Turkey Meatballs

I’ve always had a soft spot for comforting dishes, and nothing is more satisfying than a plate of beautifully cooked Turkey Meatballs. Picture this: you come home after a long day, and the aroma of savory meatballs fills your kitchen, wrapping you in warmth. As a child, I remember my mother making these delightful morsels, and the family would gather around the table, eager to dig in. Now, I find joy in recreating that same experience in my own home. The best part? These Turkey Meatballs are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a comforting meal in no time. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these meatballs will surely become a family favorite.

What You Need for Turkey Meatballs

Creating the perfect Turkey Meatballs relies on the harmony and quality of the ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building flavor and texture. The ground turkey is the star, offering lean protein, while bread crumbs provide the necessary binding. Fresh herbs like basil elevate the profile, and the right spices add depth. Together, they transform into something truly special.

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – A sprinkle on top adds richness and flavor.
• 1/2 cup plain dried bread crumbs – Helps bind the meatballs and gives them a nice texture.
• 1/4 cup minced onion – Infuses sweetness and moisture.
• 1/4 cup very finely chopped basil – Adds a fresh, aromatic flavor.
• 4 garlic cloves – A must for a robust flavor.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt – Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a subtle kick.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Brings that classic Italian flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme – A lovely herbal note.
• 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning – A blend that rounds out the flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds depth and a hint of smokiness.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – For those who like a bit of heat.
• 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey (very cold from the fridge) – The main protein base for the meatballs.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Enhances umami flavor.
• 1 large egg (beaten) – Binds the mixture together.
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (more as needed) – For frying and flavor.
• 3 cups marinara sauce (or more) – To serve with the meatballs.

Recipe Steps for Turkey Meatballs

Making Turkey Meatballs is an enjoyable process that brings the kitchen to life. Allow yourself to savor each step, appreciating the aromas and textures as you go along. Follow these detailed steps for perfect meatballs!

1. In a large bowl, start by combining all the ingredients, beginning with the grated Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, minced onion, basil, and garlic cloves. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed, creating a fragrant base. The aroma of fresh herbs and garlic will begin to fill your kitchen.
2. Add in the ground turkey, beaten egg, and Worcestershire sauce. Use your hands to blend the mixture gently but thoroughly. You want it mixed well without overworking it, which can make the meatballs tough.
3. If you have the time, cover the mixture and chill it in the fridge for at least an hour or up to 24 hours. This chilling will make forming the meatballs much easier as the mixture firms up, yielding a better texture.
4. When you’re ready to cook, take the chilled mixture and use a one to two tablespoons cookie scoop to measure out portions. Quickly roll each portion into a ball; they should be smooth and uniform for even cooking.
5. Next, place a large sauté pan over medium heat and add about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers; this usually takes a minute or so.
6. Once hot, gently place the meatballs in the pan. Make sure not to overcrowd them. You want to give each one enough space to brown nicely. Cook each side for about 5 to 8 minutes until they are golden brown, turning them carefully with tongs.
7. After browning, transfer the meatballs to a plate. If the pan looks dry, add more olive oil to continue cooking the rest of the meatballs.
8. Once all meatballs are cooked, it’s time to add the marinara sauce to the pan. Scrape any browned bits off the bottom with a wooden spoon; this adds flavor to the sauce.
9. Bring the sauce to a simmer, taste, and adjust for salt and pepper. Reintroduce the meatballs to the pan, making sure to coat them with the sauce. Cover the pan and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and heated.
10. Finally, serve your beautiful Turkey Meatballs hot, drizzled with extra olive oil and garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and maybe even a sprinkle of parsley for color. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Substitutions and Tips

Here are some helpful tips to make your cooking experience even better when making Turkey Meatballs.

• Storage: Store leftover Turkey Meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be cooked from frozen, simply add a few minutes to the cooking time.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of spaghetti, garlic bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Flavor Enhancements: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh herbs whenever possible for a more vibrant flavor in your meatballs.

Perfect Pairings for Turkey Meatballs

Pairing the delicious Turkey Meatballs with the right sides elevates your meal experience. Here are some great options:

• Spaghetti: A classic pairing with marinara sauce makes for a comforting dinner.
• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the excess sauce and adding a crunch.
• Caesar Salad: The crispness of the salad complements the warmth of the meatballs.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes are a delightful pairing alongside meatballs.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of seasonal roasted veggies can bring color and nutrition to your plate.
• Rice: Serve them over rice for a quick and filling meal option.
• Occasion: These meatballs are perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or meal prep for an easy weeknight dinner.

FAQ

Conclusion

The beauty of these **Turkey Meatballs** lies in their delicious flavor and how easy they are to make. They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, and I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare and how quickly they disappear from the table. Enjoy the comfort and satisfaction that come with each bite!

Turkey Meatballs

The ultimate comfort food, these Turkey Meatballs are easy to make and bursting with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, they are sure to satisfy any craving. Serve them with marinara sauce, and you'll want to make them tonight!

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese more for serving
• 1/2 cup plain dried bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup minced onion
• 1/4 cup very finely chopped basil
• 4 garlic cloves finely minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey very cold from the fridge
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 large egg beaten
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil more as needed
• 3 cups marinara sauce or more

Equipment

• Grater
• Saucepan
• Blender
• Frying Pan
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, combine the ingredients starting with the grated Parmesan cheese, plain dried bread crumbs, minced onion, very finely chopped basil, and garlic cloves. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
2. Add in the ground turkey, beaten egg, and Worcestershire sauce. Use your hands to blend the mixture gently but thoroughly.
3. If you have the time, cover the mixture and chill it in the fridge for at least an hour or up to 24 hours.
4. When you’re ready to cook, take the chilled mixture and use a one to two tablespoons cookie scoop to measure out portions. Quickly roll each portion into a ball.
5. Place a large sauté pan over medium heat and add about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers.
6. Once hot, gently place the meatballs in the pan. Make sure not to overcrowd them. Cook each side for about 5 to 8 minutes until they are golden brown.
7. After browning, transfer the meatballs to a plate. If the pan looks dry, add more olive oil.
8. Once all meatballs are cooked, add the marinara sauce to the pan. Scrape any browned bits off the bottom.
9. Bring the sauce to a simmer, taste, and adjust for salt and pepper. Reintroduce the meatballs to the pan.
10. Finally, serve your beautiful Turkey Meatballs hot, drizzled with extra olive oil and garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftover Turkey Meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of spaghetti, garlic bread, or a fresh salad.
• Flavor Enhancements: Experiment with different herbs and spices.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh herbs for a more vibrant flavor.

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Meet Adele Mercer

Every meal deserves a spectacular finish, whether it is a savory main or a sweet treat. I enjoy the entire creative cycle, from kneading dough to editing the final photos. I developed this recipe to be approachable for home cooks while ensuring it delivers the high-quality results you expect.