This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Turkey meatballs are a fantastic, leaner alternative to the traditional beef or pork versions. This Small Batch Turkey Meatballs recipe combines ground turkey with a perfect blend of spices and breadcrumbs, creating small, flavorful spheres that are both nutritious and delicious. They’re versatile, easy to make, and cook in just 20 minutes, making them perfect for quick, satisfying meals.
Enjoy these tender turkey meatballs over buttered noodles, atop fluffy rice, with roasted carrots or brussels sprouts, or tucked into a sandwich with fresh French bread.
RELATED: Game Day Recipes For One
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Meatballs Recipe
- Healthier Option: Made with ground turkey, these meatballs are a leaner choice.
- Quick and Easy: With a prep and cook time of just 30 minutes, turkey meatballs are a breeze to make.
- Versatile: Serve them with pasta, in sandwiches, or as appetizers – they’re perfect for any meal.
- Flavorful: Seasoned to perfection, they’re brimming with flavor.
- Perfect for Small Batches: Ideal for one or two people, avoiding food waste.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this turkey meatballs recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Onions, Garlic, and Parsley: Incorporate 1/2 cup of finely chopped onions (about 1/4 of a small onion), 2 cloves of minced garlic, and a handful of fresh parsley for a burst of fresh flavor. These three ingredients can also be found in our Chicken Paprika, mini Turkey Meatloaf, and Baked Stuffed Fish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan not only enhances flavor but also acts as an excellent binder for the meatballs.
- Egg: One egg is crucial for binding the ingredients, ensuring the meatballs stay intact while cooking.
- Breadcrumbs: Use either store-bought or homemade breadcrumbs. For a gluten-free alternative, almond meal or gluten-free breadcrumbs are perfect substitutes.
- Seasonings: A combination of dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper adds depth. Adjust these to taste, or use Italian seasoning for a well-rounded herbal profile.
- Ground Turkey: Lean and mild in flavor, ground turkey is the base of this recipe. Leftover ground turkey can be used in Turkey Chili. Ground chicken or a mix of lean meats can be used as substitutes for varied flavors.
Recipe Variations
Explore the versatility of turkey meatballs with these enticing variations:
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: Add a cube of mozzarella inside each meatball for a gooey, cheesy surprise.
- Spicy Meatballs: Mix in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for added heat.
- Herb-Infused Meatballs: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fragrant twist.
- BBQ Meatballs: Coat the meatballs in BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy flavor.
- Asian-Inspired Meatballs: Glaze with teriyaki or sweet and sour sauce for an East Asian touch.
Expert Tips
- Even Cooking: Roll the meatballs to a uniform size for consistent cooking.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients until just combined to keep the meatballs tender.
- Resting: Let them rest for a few minutes after baking for better texture and flavor.
Serving Ideas For Turkey Meatballs: Delicious Sauce Pairings
Turkey meatballs are a wonderfully adaptable dish, pairing beautifully with a range of sauces to suit different preferences. Here are some sauce pairing ideas to elevate your turkey meatballs:
- Classic Tomato Sauce: A traditional choice that brings a familiar, comforting taste. The acidity and sweetness of the tomato sauce complement the mild flavor of the turkey perfectly.
- Rich Pomodoro Sauce: Similar to regular tomato sauce, pomodoro offers a robust and hearty option, ideal for a more rustic meal.
- Creamy Alfredo Sauce: For a luxurious twist, pair your meatballs with alfredo sauce. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a decadent choice.
- Tangy BBQ Sauce: If you’re in the mood for something with a bit of a kick, BBQ sauce adds a smoky and tangy element that works surprisingly well with turkey meatballs.
- Flavorful Pesto: For a herby and nutty profile, pesto is an excellent choice. Its vibrant green color and fresh taste offer a lighter yet flavorful pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The meatballs usually take around 20 minutes to bake. Check to see if they are cooked through after 15 minutes because oven temperatures vary. You will know the meatballs are done when a thermometer inserted into the center of a meatball registers 165 degrees F.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet with a little space between each one and freeze until solid. Transfer the meatballs to a freezer bag or container, date and freeze for up to 2 months.
Yes, after baking you can simmer them in your favorite sauce to infuse extra flavor.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this turkey meatballs 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:
For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.
If you’ve tried these 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 oven to 400° F (200° C).
- Place the onions, garlic, parsley and Parmesan in the base of a food processor. Pulse until mixture is very finely chopped.
- Transfer the vegetable mixture to a large bowl.
- Add the egg and the breadcrumbs and mix well
- Stir in the salt, pepper, basil and oregano.
- Mix in the ground turkey.
- Dampen your hands with water and shape the meat mixture into 5 balls.
- Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
Notes
- Even Cooking: Roll the meatballs to a uniform size for consistent cooking.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients until just combined to keep the meatballs tender.
- Resting: Let them rest for a few minutes after baking for better texture and flavor.
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!