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These small batch turkey meatballs are baked in the oven until tender and lightly golden, making them an easy, flavorful option for dinner. Made with simple ingredients and ready in about 30 minutes, this turkey meatballs recipe is perfectly portioned for one or two people.
Featured Comment
“These meatballs exceeded all of my expectations. Juicy, slightly soft and hands down delicious! They make a fabulous sub sandwich.”
– Ginger
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lean and Satisfying: Made with ground turkey, these meatballs are a lighter option that still delivers great flavor.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and clear steps make this an easy turkey meatballs recipe you can count on.
- Baked, Not Fried: Cooking turkey meatballs in the oven keeps them tender and makes cleanup easy.
- Ready in 30 Minutes: From prep to oven, these baked turkey meatballs come together quickly.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve turkey meatballs with pasta, in a sandwich, or on their own with your favorite sauce.
- Perfectly Portioned: This small batch turkey meatballs recipe makes just the right amount for one or two people.
These turkey meatballs are the kind of recipe I like to keep close. The onion, garlic, and Parmesan create a savory base, and baking the meatballs lets everything come together naturally in the oven. It’s the kind of recipe that fits easily into real life, whether you’re cooking dinner for yourself or sharing a simple meal with someone you love.
Enjoy these tender turkey meatballs served over buttered noodles or fluffy white rice, paired with roasted carrots or smashed Brussels sprouts, or tucked into a sandwich with homemade French bread.
They’re also delicious with a variety of sauces, including small batch tomato sauce, small batch pomodoro sauce, small batch Alfredo sauce, spinach pesto, or barbecue sauce, making them easy to enjoy in different ways.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this moist turkey meatballs recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Ground Turkey: Lean ground turkey forms the base of this recipe. For juicier meatballs, choose 93/7 lean turkey. Extra ground turkey can be used in ground turkey tacos or turkey chili for one.
- Onions, Garlic, and Parsley: 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley add savory flavor and aroma. Use any extras in chicken paprika for one, mini turkey meatloaf, and baked stuffed fish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan boosts flavor and helps bind the meatballs.
- Egg: 1 large egg binds the mixture so the meatballs hold their shape while cooking.
- Breadcrumbs: About ½ cup of breadcrumbs help keep the meatballs tender. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
- Seasonings: Dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper add depth. Use Italian seasoning for a well-rounded flavor.
Recipe Variations
These easy turkey meatball variations let you change the flavor with simple ingredient swaps and sauces:
- Cheese-Stuffed Turkey Meatballs: Place a small cube of mozzarella in the center of each meatball before baking for a cheesy center.
- Spicy Turkey Meatballs: Add red pepper flakes or finely diced jalapeño to the mixture for extra heat.
- Italian-Style Turkey Meatballs: Add extra Parmesan and a pinch of Italian seasoning, then serve with a small batch of tomato sauce.
- BBQ Turkey Meatballs: Brush cooked meatballs with homemade barbecue sauce and bake for a few more minutes until glazed.
- Asian-Style Turkey Meatballs: Toss cooked meatballs in teriyaki or sweet and sour sauce and garnish with green onions.
How To Make Turkey Meatballs
These baked turkey meatballs are easy to make and come together in just a few simple steps. A quick blend of onion, garlic, parsley, and Parmesan builds flavor, while breadcrumbs and egg help keep the meatballs tender. Once mixed with ground turkey, the mixture is shaped and baked until lightly golden and cooked through, giving you juicy, flavorful meatballs with minimal effort.
Expert Tips
- Shape Evenly: Roll the meatballs to the same size so they cook evenly.
- Mix Gently: Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the meatballs tender.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the meatballs sit for a few minutes after baking so the juices redistribute.
- Use Lean but Not Extra-Lean Turkey: 93% lean ground turkey gives the best balance of moisture and flavor.
- Line the Baking Sheet: Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use breadcrumbs, egg, and finely chopped onion, and avoid overmixing the meat. Baking just until cooked through also helps keep them tender.
Turkey meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safely cooked.
Yes, you can mix and shape the meatballs a few hours ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Yes, baked turkey meatballs freeze well. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried these ground turkey meatballs or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see!
Small Batch Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic -minced
- ¼ cup chopped parsley leaves
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg -lightly beaten
- ¼ cup seasoned bread crumbs
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 8 ounces ground turkey
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Add the onion, garlic, parsley, and Parmesan to a food processor. Pulse until very finely chopped.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Add the egg and breadcrumbs and mix well.
- Stir in the salt, pepper, basil, and oregano.
- Gently mix in the ground turkey just until combined.
- Lightly wet your hands and shape the mixture into 5 meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly golden.
Notes
- Shape Evenly: Roll the meatballs to the same size so they cook evenly.
- Mix Gently: Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the meatballs tender.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the meatballs sit for a few minutes after baking so the juices redistribute.
- Use Lean but Not Extra-Lean Turkey: 93% lean ground turkey gives the best balance of moisture and flavor.
- Line the Baking Sheet: Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Oh yeeaaah. I like the serving size. 😀 They look perfect!
Oh my gosh I am sitting here literally drooling at the mouth haha!! You're making me want to have this meatball plate for lunch!
Fantastic recipe and so easy to make too.
I love meals that have no leftovers! It's a great recipe!
I absolutely love this!! My husband is a chef so he works most nights of the week. I am always looking for new recipes-for-one to try! 🙂
How do you make this look so pretty??? I am def going to make this Saturday night.. I hope I can present it as well as you too! haha Had to share this too!
Oh. My. Gosh. These look amazing!!! spaghetti and meatballs is a favorite at my house and I will definitely be making these this week! (If not tonight..)
This looks super yummy and healthy. I will have to try this coming weekend.
I love this recipe. Thank you.
Ok! How YUMMMMM is this? Cannot wait to try out this recipe! I hope it doubles easily because I don't plan on sharing with my Hubby!