Description
This easy turkey meatballs recipe offers a flavorful and healthy twist on a classic favorite. Made with lean ground turkey, grated parmesan, and fragrant Italian seasonings, these meatballs are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Pan-fried to a golden brown, they deliver juicy, tender bites that pair wonderfully with pasta, salads, or sandwiches. Simple to prepare and family-approved, these meatballs bring wholesome comfort to your table in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons (15g) grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup (30g) breadcrumbs
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ small white or yellow onion, finely grated
- 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean)
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the egg, grated parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, crushed garlic, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and ground pepper. Finely grate the half onion directly into the bowl. Stir thoroughly until the mixture forms a thick paste.
- Add the turkey: Gently fold the ground turkey into the seasoned mixture. Be careful to mix just until combined to avoid overworking the meat which can cause toughness. Ensure all seasonings are evenly incorporated without compacting the mixture too much.
- Shape the meatballs: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out uniform amounts of the mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons each) and roll them into smooth balls with your hands to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs, spacing them apart to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through internally to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- These easy turkey meatballs are a family favorite and a regular dinner in our house!
- To ensure even cooking, make sure meatballs are of uniform size.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness for food safety.
- For a lower sodium option, reduce the kosher salt amount or choose low-sodium Worcestershire sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 213 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 1574 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
