Effortless Turkey Meatballs: A Quick & Delicious Meal

Easy & Healthy Turkey Meatballs: Perfect for Lunch or Dinner

Looking for a versatile and protein-packed meal that’s both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying? These Easy Turkey Meatballs are your answer! They are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for quick lunches, easy weeknight dinners, or convenient meal prep.

This recipe allows you to make a large batch ahead of time and freeze any extras for future use. It’s an affordable, healthy, and delicious way to ensure you always have a convenient meal option on hand. If you’re interested in other great lunch ideas, be sure to check out my YouTube playlist dedicated to Easy Lunch Recipes.

Close-up of cooked turkey meatballs on a baking sheet
Delicious and juicy turkey meatballs ready to be enjoyed.

This easy turkey meatball recipe is one of my go-to options for high-protein lunches. If you enjoy easy meal preparation recipes, you might also like my Meal Prep Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls and my 7 BEST Dump & Go Crockpot Dinners + Freezer-Ready Meal Prep Recipes.

If you haven’t yet incorporated ground turkey into your regular meal rotation, let me assure you that it’s a game-changer for quick and healthy weeknight dinners. It’s lean, versatile, and cooks quickly. For more inspiration, explore my Best Ways to Use Ground Turkey.

I often pair these turkey meatballs with a simple side salad, such as my Chickpea Antipasto Salad, which is a light and refreshing way to create a well-rounded and complete meal.

🔍 Quick Look: Easy Turkey Meatballs

  • ⏰ Ready In: Approximately 35 minutes
  • đź›’ Key Ingredients: Ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese
  • 🍽️ Servings: Yields approximately 4–6 servings
  • 👩‍🍳 Difficulty: Easy – perfect for beginners!
  • đź§Š Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be frozen for up to 3 months

Watch How to Make This Recipe:

Video tutorial demonstrating the easy steps to make these delicious turkey meatballs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe…

A plate of delicious turkey meatballs.
Enjoy these versatile turkey meatballs in countless ways.

What I truly appreciate about these turkey meatballs is their incredible versatility. You can enjoy them as a simple snack with your favorite dipping sauce, serve them over pasta for a satisfying meal, or even pack them in a lunchbox for a high-protein option on the go. I’ve kept the core recipe simple and straightforward, but you can easily customize it with Italian seasoning, garlic, or even shredded zucchini for an added boost of healthy vegetables.

If you’re looking for more flavor-packed recipe ideas, I highly recommend checking out my 15 Best Ways to Use Italian Sausage and my Easy Recipes Using Ground Turkey.

Made With Love,

Recipe Ingredients

Here are the key ingredients that make this recipe truly exceptional (find the complete list with quantities in the recipe card below):

  • Ground Turkey: Choose lean ground turkey for a lighter meatball that is still high in protein and full of flavor.
  • Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs act as a binding agent, helping the meatballs maintain their shape and retain moisture, resulting in tender and juicy meatballs.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A touch of Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory flavor that elevates the overall taste profile of the meatballs.

Refer to the recipe card below for precise measurements and a comprehensive list of ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Mix the Meatball Base – In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, and your chosen seasonings. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs. While you’re at it, you might also enjoy my Doritos Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing for another fun, family-style meal.
Turkey Meatball ingredients in a mixing bowl
All the essential ingredients ready to be mixed for the perfect turkey meatballs.
  1. Form into Balls – Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to portion out the mixture evenly. Roll each portion between your palms to form a ball that is approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Close-up of cooked turkey meatballs on a baking sheet
Perfectly cooked turkey meatballs ready to be served.
  1. Bake Until Cooked Through – Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking and make cleanup easier. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 18–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
  2. Serve and Enjoy – Once the meatballs are cooked through, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve them warm with your favorite pasta, over a bed of fluffy rice, or tucked into sandwiches for a satisfying and protein-packed meal.

My Pro Tips

How to Make This Recipe Perfect

  • Don’t Overmix the Meat: Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Mix the ingredients gently until just combined.
  • Double the Batch and Freeze: For even greater convenience, double the recipe and freeze half of the cooked meatballs for easy future meals.
  • Swap Turkey for Chicken or Beef: If you prefer, you can easily substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or ground beef in this recipe. Adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions

  • Fridge: Store any leftover cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Reheat them directly from frozen for a quick and convenient meal.
  • If you’re interested in freezer-friendly cooking, check out this post with 20 Easy Freezer Meals, featuring everything from comforting soups to hearty casseroles.
Easy Turkey Meatballs





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Easy Turkey Meatballs (Lunch or Dinner Recipe)

By:
Julia Pacheco
These Easy Turkey Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep. Serve them with pasta, rice bowls, or enjoy as a high-protein snack.
Prep:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Total:
30 minutes
Servings:
5 servings

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