Easy Turkey Meatballs Recipe and Tasty Ways to Eat Them

Liputan6.com, Jakarta If you like meatballs but want something lighter, a turkey meatballs recipe is the perfect choice. Traditional meatballs are often made with beef or pork, but using turkey makes them leaner without losing flavor. This recipe gives you a healthier way to enjoy the comfort of meatballs while keeping them juicy and tasty.

The best thing about a turkey meatballs recipe is how versatile it can be. Turkey meatballs have a mild taste that blends well with many seasonings and sauces. You can serve them with pasta, in soups, or even inside sandwiches. Their soft texture and gentle flavor make them enjoyable for both kids and adults.

In this article, we will share our easy turkey meatballs recipe and some useful tips to make them better. We will also talk about how to store them and some tasty dishes you can make with turkey meatballs. We gathered the recipe and tips from various sources, Monday (8/9/2025).

If you want to make these healthy meatballs at home, follow this easy turkey meatballs recipe:

Ingredients:

- 1 pound ground turkey

- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

- 1 egg

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1/4 cup chopped parsley

- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Place the ground turkey in a large bowl. Add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently with your hands until the ingredients are combined evenly.

2. Take a small portion of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Continue until you have used all the mixture. You should get about 16 meatballs.

3. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Place the meatballs in the pan, leaving space between each one so they cook evenly.

4. Cook the meatballs for about 3–4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Be careful not to move them too quickly, so they do not break apart.

5. Once browned, reduce the heat slightly and cover the pan. Cook for another 6–8 minutes to make sure the inside is cooked through. You can also use a food thermometer to check that the inside reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Remove the meatballs from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

This easy turkey meatballs recipe gives you tender and juicy meatballs that you can enjoy right away or use in other dishes.

Even though turkey meatballs are easy to prepare, a few tricks can make them even better. Here are some tips to help you improve the texture and flavor:

1. Add Moisture: Mix in grated onion or a splash of milk to the turkey mixture. These small additions add extra moisture, keeping the meatballs juicy and preventing them from becoming dry during cooking.

2. Do not Overmix: Handle the mixture as gently as possible when combining ingredients. Overmixing makes the meat firm and heavy, while light mixing keeps the meatballs soft, airy, and enjoyable to eat.

3. Use a Mix of Breadcrumbs: Combine regular breadcrumbs with panko for a balanced texture. Regular breadcrumbs help bind the meat, while panko adds lightness, making each meatball fluffy and less dense.

4. Chill Before Cooking: Place the shaped meatballs in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes before cooking. This short chilling time firms them up and helps them hold their round shape better while cooking.

5. Bake Instead of Frying: For a healthier approach, bake the meatballs on a lined sheet at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes. Baking cooks them evenly and reduces excess oil while preserving the delicious flavor.

6. Try Different Seasonings: Add spices like paprika, cumin, or chili flakes to the mix. These seasonings give your meatballs new flavors and make them more exciting for different types of meals.

With these tips, your turkey meatballs will always turn out flavorful and satisfying.

Have you ever made too many meatballs and didn’t know what to do with them? The good news is that both raw and cooked turkey meatballs can be stored for later use.

If you want to store raw turkey meatballs, place them on a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze them until solid. After that, transfer them into a freezer bag or container. This way, you can take out only the amount you need. Raw meatballs can stay frozen for up to three months.

Cooked turkey meatballs can also be stored easily. Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To reheat, you can warm them in the oven, on the stove, or even in a microwave until hot.

Turkey meatballs are very flexible and can be enjoyed in many dishes. Here are 10 tasty ways to serve them:

1. Spaghetti and meatballs: A classic combination where turkey meatballs are simmered in tomato sauce and served over spaghetti.

2. Meatball subs: Place turkey meatballs in a toasted sandwich roll with melted cheese and marinara sauce.

3. Meatball soup: Add meatballs to a vegetable or noodle soup for extra protein and flavor.

4. Rice bowl: Serve turkey meatballs with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, and a light sauce.

5. Stir-fry: Add turkey meatballs to a quick stir-fry with soy sauce, ginger, and colorful vegetables.

6. Curry dish: Cook the meatballs in a creamy curry sauce and serve with rice or naan bread.

7. Salad topping: Slice cooked turkey meatballs and place them on top of a fresh green salad.

8. Appetizer skewers: Put turkey meatballs on skewers with vegetables or cheese cubes for party snacks.

9. Taco filling: Use crumbled turkey meatballs as a filling for tacos with salsa and guacamole.

10. Breakfast wrap: Add turkey meatballs to a tortilla with scrambled eggs and cheese for a hearty breakfast.

These dishes show how one simple turkey meatballs recipe can be turned into many delicious meals.