Best 9 Italian Turkey Meatballs Recipes

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Indulge in the delectable flavors of Italian Turkey Meatballs, a healthier and equally tantalizing twist on the classic meatball recipe. These meatballs are crafted with lean ground turkey, a nutritious and flavorful alternative to beef or pork. The combination of aromatic herbs, such as basil, oregano, and parsley, along with grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and eggs, creates a moist and savory interior. These tender meatballs are simmered in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, infused with garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning.

This article offers a collection of three distinct Italian Turkey Meatball recipes, each catering to different dietary preferences and tastes. The first recipe presents the classic Italian Turkey Meatballs, a harmonious blend of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs, cooked to perfection in a traditional tomato sauce. The second recipe introduces a lighter version, Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce, featuring lean ground turkey meatballs simmered in a vibrant marinara sauce, providing a healthier yet equally satisfying option. Lastly, the third recipe, Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles, offers a low-carb alternative, where tender turkey meatballs are paired with spiralized zucchini noodles, tossed in a flavorful tomato sauce.

These Italian Turkey Meatball recipes are not only delicious but also versatile. They can be enjoyed as a main course, served over pasta, or as an appetizer. With their lean protein, these meatballs are a healthier choice compared to traditional meatballs, making them suitable for those seeking a balanced diet. Whether you're a meatball enthusiast, seeking healthier options, or simply craving a comforting Italian dish, these recipes have something for everyone.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

ITALIAN TURKEY MEATBALLS



Italian Turkey Meatballs image

These lean meatballs are filled with the flavors of Italy with fresh herbs, parmesan cheese, and seasoned bread crumbs.

Provided by Melt Organic Buttery Spread

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Melt® Organic Buttery Spread

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 ½ pounds ground lean turkey
¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
⅔ cup dry Italian bread crumbs
⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley
3 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon dry mustard
¼ cup tomato sauce
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
3 each garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons Melt® Organic Buttery Spread, softened

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  • Combine all the ingredients together except for the Melt®; stir well in a bowl. Form around 30 balls out of the mixture. Put them on a broiler pan coated with the melted Melt. Bake around 15 minutes or until a cut meatball shows no pink inside. Serve with pasta and sauce or place on a sandwich.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 187.8 calories, Carbohydrate 8.1 g, Cholesterol 65.1 mg, Fat 8.6 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 19.6 g, SaturatedFat 2.4 g, Sodium 351.3 mg, Sugar 0.7 g

ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP WITH TURKEY MEATBALLS



Italian Wedding Soup With Turkey Meatballs image

Classic Italian wedding soup is beloved for its simplicity and satisfaction. This turkey version is lean, while meatballs stay moist by simmering in broth. Start with the most flavorful broth you can get your hands on (homemade is ideal, but store-bought works well too), then pack the meatballs with flavor (garlic and parsley) and staying power (egg, panko and cheese, to gently bind them together). Traditionalists may be tempted to add a small grated onion to the meat mixture, and sweat celery and carrots into the broth, but for a quick weeknight meal, you won't miss them here. If speed is your game, roll the mixture into 12 large meatballs-or opt for 20 smaller ones if serving kids (mini meatballs will cook through even faster). Either way, finish with a healthy dose of olive oil, lemon, cheese and dill, or any fresh Italian herb you may have on hand.

Provided by Sarah Copeland

Categories     dinner, easy, quick, weeknight, soups and stews, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

12 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus additional for greasing and serving
1 pound lean ground turkey
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1/3 packed cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
1 egg, lightly beaten
3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
3/4 cup orzo, ditalini, acini di pepe or another small soup pasta
3 packed cups baby spinach or kale, thinly sliced
1 lemon, zested and halved
1/4 cup fresh dill, oregano or basil, roughly chopped (optional)

Steps:

  • Combine the chicken broth and 2 tablespoons oil in a large pot and bring to a boil.
  • Meanwhile, add the turkey, panko, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper and 1/2 cup Parmesan to a large bowl. Mix with a fork or clean hands until combined. Gently roll the mixture into 12 medium (2-inch) or 20 small (1 1/2-inch) meatballs and transfer to a baking sheet lined with lightly oiled aluminum foil or a silicone baking mat.
  • Heat the broiler to high and set an oven rack 6 to 8 inches from the heat. Broil the meatballs until brown on two sides, turning halfway through, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
  • Add the pasta to the boiling broth and cook over medium until al dente, then lower the heat to a low simmer.
  • Add the meatballs to the broth and simmer on low until completely warmed through, 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat, and add the spinach and lemon zest, stirring well, to wilt. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Divide the soup among four bowls. Drizzle each with olive oil, sprinkle with more Parmesan and squeeze a bit of lemon over the top. Scatter the dill over the top, or stir in.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 669, UnsaturatedFat 19 grams, Carbohydrate 49 grams, Fat 29 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 51 grams, SaturatedFat 8 grams, Sodium 1797 milligrams, Sugar 13 grams, TransFat 0 grams

MY ITALIAN TURKEY MEATBALLS



My Italian Turkey Meatballs image

These turkey meatballs are moist and flavorful. Pan fry, bake, or cook from raw right into your favorite spaghetti sauce, as I do!

Provided by debbie eckstein

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Turkey     Ground Turkey Recipes

Time 50m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 pound ground turkey
½ cup Italian-style bread crumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
½ teaspoon kosher salt

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Mix turkey, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, and salt together in a large bowl. Form meat mixture with wet hands into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter without handling or packing too hard.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until browned, about 20 minutes . An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 280 calories, Carbohydrate 10.4 g, Cholesterol 133.4 mg, Fat 13.2 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 29.6 g, SaturatedFat 4.4 g, Sodium 573.2 mg, Sugar 1 g

ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP WITH TURKEY MEATBALLS



Italian Wedding Soup with Turkey Meatballs image

This hearty soup can be made ahead and frozen for up to three months, so you can enjoy it well into spring.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Soups, Stews & Stocks     Soup Recipes

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound ground dark-meat turkey (93 percent lean)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) low-sodium chicken broth
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes with juices
2 heads escarole (2 pounds total), cored, trimmed, and coarsely chopped

Steps:

  • In a bowl, combine turkey, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Roll mixture into 1-tablespoon balls.
  • In a large pot, heat oil over medium. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add broth and tomatoes with juices; bring to a simmer. Add meatballs and cook, without stirring, until they float to surface, about 5 minutes.
  • Add as much escarole to pot as will fit. Cook, gradually adding remaining escarole, until wilted and meatballs are cooked through, about 5 minutes more. Thin soup with water, if desired; season with salt and pepper. Serve, sprinkled with cheese.

ITALIAN TURKEY MEATBALLS



Italian Turkey Meatballs image

What's not to love about moist and tender homemade Italian meatballs? Because they're made with lean turkey, they're lower in saturated fat, too! -Mary Berg, Lake Elmo, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 4h45m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 23

3 slices white bread, torn into small pieces
1/2 cup fat-free milk
2 pounds lean ground turkey
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
SAUCE:
2 medium onions, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes in puree
2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 bay leaves
Hot cooked pasta
Additional minced fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat broiler. Combine bread and milk in a large bowl; let stand until liquid is absorbed. Add next eight ingredients; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls; place on a greased rack of a broiler pan. Broil 5-6 in. from heat until lightly browned, 4-5 minutes. , For the sauce, in a 6-qt. slow cooker, mix the next nine ingredients. Add bay leaves and meatballs; gently stir into sauce., Cook, covered, on low until meatballs are cooked through, 4-5 hours. Discard bay leaves. Serve with pasta; if desired, sprinkle with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese., Freeze option: Omitting additional parsley and Parmesan cheese, freeze cooled meatball mixture in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Microwave, covered, on high in a microwave-safe dish until heated through, stirring gently and adding a little water if necessary. If desired, sprinkle with additional parsley and Parmesan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 239 calories, Fat 8g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 85mg cholesterol, Sodium 588mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

KETO ITALIAN TURKEY MEATBALLS



Keto Italian Turkey Meatballs image

An easy to make keto turkey meatball recipe using pork rinds as a binder.

Provided by My Hot Southern Mess

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Turkey     Ground Turkey Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

aluminum foil
cooking spray
1 pound ground turkey
1 cup crushed pork rinds
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.
  • Combine ground turkey, pork rinds, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl. Mix with your hands until well combined.
  • Scoop out meat mixture to form twelve 1 1/2-inch meatballs. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until meatballs are no longer pink at the center and juices run clear, about 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 371.1 calories, Carbohydrate 1 g, Cholesterol 146.6 mg, Fat 24.7 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 40.3 g, SaturatedFat 8.3 g, Sodium 426.9 mg, Sugar 0.3 g

ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP WITH TURKEY MEATBALLS



Italian Wedding Soup with Turkey Meatballs image

We prefer the acini de pepe pasta in this dish, though it is pictured with orzo pasta which works fine and happens to be what I had on hand!

Provided by Amy H.

Categories     Turkey Soups

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 21

FOR THE MEATBALLS
1 lb lean ground turkey
1 large egg
1/2 c italian style breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
dash(es) pepper
FOR THE SOUP
1 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped spinach
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 large carrots, cut into sticks and diced into small cubes
1-2 stalk(s) celery, finely diced
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 c dry acini de pepe, ditalini or orzo pasta (we prefer it with acini de pepe, but any tiny pasta will do.)
2 32 ounce boxes chicken broth
2 tsp chicken soup base
1/2 tsp salt
dash(es) pepper
grated fresh parmesan (optional)
1/4 c chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Steps:

  • 1. MAKE AHEAD: mix together the meatball ingredients. Form into miniature meatballs (about half of a normal bite-sized meatball) bake in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes. You can refrigerate meatballs until ready to use.
  • 2. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil. Add carrots, onions, and celery. Saute until softened.
  • 3. Add chicken broth and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Turn down heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
  • 4. Add pasta, prepared meatballs and frozen spinach. Simmer for for however long is required package directions of pasta.
  • 5. Ladle into bowls. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese!

CLASSIC ITALIAN TURKEY MEATBALLS



Classic Italian Turkey Meatballs image

A classic Italian Meatball recipe that I inherited from the restaurant I cooked in years ago. I've swapped ground turkey for the veal and switched to light sour cream to make the dish healthier but the flavor still came out fantastic! These won't fall apart on you - and don't forget to simmer them in your favorite sauce for at...

Provided by Brad Nichols

Categories     Turkey

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 1/2 lb ground lean turkey
1/2 lb sweet italian sausage
1 1/2 c seasoned breadcrumbs
1/2 c grated parmesan cheese
1/4 c light sour cream
1 egg
2 Tbsp fresh chopped italian parsley
2 tsp oregano, dried
2 tsp italian seasoning
1 tsp ground black pepper
2 clove garlic minced
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 c olive oil

Steps:

  • 1. Combine everything except Olive Oil in a large mixing bowl and knead ingredients together until well mixed
  • 2. Roll golf ball sized pieces of the mixture in your palms until round and well formed.
  • 3. Heat the Olive Oil on Medium-High Heat in a saute pan
  • 4. Cook the meatballs until brown - about 3 mins in total, turning a couple of times
  • 5. Once cooked - add these to your favorite tomato based sauce for a nice long simmer!! Yum!!

CROCK POT ITALIAN TURKEY MEATBALLS RECIPE - (4.5/5)



Crock Pot Italian Turkey Meatballs Recipe - (4.5/5) image

Provided by cwyorkiex3

Number Of Ingredients 15

MEATBALLS:
20 ounces (1.3 pounds) ground turkey breast 93% lean
1/4 cup whole wheat seasoned breadcrumbs
1/4 cup Reggiano Parmigiano cheese, grated
1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
1 egg
1 large clove garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon kosher salt + fresh pepper
SAUCE:
1 teaspoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, smashed
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (I like Tuttorosso)
1 bay leaf
Salt and fresh pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh chopped basil or parsley

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, garlic and cheese. Using clean hands, mix all the ingredients and form small meatballs, about 1/8th cup each. In a small saute pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and saute until golden, being careful not to burn. Pour crushed tomatoes into the crock pot with bay leaf. Add garlic and oil. Drop meatballs into the sauce, cover and set crock pot to low, 4 to 6 hours. When meatballs are ready, adjust salt and pepper to taste and add fresh chopped basil or parsley. Serve with ricotta, over pasta or enjoy with French bread.

Tips for Making Italian Turkey Meatballs:

  • Use a combination of ground turkey breast and thigh meat for a moist and flavorful meatball.
  • Season the meatballs generously with Italian herbs and spices, such as basil, oregano, thyme, garlic, and onion.
  • Soak the bread crumbs in milk before adding them to the meatball mixture. This will help to bind the meatballs together and keep them moist.
  • Grate the Parmesan cheese finely. This will help it to distribute evenly throughout the meatballs.
  • Form the meatballs into small, 1-inch balls. This will help them to cook evenly.
  • Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat before baking them in the oven. This will help to develop their flavor and give them a nice crust.
  • Serve the meatballs with your favorite pasta sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Conclusion:

Italian turkey meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. They are also a great way to use up leftover turkey. With a few simple tips, you can make moist, flavorful, and tender turkey meatballs that everyone will love.

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