These baked turkey meatballs are juicy and packed with flavor! Mixed with simple herbs and spices, they paired perfectly with a rich marinara sauce that gives every bite a hearty twist.
Honestly, I love making these on busy nights. They are easy to whip up and great for meal prep! Serve them over pasta, and watch everyone come back for seconds! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the star of your meatballs! Ground turkey is lean and a great option, but if you prefer more flavor, you could use ground chicken or even lean ground beef.
Breadcrumbs: Italian seasoned breadcrumbs add nice flavor, but plain breadcrumbs work too. If you’re gluten-free, consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs or even rolled oats as a substitute.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan elevates the taste. However, you can use pecorino or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative while keeping great flavor.
Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley is fantastic for color and flavor. If you don’t have it, try basil or even dried herbs if fresh isn’t available. Just reduce the amount by half.
How Can I Ensure My Meatballs Are Perfectly Shaped and Cooked?
Shaping meatballs might seem tricky, but with practice, it becomes easy. Using moist hands prevents sticking. Follow these tips:
- Keep your mixture slightly colder by working quickly; it helps with shaping.
- For uniformity, use a standard ice cream scoop to portion out your meatballs.
- Make sure they’re evenly spaced on the baking sheet to help them cook evenly.
- Bake until they’re browned and cooked through—this adds great texture!
Taking these steps can really help you create delicious and visually appealing meatballs every time! Enjoy making your meal!
Baked Turkey Meatballs with Marinara Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook. You’ll have delicious baked turkey meatballs ready to serve in about 40 minutes total! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will make sure it’s hot and ready to cook your meatballs perfectly.
2. Make the Meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, large egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined.
3. Form Meatballs:
Now it’s time to shape the meatballs! Take a small handful of the mixture and roll it into a ball about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place each meatball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup!
4. Bake Meatballs:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes. You want them to be cooked through and slightly browned on the outside.
5. Prepare Marinara Sauce:
While your meatballs are baking, grab a baking dish and spread the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom. It’ll provide a delicious base for your meatballs!
6. Add Meatballs:
Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully transfer them into the baking dish, placing them gently on top of the marinara sauce. This step adds extra flavor as they soak in the sauce!
7. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs, covering them nicely. This will give you that wonderful melted cheesy goodness!
8. Bake Again:
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s time to take it out when the cheese is melted and bubbly, just like in your favorite restaurant!
9. Garnish and Serve:
When you remove it from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. For a fresh touch, garnish with additional chopped parsley. Then, dig in and enjoy your delicious baked turkey meatballs with marinara sauce!
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken can be used in place of ground turkey without any major changes to the recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it might vary slightly, and ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
What Breadcrumbs Can I Substitute If I Don’t Have Italian Seasoned?
If you don’t have Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, you can use plain breadcrumbs and add your own Italian seasonings. Mix in a teaspoon each of dried basil, oregano, and garlic powder for a similar flavor profile!
How to Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just make sure they are cooled completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months!
Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the meatballs up to the baking step, place them on the baking sheet, and cover with plastic wrap. You can refrigerate them for up to 24 hours or freeze them for future use. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen!
