. To check if they are cooked, you can insert a kitchen thermometer into the center of one meatball; it should read 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are done.
- If you prefer to cook the meatballs in a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Then, place the meatballs in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them.
- Now simply cook for about 10 minutes, turning them carefully so they cook evenly on all sides. Don’t forget, if the meatballs are larger, they may need a bit more time. Use a spatula to turn them gently to avoid breaking them apart.
- Serve with whatever you like!
Preparation Tips
- Grandma's tip! To make juicier meatballs, you can add a little milk to the breadcrumbs before mixing them into the meat.
- If you prefer a crispier touch, fry the meatballs in hot oil instead of baking them.
- Don't overmix the meat to avoid making the meatballs tough; the ingredients should blend, not melt.
- If the mixture turns out too wet, just add more breadcrumbs to achieve the desired consistency.
- Extra tip: For an added flavor boost, you can incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or chopped parsley into the mixture.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 26 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugars: 1 g
Nutritional Benefits
Turkey meatballs are an excellent source of lean protein, making them a fantastic option for those looking to maintain a balanced and healthy diet. Turkey is not only low in saturated fats but also contains a large amount of B vitamins, like B6, which is essential for energy production. Additionally, Parmesan cheese, which comes from milk, provides calcium for bone health, while dried herbs like oregano and basil offer antioxidant benefits. All of this is packed into those delicious turkey meatballs.
Recipe Story or Inspiration
Turkey meatballs have their roots in the long culinary tradition of making hearty and easy-to-prepare dishes using affordable and available ingredients. In ancient Greece and Rome, meatballs were popular due to their versatility and ability to be made with different meats, like lamb or pork. This turkey version was created to provide a lighter alternative while still maintaining all the flavor and satisfaction. It became a popular choice for those seeking a protein-rich recipe but healthier than traditional beef or pork meatballs.
Side Dish Suggestions
- Turkey meatballs always go well with a fresh salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado.
- Don't forget a creamy mashed potato or roasted sweet potatoes as a soft, delicious side.
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots complement them perfectly.
- They also pair nicely with whole-grain pasta with a light tomato or pesto sauce.
- Brown rice or quinoa makes a healthier side option.
Recipe Variations
So, Turkey meatballs are always a delicious, healthy, and most importantly, easy-to-make option, making them perfect for any occasion, especially when time is short to make dinner. With their many variations and side dish options, you can customize them to your liking and impress everyone with their flavor.
Tastes of La Paz.
Turkey Meatball Recipe
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (450 g)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (50 g)
- 1/4 cup chopped onion (40 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (25 g)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
Materials Needed
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet (optional)
Instructions
- First things first, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) if you want to bake the meatballs. This will allow the heat to distribute evenly during cooking, giving you golden brown meatballs on the outside and juicy on the inside.
- Now, in a large mixing bowl, add and mix well the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Make sure all the ingredients are well integrated to achieve a homogeneous mixture that won’t fall apart during cooking. You can use a spatula or your hands; you should feel how the ingredients come together well.
- With your hands, form the meatballs to the size of a walnut (about 1 inch or 2.5 cm in diameter). If you prefer smaller or larger meatballs, adjust the size to your liking, but just remember that cooking time may vary depending on the size.
- If you choose to bake the meatballs, place them on a lightly greased baking sheet or lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until fully cooked and lightly browned on top. To check if they are cooked, you can insert a kitchen thermometer into the center of one meatball; it should read 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are done.
- If you prefer to cook the meatballs in a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Then, place the meatballs in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them.
- Now simply cook for about 10 minutes, turning them carefully so they cook evenly on all sides. Don’t forget, if the meatballs are larger, they may need a bit more time. Use a spatula to turn them gently to avoid breaking them apart.
- Serve with whatever you like!
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 26 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugars: 1 g
Tastes of La Paz.