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Home Meal Type Dinner
4.63
/5
40 minutes

Best Baked Turkey Meatballs (+ 7 Flavors)

Nut Free Nut Free Freezer Friendly Freezer Meal Prep Meal Prep
Jump to Recipe
By: Denise Bustard51 Comments
Posted: 4/23/20 Updated: 10/25/20

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

The BEST baked turkey meatballs are juicy and delicious, made with simple everyday ingredients! Bake up classic meatballs, or jazz them up with one of 7 different flavor options. Healthy, freezer-friendly and absolutely delicious!

Ground turkey is so versatile, don't you think? From hoisin turkey meatloaf to ground turkey lettuce wraps, baked turkey meatballs and more, ground turkey is a staple in our freezer and is perfect to lighten up your favorite comfort food.

baked turkey meatballs sitting on wax paper

Simple ingredients for great flavor

These classic baked turkey meatballs are made with simple ingredients that allow the natural flavors of the turkey to shine. With ground turkey, egg to bind, breadcrumbs for structure, worcestershire sauce for umami and to enhance the turkey flavor, and salt to bring all the flavors together, these meatballs are easy to prepare and are loved by all.

Seek out the dark meat

When it comes to making meatballs, a higher fat content will always mean juicier meatballs, and ground turkey is no exception. Ground turkey most often comes labelled simply as 'ground turkey', which includes a mix of dark and white meat. This works perfectly well in baked turkey meatballs. Avoid packages labelled as 'ground turkey breast', which is the leanest cut and is prone to drying out. If you find 'ground thigh', you have hit the jackpot!

How to make baked turkey meatballs

To make these meatballs, we will mix together our ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. The best way to ensure the ingredients get mixed evenly, but the meat is not over-mixed (which can lead to dense meatballs), is to get in there with your hands.

Once everything is mixed together, you are ready to roll. I recommend using a cookie scoop to get equal-sized meatballs that cook through evenly.

Arrange meatballs on a baking sheet, then bake up for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through. A great way to check if they are cooked through is to use a digital thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F.

Meatball video

Watch the video below to see exactly how I prepped four of these meatball recipes. It’s so easy! You can find more of my recipe videos on my YouTube channel, or on Facebook.

raw ground turkey meatballs on baking sheet

 

healthy turkey meatballs in freezer bags
Make ahead and freeze

You can freeze these meatballs before or after cooking, but I recommend freezing before cooking.

Why before?  Because when you thaw them and bake them up, they taste no different than if you had baked them fresh.

I find when re-heating pre-cooked meatballs, you do tend to lose a bit of moisture, however they are still plenty tasty.

To freeze raw meatballs:

  1. Roll the meatballs into 1.5 tablespoon balls and space out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You don't need to space them out, just make sure they're not touching each other.
  2. Freeze for 1-2 hours. This will depend on how many meatballs are on your tray. They should be frozen enough that they won't lose their shape when you toss them in a freezer bag. You can freeze them overnight if you'd like.
  3. Portion out into large freezer bags or reusable silicone bags. Make sure to label your bags with the flavor, date, and re-heating instructions (see below).
  4. To re-heat: thaw completely in the fridge. Bake for 20 minutes at 375°F.

To freeze baked meatballs:

  1. Roll into 1.5 tablespoon balls.
  2. Bake for 20 minutes at 375°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow to cool completely.
  3. Portion out into large freezer bags or reusable silicone bags. Make sure to label your bags with the flavor, date, and re-heating instructions (see below)
  4. Heat oven to 350°F. Bake in a covered baking dish for 15 minutes, or until heated through.

overhead shot of 7 turkey meatball flavors

Tips for perfect meatballs

  • Swap the ground turkey for ground beef or ground pork. Ground chicken tends to be quite lean and would be best mixed with something of higher fat content.
  • Use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon to get even-sized meatballs. This ensures the meatballs will cook through evenly.
  • Mix the meatballs by hand to prevent over-mixing the meat. Over-mixed meatballs can end up dense and dry.
  • Skip the breadcrumbs for a lower carb option, but be prepared for softer meatballs that are more difficult to roll.

7 meatball flavors

The classic turkey meatballs are delicious as written, but you can get creative and add all sorts of flavor add-ins to change up the flavors:

  1. Thai curry- 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste, 1 ½ teaspoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoons fish sauce
  2. Taco- 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning
  3. Italian- 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, ¼ cup shredded parmesan
  4. Greek- 1 clove garlic minced, 2 tablespoons lemon zest, ½ cup feta cheese, 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  5. Hoisin Ginger- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 2 teaspoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons fresh ginger grated
  6. Maple Chipotle- 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 2 tablespoons adobo sauce, optional: ½ chipotle pepper for extra spice
  7. Lemongrass & Ginger- 1 stalk lemongrass outer leaves removed, cut into small chunks, 1 shallot or half a small onion cut into chunks, 1 inch peice of ginger sliced, 1 tablespoon oil (processed in food processor then sautéed for 5 minutes)

Serve your meatballs with

  • 7 Easy Rice Recipes
  • 7 Cauliflower Rice Recipes
  • Sauteed Green Beans
  • Zucchini Noodles
  • Spaghetti Squash

Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!

five baked turkey meatballs lined up on parchment paper

Best Baked Turkey Meatballs (+ 7 Flavors!)

4.63 from 24 votes
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Print Rate
The BEST baked turkey meatballs are juicy and delicious, made with simple everyday ingredients! Bake up classic turkey meatballs, or jazz them up with one of 7 different flavor options. Healthy, freezer-friendly and absolutely delicious!
20 meatballs

Ingredients

base recipe

  • 1 lb ground turkey (450 g; avoid 'ground turkey breast')
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Thai Curry Turkey Meatballs

  • 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
  • 1 ½ teaspoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoons fish sauce

Taco Turkey Meatballs

  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning

Italian Turkey Meatballs

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ cup shredded parmesan

Greek Turkey Meatballs

  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • ½ cup feta cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Hoisin Ginger Turkey Meatballs

  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp fresh ginger grated

Maple Chipotle Turkey Meatballs

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
  • optional: ½ chipotle pepper for extra spice

Lemongrass Ginger Turkey Meatballs

  • 1 stalk lemongrass outer leaves removed, cut into small chunks
  • 1 shallot or half a small onion cut into chunks
  • 1 inch peice of ginger sliced
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce

Instructions 

  • Heat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Combine the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, worcestershire sauce and salt in a bowl. Use your hands to mix everything together evenly. Do not over-mix.
  • Use a scoop to roll into 1.5 tablespoon balls, and place on the baking sheet 1 inch apart.
  • Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, or until cooked through. Use a digital thermometer to check if they have reached 165°F.

Lemongrass Ginger Meatballs

  • Place the lemongrass, shallot, ginger and oil in a small food processor and puree until smooth.
  • Add to a small pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-8 minutes, until lightly golden and cooked through.
  • Transfer to a medium bowl containing all the remaining ingredients.
  • Roll into 1.5 tablespoon balls and freeze or bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.

To freeze before baking

  • Arrange meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze for 2 hours, before transferring to a meal prep container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw completely before baking as directed above.

To freeze after baking

  • Cool completely, then freeze in a meal prep container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw completely before warming in a covered baking dish at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.

Tips:

Storage
Meatballs may be rolled and stored in the fridge for several hours before baking them up. 
Meatballs may be baked ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. 
To reheat
Place in a covered baking dish and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
Tips
  • Swap the ground turkey for ground beef or ground pork. Ground chicken tends to be quite lean and would be best mixed with something of higher fat content.
  • Use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon to get even-sized meatballs. This ensures the turkey meatballs will cook through evenly.
  • Mix the meatballs by hand to prevent over-mixing the meat. Over-mixed meatballs can end up dense and dry.
  • Skip the breadcrumbs for a lower carb option, but be prepared for softer meatballs that are more difficult to roll.
 

Video

Nutrition Information

Serving: 3meatballs (base recipe), Calories: 157kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 19g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 110mg, Sodium: 359mg, Fiber: 1g
Author: Denise Bustard
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

© Sweet Peas & Saffron - Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

Did You Make This?Don't forget to leave a review below, and tag us on Instagram using @SweetPeasAndSaffron or #sweetpeasandsaffron
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Meet Denise Bustard

Denise Bustard is the creator of Sweet Peas and Saffron, a meal prep-focussed food blog. With a PhD in biochemistry, Denise takes a scientific approach to perfecting her recipes. You can find Denise's work featured on Huffington Post, MSN, Self and more.

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Recipe Rating




  1. Courtney says

    Posted on 4/19/21 at Posted on 4/19/21

    5 stars
    I made the Maple Chipotle Meatballs today and they were easy to make and absolutely delicious! Perfect mix of sweet and savory. I will definitely make these again, and I look forward to trying another flavor soon too.

    Reply
    • Denise Bustard says

      Posted on 4/19/21 at Posted on 4/19/21

      Hi Courtney! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed. Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and leave a review!

      Reply
  2. Lynn says

    Posted on 9/28/20 at Posted on 9/28/20

    I have two lbs of ground Turkey and I’d love to make two different kinds of these meatballs. What do you serve as a sauce on each kind?

    Reply
    • Denise Bustard says

      Posted on 9/28/20 at Posted on 9/28/20

      Hi Lynn! I like to serve marinara with the Italian meatballs, and tzatziki with the Greek ones. You could do salsa or sour cream with the Mexican ones? I hope you enjoy!

      Reply
  3. Heather says

    Posted on 9/5/20 at Posted on 9/5/20

    I’m planning on making the Italian meatballs with brown rice, what say would you recommend

    Reply
    • Denise Bustard says

      Posted on 9/13/20 at Posted on 9/13/20

      Hi Heather! Sure, that sounds like it would go well together 🙂

      Reply
  4. Lara says

    Posted on 7/9/20 at Posted on 7/9/20

    Do you still include the Worcestershire sauce and salt in the alternate flavors? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Denise Bustard says

      Posted on 7/13/20 at Posted on 7/13/20

      Hi Laura! Yes, still include it. Hope you enjoy!

      Reply
  5. Rae says

    Posted on 4/27/20 at Posted on 4/27/20

    We made the Hoisin Ginger meatballs tonight, and they were a hit with the whole family! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 5/27/20 at Posted on 5/27/20

      Hi Rae! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed them! Thanks so much for taking the time to come back and leave a review 🙂

      Reply
  6. Helen says

    Posted on 5/21/19 at Posted on 5/21/19

    5 stars
    Tried the lemon ginger and loved it. Very impressed as I can’t cook

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 5/27/19 at Posted on 5/27/19

      So happy you enjoyed, Helen! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review! XO

      Reply
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Hi, I'm Denise

Meal prep took me from feeling constantly stressed out about meals to cool, collected and in control. I want to share this amazing and transformational habit with you, so you can feel in control, too! Read more ...

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