Oven Baked Turkey Meatballs
Tender lean turkey meatballs seasoned with Italian herbs, baked at high heat until golden, and served with your favorite marinara sauce.
- Cook temp
- 400°F
- 204°C · preheat
- Total time
- 38 min
- 15 prep · 20 cook · 3 rest
- Flip at
- 10 min
- of 20 min cook
- Pull at
- 165°F
- USDA safe minimum
Easy Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe (Go with ANYTHING meatballs) · Divas Can Cook
Monique of Divas Can Cook demonstrates mixing lean ground turkey with soaked breadcrumbs and seasonings, rolling into balls, and baking on a sheet pan.
- Target //Cook at 400°F (204°C) for 35 mins (flip at 10 mins).
- Doneness //Pull when internal temperature reaches 165°F (USDA safe minimum). Rest 3 mins before slicing.
- Golden Rule //Turkey meatballs are the stealth healthy dinner. Kids think they are eating regular meatballs and you know they are getting lean protein without all the extra fat. Everybody wins.
- Family Tweak //Serve with spaghetti and extra marinara for dunking. For picky eaters, skip the garlic and let them dip in ketchup if that is what it takes.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbsGround Turkey, 93/7 lean
- 1/3 cupPanko Breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cupGrated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 pieceLarge Egg, beaten
- 2 clovesGarlic, minced
- 1 tspItalian Seasoning
- 1/2 tspKosher Salt
- 1/4 tspBlack Pepper
- 1 tbspOlive Oil
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Get to the point
- 1
Combine 1.5 lbs ground turkey with 1/3 cup panko, 1/4 cup grated parmesan, 1 beaten egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- 2
Roll into 20 golf-ball-sized meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
- 3
Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and internal temp reads 165°F.
- 4
Rest 3 minutes, then serve with warm marinara sauce over pasta or in sub rolls.
Step by step
Tap a step to cross it offMix the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lbs ground turkey, 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 beaten egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
WhyOvermixing makes meatballs dense and tough. Mix until the ingredients are just incorporated and stop.
Roll and Arrange
Lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking. Roll the mixture into about 20 golf-ball-sized meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet with an inch of space between each. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
WhyUse a small cookie scoop for perfectly uniform meatballs that cook evenly.
Bake Until Golden
Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through at 10 minutes, until the meatballs are golden brown on the outside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
WhyThe parmesan and panko create a little crust on the outside that locks in moisture so the lean turkey stays juicy.
Rest and Serve
Let the meatballs rest on the pan for 3 minutes. Serve with warm marinara sauce over spaghetti, tucked into toasted sub rolls, or on their own with toothpicks as appetizers.
WhyMake a triple batch and freeze the extras on the baking sheet before transferring to bags. Reheat from frozen in 15 minutes.
- Dad pro tip
- Turkey meatballs are the stealth healthy dinner. Kids think they are eating regular meatballs and you know they are getting lean protein without all the extra fat. Everybody wins.
- Kid & toddler adjustment
- Serve with spaghetti and extra marinara for dunking. For picky eaters, skip the garlic and let them dip in ketchup if that is what it takes.
- Serve with
- Spaghetti with marinara · Steamed green beans · Garlic bread
- Reheating
- Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes or simmer in marinara sauce on the stovetop until heated through.
- Calories
- 310
- Protein
- 36 g
- Carbs
- 10 g
- Fat
- 14 g
Nutrition source: USDA FoodData Central #171082. Cook-time basis: Standard oven at 400°F (204°C). USDA FSIS ground turkey target 165°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you reheat leftover oven baked turkey meatballs without ruining the texture?
Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes or simmer in marinara sauce on the stovetop until heated through.
What is the target internal temperature for this recipe?
Confirm internal core temperature reaches 165°F using an instant-read digital probe thermometer inserted into the thickest part. Allow the meat to rest for 3 minutes before slicing to let carryover heat equalize and lock in juices.
How do I adapt this meal for picky kids or toddlers?
Serve with spaghetti and extra marinara for dunking. For picky eaters, skip the garlic and let them dip in ketchup if that is what it takes.
What are the best side dishes to serve with this?
Recommended sides include Spaghetti with marinara, Steamed green beans, Garlic bread.