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Healthy Turkey Meatballs

These Healthy Turkey Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and easy to bake, making them perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or meal prep. Made with lean turkey, Parmesan, garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs, these baked turkey meatballs are delicious with marinara and pasta, rice, vegetables, or sandwiches.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup finely diced onion
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons milk if needed
  • 2 cups marinara sauce optional
  • Extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for serving

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
  2. Add ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper to a large bowl.
  3. Gently mix until the ingredients are just combined. Do not overmix.
  4. If the mixture feels too dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk and gently mix again.
  5. Shape the mixture into approximately 16 meatballs, about 1½ inches in diameter.
  6. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.
  7. Lightly brush the tops with olive oil.
  8. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
  9. For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
  10. Serve warm with marinara sauce, pasta, rice, vegetables, or your favorite sides.
  11. Garnish with Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Turkey: Lean ground turkey works well, but avoid overcooking it because very lean turkey can dry out quickly.
Moisture: Add a little milk if the mixture feels dry. Finely diced onion also helps keep the meatballs tender.
Mixing: Gently combine the ingredients and avoid overmixing for the best texture.
Size: Keep the meatballs similar in size so they cook evenly.
Temperature: Turkey meatballs should reach 165°F internally.
Sauce: Serve with warm marinara sauce for a classic combination.
Meal prep: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: Cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Serving ideas: Pair with spaghetti, brown rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, salad, or use in sandwiches and wraps.