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To make healthy baked turkey meatballs, you need these key ingredients: - 1 pound ground turkey - 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for serving) - Cooking spray Using ground turkey keeps these meatballs light and lean. Whole wheat breadcrumbs add fiber, making them filling. The Parmesan cheese gives a nice flavor boost. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Each egg helps bind the meatballs. Garlic, oregano, and onion powder enhance the taste. Salt and pepper round out the flavors. Don't forget the marinara sauce; it adds moisture and richness. Cooking spray helps the meatballs not stick to the pan. Gather all these ingredients before you start. This will make cooking easy and fun. {{ingredient_image_1}} Preheating the Oven and Preparing the Baking Sheet First, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps cook the meatballs evenly. While the oven heats up, grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper. Lightly spray the paper with cooking spray to help prevent sticking. This step is key for easy cleanup. Mixing the Ingredients In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients. You will need: - 1 pound ground turkey - 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Mix everything well with your hands until it is all combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the meatballs tough. Shaping Meatballs: Size and Texture Tips With wet hands, start forming the mixture into meatballs. Aim for balls about 1-inch in diameter. This size cooks evenly and makes for a great bite. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them. This spacing helps them cook without steaming. Optimal Baking Time and Temperature Once all the meatballs are shaped, put them in the oven. Bake them for 20-25 minutes. You want them to be lightly browned on the outside. Internal Cooking Temperature for Safety To ensure they are safe to eat, check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is handy for this. Once they are done, let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving. To boost the taste of your turkey meatballs, add these seasonings: - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky touch. - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper for heat. - 1 tablespoon fresh basil for a fresh flavor. You can swap ingredients too. Use ground chicken instead of turkey. Try almond flour in place of breadcrumbs. If you want a dairy-free option, skip the Parmesan cheese or use nutritional yeast. Baking meatballs is easy and healthy. It keeps them moist without extra oil. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and spray it lightly. Shape your meatballs and leave space between them. Bake for 20-25 minutes. This method gives you a nice, browned surface without frying. For a beautiful plate, arrange the meatballs on a large platter. Drizzle warm marinara sauce over them. Garnish with fresh parsley for color. Serve with a side of steamed veggies or a fresh salad. This makes your meal look inviting and appealing. Pro Tips Use Lean Turkey: Opt for extra-lean ground turkey to keep the meatballs moist while reducing fat content. Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme for a unique flavor profile. Mixing Technique: Mix ingredients just until combined to ensure the meatballs remain tender and juicy. Batch Cooking: Make a double batch and freeze half for quick meals on busy days. {{image_2}} Adding Spices for Different Cuisines You can change the flavor of your meatballs by adding spices. For Italian meatballs, try adding basil and thyme. For a Mexican twist, use cumin and chili powder. Want to go Asian? Add ginger and soy sauce. These simple changes can bring new tastes to your meals. Incorporating Veggies for Health Boost Adding veggies to your meatballs is a great way to pack in more nutrients. Finely chop spinach or zucchini and mix them in. Carrots also add a nice sweet touch. This not only boosts health but also keeps the meatballs moist. Alternative Sauces Other Than Marinara While marinara is tasty, there are many other sauces you can use. Try BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor. A yogurt-based sauce can add creaminess and tang. If you want something spicy, go for a sriracha sauce. These options keep your meals fun and exciting. Side Dishes that Complement Meatballs Meatballs pair well with many side dishes. Serve them with a fresh salad for crunch. Roasted veggies add color and taste. You can also enjoy them with whole grain pasta or quinoa. These sides will make your meal complete and balanced. To store leftover meatballs, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store them longer, freeze them. Make sure to wrap each meatball in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. Label the bag with the date to remember when you made them. When you are ready to eat your meatballs, reheating is key. The best way to reheat them is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them moist and warm. You can also reheat them on the stovetop. Just put them in a pan with a little marinara sauce. Cook on low heat until warm. This method helps keep them juicy and adds flavor. Avoid using the microwave, as it can dry them out. Enjoy your tasty turkey meatballs! Can I use lean ground turkey? Yes, you can use lean ground turkey. Lean turkey makes the meatballs healthier. It helps cut down on fat. Just be sure to add enough moisture during mixing. What can I substitute for breadcrumbs? You can use oats or crushed crackers as a substitute for breadcrumbs. Both options work well. They help bind the meatballs just like breadcrumbs do. How do I know when turkey meatballs are done? Turkey meatballs are done when they reach 165°F (74°C) inside. You can use a meat thermometer for this. They should also look brown outside and firm to the touch. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time? Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. You can shape them and store in the fridge for a day. You can also freeze them for later cooking. Just thaw before baking. In this post, we covered how to make delicious turkey meatballs. We started with a simple list of ingredients and followed clear steps for mixing, shaping, and baking. You learned tips to enhance flavor and variations to explore. We also discussed proper storage and reheating methods. Now, you can make tasty meatballs at home. Enjoy trying different flavors and sharing them with friends. Cook with confidence and have fun!

Healthy Baked Turkey Meatballs

Delicious and nutritious turkey meatballs baked to perfection, served with marinara sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 0.5 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 cup marinara sauce (for serving)
  • 1 spray cooking spray

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray the paper with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Mix everything well using your hands until all ingredients are evenly combined (but don’t overmix).
  • With wet hands, form the mixture into meatballs about 1-inch in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned on the outside, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • While the meatballs are baking, warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.
  • Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve them drizzled with warm marinara sauce.

Notes

Serve the meatballs on a platter garnished with fresh parsley and a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping; pair with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Keyword baked, healthy, meatballs, turkey