Turkey Meatballs

These baked garlic-parmesan turkey meatballs with a sprinkle of fresh parsley are guaranteed the best meatballs you’ll ever make! They’re perfectly juicy on the inside and go beautifully with your favorite pasta!

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Meatballs Recipe

These juicy, baked turkey meatballs will be your new solution for days when you need a quick but homemade dinner.

• Versatile. Serve them with hearty pastas, creamy mashed potatoes, or refreshing salads.
• Little-oil. Since these meatballs are baked, there’s no need to use any oil except for greasing the baking dish slightly.
• Quick. You only need 35 minutes to throw together this easy turkey dinner.
• Freezer-friendly. Pop them out on hectic weeknights for a last-minute homemade meal.

What You’ll Need

Herby basil, oregano, and savory parmesan cheese give these simple meatballs some Mediterranean flair. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact amounts.

• Ground turkey – Make sure it’s completely thawed before preparing the mixture.
• Egg – Liquid eggs are a good substitute.
• Yellow onion – Feel free to use white onion as well.
• Garlic – Go for fresh garlic or garlic powder.
• Basil – You can use dried or fresh basil.
• Oregano – Parsley is a good swap.
• Salt and pepper – I prefer kosher salt and freshly-cracked black pepper.
• Parmesan – Freshly-shredded cheese is better than bottled cheese.
• Gluten free panko – Regular panko and even breadcrumbs work too.

Can I Use Other Types Of Ground Meat?

Yes! Ground chicken, beef, or pork can be used instead of turkey. You can also use a mixture of ground pork and beef for juicier meatballs.

How To Make Baked Turkey Meatballs

Make sure the meatballs are evenly sized so that they’re completely cooked through when you remove them from the oven. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe card.

• Prep the oven. Preheat the oven to 400F. Grease a baking dish with cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper.

• Make the mixture. Mix all of the meatball ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
• Shape them. Grab the ground turkey mixture and roll it into 2″ balls. Spread them out in the greased baking dish.
• Bake and serve. Pop them into the oven for 15-20 minutes or until slightly browned on the outside and no longer pink on the inside. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Adding some salty feta and creamy aioli or pesto to these baked turkey meatballs is an easy way to change things up for dinner.

• Use the stove. If you don’t want to turn on the oven, place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place the meatballs inside without over-crowding the skillet. Cover it and cook for 3-4 minutes. Shake the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove the lid and cook for a final 2-3 minutes or until the center is no longer pink.
• Make them Greek. Add 2 teaspoons fresh dill and 1/4 cup crumbled feta into the mixture for some Greek flair.
• Add dipping sauces. Turn them into appetizers by serving the meatballs with tomato sauce, Roasted Garlic Aioli, or Basil Pesto Sauce on the side.
• Spice them up. Stir 2 teaspoons paprika, 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning into the turkey mixture for more depth.
• Fill them. Add 1 teaspoon of cream cheese, goat cheese, or mozzarella to the center of each meatball before baking. Roll it around slightly to seal the area again until smooth. Bake as usual.

Ways To Serve Turkey Meatballs

These herby turkey meatballs are an easy weeknight dinner. Serve them with pastas like my Creamy Kale & Sausage Pasta or Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Bacon. For tomatoey pastas, try my Pappardelle with Italian Sausage. They’re also great with a side of Creamy Mashed Potatoes or Mashed Cauliflower. My Italian Grinder Salad and Simple Arugula Salad are other light side options.

Can I Freeze These?

Absolutely! Freeze them raw or cooked. Place the raw meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer bag. Bake them straight from frozen but add 5-10 minutes to the baking time. If they’re already cooked, place them in a freezer bag once cooled. Both raw and cooked meatballs can be stored for up to 3 months.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers

Store them within 30-40 minutes of baking to prevent spoilage, especially when it’s hot outside.

• Fridge: Place them in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• To reheat them: Microwave them in 20-second increments until warm. For large portions, pop them into the oven at 300F for 20 minutes.

More Ground Turkey Recipes To Try

• Turkey Tostadas Recipe
• Easy Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps with Cilantro Lime Crema
• Crockpot Turkey Chili
• Italian Stuffed Peppers
• One Pan Cheesy Quinoa Taco Skillet

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