Description
This Delicious and Easy Turkey Meatballs recipe features lean ground turkey blended with Italian and panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan and feta cheeses, fresh herbs, and spices. The meatballs are pan-seared then simmered in flavorful marinara sauce, creating a comforting and protein-packed main course perfect for serving over pasta or with garlic bread.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground turkey 85% lean
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 small white onion finely diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 jar marinara sauce 28 ounces
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, Italian breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, diced onion, chopped parsley, beaten egg, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix all ingredients well until evenly distributed.
- Add Feta Cheese: Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese into the turkey mixture, taking care not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Form Meatballs and Heat Pan: Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form the mixture into 20-25 small meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet while heating a skillet over medium heat and drizzling olive oil to evenly coat the pan.
- Cook Meatballs: Carefully arrange the meatballs in the skillet so they do not touch. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until browned, turning gently to ensure even cooking.
- Simmer in Sauce: Pour the entire jar of marinara sauce over the browned meatballs. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165ºF for safe consumption.
- Serve: Serve the hot turkey meatballs topped with sauce over cooked spaghetti, alongside garlic bread or roasted vegetables like broccoli. Garnish with extra fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs like parsley and basil to enhance flavor.
- For a crispier exterior, brown meatballs on higher heat for slightly longer before simmering.
- Check the internal temperature of meatballs to ensure they are cooked through to 165ºF.
- Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- Adding a splash of milk or water to the meat mixture can help keep meatballs moist.
- Serve with your favorite pasta or as a meatball sub sandwich filling for versatility.
- Calories and nutrition are estimates based on typical ingredients used and serve 4 people.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
