• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Sweet Peas and Saffron

meal prep recipes for busy people

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • Home
  • All Recipes
    • Meal Type
      • Appetizers
      • Breakfast
      • Desserts
      • Drinks
      • Lunch
      • Salad
      • Sides
      • Soups & Stews
    • Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Grill
      • Instant Pot
      • One Pot Meals
      • Oven
      • Slow Cooker
    • Diet
      • Dairy-Free
      • Gluten Free
      • Low Carb
      • Nut Free
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
    • Main Ingredient
      • Beans
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Eggs
      • Lentils
      • Pork
      • Seafood
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Meal Prep
  • Meal Prep
    • How to Meal Prep
    • Vegetarian
    • Chicken
    • Beef
    • Breakfast
  • Instant Pot
    • Instant Pot 101
    • Chicken
    • Side Dishes
    • Vegetarian
  • Dinner
    • 30 Minutes
    • One Pot Meals
    • Salad
    • Soups & Stews
    • Casseroles
    • Instant Pot
    • Slow Cooker
  • Freezer
    • Vegetarian
    • Chicken
    • Casserole
    • Crockpot Freezer Meals
    • Chicken Marinades
    • Freezer Meal Do's & Don'ts
  • Shop
  • Start Here
    • Start Here
    • Denise Bustard of Sweet Peas & Saffron
    • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
  • Meal Prep
  • Instant Pot
  • Dinner
  • Freezer
  • Shop
  • Start Here
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Best Baked Turkey Meatballs (+ 7 Flavors)

    April 23, 2020 by Denise Bustard 49 Comments

    Home / Recipes / Dinner / Best Baked Turkey Meatballs (+ 7 Flavors)

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    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
    five baked turkey meatballs lined up on parchment paper
    Print Recipe
    4.58 from 21 votes

    Best Baked Turkey Meatballs (+ 7 Flavors!)

    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Calories: 157kcal
    Author: Denise Bustard
    Servings: 20 meatballs
    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!
    Prep Time20 mins
    Cook Time20 mins
    Total Time40 mins

    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.

    Notes

    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.
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 3meatballs (base recipe) | Calories: 157kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 359mg | Fiber: 1g
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @SweetPeaSaffron or tag #sweetpeasandsaffron

    About 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. read more

    Previous Post: « Coconut Date Balls (4-Ingredients!)
    Next Post: 40 Healthy Grill Recipes for Summer »

    Primary Sidebar

    https://sweetpeasandsaffron.com/about

    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 about it here!

    POPULAR

    overhead shot of 7 easy stir fry sauces on gray background

    7 Easy Stir Fry Sauce Recipes

    freezer bags labeled and filled with chicken and seven different chicken marinades

    7 Chicken Marinade Recipes You Can Freeze

    overhead shot of sweet potatoes lined up with text showing number of minutes to cook each

    PERFECT Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

    overhead shot of blue mason jar filled with crispy chickpeas

    ULTRA Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas

    pile or air fryer chicken breasts with one sliced

    20 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Breast

    collage image that says 33 healthy lunch ideas for work

    33 Healthy Lunch Ideas For Work

    FREE EMAIL COURSE

    Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

    Tips & strategies to get you prepping...fast!

    In Season

    overhead view of spiralized pasta with egg in bowl

    Spiralized Pasta with Egg and Asparagus

    fork taking a bite out of the lemon pepper salmon

    Lemon Pepper Salmon Sheet Pan

    overhead shot of farro arugula salad with a soft boiled egg in glass meal prep container

    Farro Arugula Salad (Meal Prep)

    Close up shot of multiple healthy rhubarb muffins

    Healthy Rhubarb Muffins

    Pile of sauteed green beans with garlic butter on gray plate

    Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic Butter

    close up shot of a bowl of instant pot carrots with honey glaze

    Instant Pot Carrots with Honey Glaze

    Footer

    logos

    · Copyright © 2012 - 2020 Sweet Peas & Saffron · Nutritional Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Comment and Copyright Policy | Implemented by WPopt