Best 2 Tender Turkey Meatballs Recipes

These scrumptious turkey meatballs are a lean and flavorful twist on a classic dish. Made with ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, Italian herbs, and Parmesan cheese, these tender and juicy meatballs are perfect for a variety of dishes, from spaghetti and meatballs to meatball subs or as an appetizer with marinara sauce. The recipe also includes variations for baked, slow cooker, and air fryer cooking methods, making it easy to enjoy these delicious meatballs any way you like!

Let's cook with our recipes!

THE BEST TURKEY MEATBALLS

The Best Turkey Meatballs image

These juicy meatballs with a tender, light texture are packed with flavorful herbs. The meat mixture is softer than you might expect, thanks to the addition of ricotta, but sacrificing a perfectly round shape is worth it. You'll make these turkey meatballs so often you just might forget about your beef meatball recipe.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories side-dish

Time 55m

Yield 12 meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons canola oil
3/4 cup finely ground fresh breadcrumbs (from 3 to 4 slices white bread, crusts removed)
1/2 cup milk
1 pound ground turkey (93/7 ratio)
1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
1 clove garlic, grated
1/4 cup packed parsley leaves, finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons chopped)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large egg, lightly beaten

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and drizzle the olive oil and canola oil in an even layer over the paper.
Pour the breadcrumbs into a large mixing bowl, pour the milk over top and stir to fully moisten the breadcrumbs. Add the remaining ingredients to the mixing bowl and mix with your hands just until combined.
Scoop 1/4-cupfuls of meatball mixture and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet; you should have 12 meatballs. Gently roll them into balls. Bake until bottoms are golden brown, about 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F and continue to bake for 15 to 20 minutes more until the meatballs are cooked through.

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

Ingredients

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

Tips:

Choose high-quality ground turkey: Opt for ground turkey that is fresh and has a lean-to-fat ratio of 93/7 or 90/10. This will ensure that your meatballs are tender and juicy.
Use a variety of seasonings: Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to flavor your meatballs. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
Add moisture to the mixture: To prevent dry and crumbly meatballs, add some moisture to the mixture. This can be done by using eggs, milk, or bread crumbs.
Handle the mixture gently: Overworking the meatball mixture can result in tough meatballs. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined, then shape them into balls.
Cook the meatballs thoroughly: Turkey meatballs should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This can be done by baking, frying, or simmering them in sauce.

Conclusion:

Tender turkey meatballs are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. They can also be added to soups, stews, and pasta dishes. With a few simple tips, you can make tender and juicy turkey meatballs that your whole family will love.