11 Best Turkey Meatball Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals

Turkey meatballs are a versatile and healthy option for any meal. They can be made in various ways, from traditional recipes to creative twists that suit different tastes. In this article, I will share 11 of the best turkey meatball recipes that are sure to please everyone at your table.

One of the great things about turkey meatballs is their ability to absorb flavors while remaining leaner than other meat options. Whether you prefer spicy, savory, or sweet tastes, there’s a turkey meatball recipe for you. Joining me on this journey, you will discover some delicious recipes that are easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

1. Classic Italian Turkey Meatballs

Classic Italian Turkey Meatballs are a delicious and healthier twist on the traditional meatball. They are made with ground turkey, which offers a lean source of protein while still delivering great flavor.

I find these meatballs easy to make. The ingredients are simple and commonly found in most kitchens. You will need ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, and egg.

To prepare, follow these steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix 1 pound of ground turkey with 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
3. Add 1/4 cup of chopped parsley and 1 beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
5. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.

These meatballs can be enjoyed with pasta, on a sub, or on their own. I appreciate how they capture the essence of classic Italian flavors while being a lighter option.

2. Spicy Buffalo Turkey Meatballs

Spicy Buffalo turkey meatballs are a flavorful twist on traditional meatballs. They combine ground turkey with spicy buffalo sauce, making them rich in taste yet lighter than beef. These meatballs are easy to make and perfect for various meals or snacks.

To prepare, I follow these simple steps:

1. Mix the ingredients: I combine 1 pound of ground turkey, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce, 1 egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl.
2. Form the meatballs: I roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. This recipe yields about 20 meatballs.
3. Bake: I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the meatballs on a baking sheet. I bake them for 20-25 minutes, until they are cooked through.
4. Serve: After baking, I toss the meatballs in extra buffalo sauce for added flavor.

These spicy buffalo turkey meatballs are delicious on their own or served with a side of celery and blue cheese dressing for dipping.

3. Mediterranean Herb Turkey Meatballs

Mediterranean Herb Turkey Meatballs are a delicious twist on traditional meatballs. They combine ground turkey with a mix of aromatic herbs typical in Mediterranean cuisine, like oregano, thyme, and parsley.

I find these meatballs easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. The flavors are fresh, making them a healthy option.

To prepare, I follow these simple steps:

1. In a bowl, I mix 1 pound of ground turkey with 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 egg, and 2 cloves of minced garlic.
2. I then add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh oregano, 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
3. After mixing everything well, I form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.

Next, I heat a pan over medium heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. I cook the meatballs for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they are golden brown on all sides.

These meatballs pair well with a side of pasta, rice, or a fresh salad. Enjoy the rich flavors and simple ingredients in this wholesome dish!

4. Teriyaki Glazed Turkey Meatballs

Teriyaki glazed turkey meatballs are a savory dish that combines ground turkey with a sweet and salty teriyaki sauce. They are flavorful and a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs.

I find these meatballs easy to make. They require simple ingredients that are often found in your kitchen. The process is quick, which makes them perfect for weeknight dinners.

Here’s how I prepare them:

1. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine 1 pound of ground turkey, 1/4 cup bread crumbs, 1 egg, and 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce.
2. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
3. Cook: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown.
4. Glaze: Pour an additional 1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce over the meatballs and simmer for another 5 minutes.

These meatballs are great served over rice or with steamed vegetables. They are a tasty option that I enjoy making and sharing.

5. BBQ Cranberry Turkey Meatballs

I enjoy making BBQ cranberry turkey meatballs for their tasty blend of flavors. These meatballs are a delicious option for a healthy meal. They are easy to prepare and can be enjoyed by everyone.

To make BBQ cranberry turkey meatballs, I start with ground turkey. I mix in cranberry sauce for sweetness and a bit of barbecue sauce for smoky flavor.

Here’s how I prepare them:

1. Preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, I combine 1 pound of ground turkey, ½ cup of cranberry sauce, ¼ cup of BBQ sauce, and spices to taste.
3. I form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. I place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. I bake them for 20-25 minutes, until they are fully cooked.

These meatballs are great for family dinners or gatherings. I often pair them with a side of veggies or a light salad. Enjoying these BBQ cranberry turkey meatballs can make any meal special.

6. Thai Curry Turkey Meatballs

Thai Curry Turkey Meatballs are a delicious twist on traditional meatballs. They feature ground turkey combined with Thai spices and ingredients, offering a unique flavor. The dish is easy to make and brings a taste of Thailand to my kitchen.

To prepare them, I start by mixing ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and chopped herbs like cilantro. I add minced garlic and ginger for extra flavor.

For cooking, I shape the mixture into meatballs and brown them in a pan. Here are the steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, combine 1 pound of ground turkey, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon of ginger.
3. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
4. Brown the meatballs in a skillet with oil for 5 minutes.
5. Add 1 cup of coconut curry sauce, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

These meatballs serve well with jasmine rice or noodles. They are a simple, flavorful choice for a weeknight dinner.

7. Garlic Parmesan Turkey Meatballs

Garlic Parmesan Turkey Meatballs are a delicious twist on traditional meatballs. They combine ground turkey with garlic and Parmesan cheese for a rich flavor.

I find these meatballs easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, I can have a tasty dish ready in no time.

To start, I gather the following:

1. 1 pound ground turkey
2. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3. 2 cloves minced garlic
4. 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
5. 1 egg
6. Salt and pepper to taste

Next, I follow these steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, I mix all the ingredients until well combined.
3. I shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. I place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Finally, I bake them for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

These Garlic Parmesan Turkey Meatballs pair well with spaghetti, sandwiches, or can be enjoyed on their own. They are a tasty and satisfying option for any meal.

8. Lemon Basil Turkey Meatballs

Lemon Basil Turkey Meatballs are a fresh and flavorful dish. They combine ground turkey with zesty lemon and fragrant basil. This recipe is both easy and quick to prepare.

To make these meatballs, I start with simple ingredients. You will need ground turkey, fresh basil, lemon zest, garlic, breadcrumbs, and an egg. These create a delicious blend of flavors.

Here’s how I cook them:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix 1 pound of ground turkey, ¼ cup of breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of lemon zest, and ¼ cup of chopped basil.
3. Add 1 minced garlic clove, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
5. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.

These meatballs can be served with pasta, in a sub, or on their own. The bright lemon and basil give a unique twist that I really enjoy.

9. Honey Sriracha Turkey Meatballs

Honey Sriracha turkey meatballs are a flavorful dish that brings together sweet and spicy elements. The combination of honey and Sriracha sauce gives these meatballs a unique taste that is perfect for any meal.

I find these meatballs easy to make, requiring simple ingredients and minimal prep time. They work well as an appetizer or a main dish.

To prepare them, I follow these steps:

1. Mix together 1 pound of ground turkey, 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of chopped green onions, and 1 egg in a bowl.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of Sriracha sauce for the sweet and spicy flavor.
3. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, until they are cooked through.
6. Serve with a drizzle of extra honey and Sriracha on top for added flavor.

These meatballs are delicious and easy to prepare, making them a great choice for any occasion.

10. Teriyaki Pineapple Turkey Meatballs

Teriyaki Pineapple Turkey Meatballs are a flavorful dish that combines lean ground turkey with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce and chunks of pineapple. This dish is easy to prepare and a great way to enjoy a healthier twist on traditional meatballs.

To make these meatballs, I start by mixing ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, and pepper. Then, I shape the mixture into small balls. This step is straightforward and takes just a few minutes.

Next, I prepare a simple teriyaki sauce using soy sauce, honey, and fresh pineapple juice. In a pan, I brown the meatballs for about 10 minutes until they are cooked through.

After browning, I pour the teriyaki sauce over the meatballs and let them simmer for another 5 minutes. The pineapple adds a nice sweetness and texture.

I serve these meatballs over rice or on their own as an appetizer. They are perfect for family dinners or game day snacks. This recipe shows how easy it is to make delicious and healthy turkey meatballs.

11. Zesty Lime Cilantro Turkey Meatballs

Zesty Lime Cilantro Turkey Meatballs are fresh and flavorful. They combine ground turkey with lime juice and cilantro, creating a tasty dish that I love to serve.

Making these meatballs is quite easy. The ingredients are simple and usually found in most kitchens. I can whip this up quickly for a weeknight meal.

Here’s how I prepare them:

1. In a bowl, combine 1 pound of ground turkey, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and 1 teaspoon lime zest.
2. Add 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, and salt and pepper to taste.
3. Mix everything gently with my hands until combined.
4. Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.

Next, I heat a skillet over medium heat and add some oil.

5. I cook the meatballs for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until they are browned and cooked through.

These meatballs can be served with rice, in tacos, or on their own. They are a bright and tasty addition to any meal.

What Are the Health Benefits of Turkey Meatballs?

Turkey meatballs offer several health benefits that make them a great addition to my meals. They are a lower calorie option compared to traditional meatballs, making them ideal for those watching their weight. Additionally, they pack a solid amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health.

Why Are Turkey Meatballs a Lower Calorie Option?

When I choose turkey meatballs, I’m opting for a meat that is generally lower in fat and calories than beef or pork. Ground turkey has about 170 calories per 3.5-ounce serving, while traditional beef meatballs can have 250 calories or more.

This difference allows me to enjoy tasty meatballs without consuming excess calories. I can season and cook turkey meatballs in various ways, keeping the flavors vibrant without adding unnecessary fats. Additionally, using herbs and spices enhances the taste without increasing calorie content.

How Do Turkey Meatballs Provide High Protein Content?

Turkey is an excellent source of protein, providing about 28 grams per 3.5-ounce serving. This high protein content is beneficial for building and repairing tissues, especially after exercise.

Incorporating turkey meatballs into my diet can help me meet my daily protein needs, which is essential for muscle health. High-protein meals also promote satiety, helping me feel full longer. This aspect can aid in reducing overall caloric intake, supporting weight management goals.

Adding turkey meatballs to my meals is one way to enhance my diet with a nutrient-dense protein source.

What Are Tips for Cooking Perfect Turkey Meatballs?

To make tasty turkey meatballs, choosing the right ingredients and knowing common mistakes to avoid is essential. I will share specific tips that can elevate your meatball game and help you achieve the best results.

How Do You Choose the Right Ingredients for Turkey Meatballs?

The main ingredient in turkey meatballs is ground turkey. I prefer ground turkey breast for a leaner option, but a mix of light and dark meat can add more flavor and moisture.

Adding breadcrumbs helps bind the meatballs together. I recommend using fresh breadcrumbs from white or whole wheat bread. They offer a better texture than dried ones.

Don’t forget seasonings. Fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, or basil can bring life to your meatballs. Also, including grated Parmesan adds a wonderful depth of flavor.

Lastly, I use eggs as a binder. One egg per pound of turkey usually works well.

What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Turkey Meatballs?

One common mistake is overmixing the meat. I mix the ingredients just until combined. This helps keep the meatballs tender.

Another mistake is not measuring the size of the meatballs. I use a cookie scoop to make uniform meatballs, which ensures they cook evenly.

Baking the meatballs is another option I like because it reduces added fat. I place them on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes.

Finally, I let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking. This step allows the juices to redistribute, keeping them moist and delicious.