Baked Turkey Meatballs are a quick, healthy, and flavorful alternative to traditional beef meatballs. Made with lean ground turkey, herbs, and spices, these juicy meatballs are perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or pairing with your favorite pasta or grain bowl. Ready in under 20 minutes, they’re baked—not fried—for an easy, mess-free option.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

3. Scoop and roll the mixture into 1½-inch balls (about 18 meatballs). Place them evenly spaced on the baking sheet.

4. Lightly brush or spray the tops with olive oil.

5. Bake for 15–17 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

6. Serve warm with marinara sauce, pasta, or in a sub roll.

Nutrients (per meatball, based on 18 servings)

• Calories: ~55

• Protein: ~5g

• Fat: ~3g

• Carbohydrates: ~2g

• Sugar: ~0g

• Fiber: ~0.2g

• Sodium: ~110mg

A Healthier Alternative to Classic Meatballs

Traditional meatballs made with beef or pork are undeniably delicious, but they’re often higher in saturated fats and calories. Using lean ground turkey provides a much healthier alternative without sacrificing taste or texture. Turkey is naturally lower in fat, particularly saturated fat, and offers a lighter protein option that works well for a wide range of diets, including low-carb, Mediterranean, and high-protein lifestyles.

Because turkey has a milder flavor than beef, it allows the seasoning to shine. Garlic, herbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning infuse the meat with flavor from the inside out. The result is a moist, flavorful meatball with a tender texture that doesn’t feel greasy or heavy.

Fast and Fuss-Free Cooking

These Baked Turkey Meatballs are a dream for anyone short on time. With only a few minutes of hands-on prep and a quick bake in the oven, they’re ready in less than 20 minutes. Baking them instead of frying eliminates the need to stand over the stove and reduces oil splatter and cleanup.

The oven delivers even cooking with a golden exterior and a juicy center. Plus, the baking process makes it easy to prepare a large batch at once, which is great for families, meal preppers, or anyone hosting a casual dinner or game-day gathering.

Simply shape, bake, and enjoy—no frying pans, no grease, no hassle.

Meal Prep Made Easy

One of the best things about Baked Turkey Meatballs is how well they lend themselves to meal prep. Once baked, they can be stored in the fridge for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. Reheat them in the microwave, oven, or a simmering pot of marinara sauce whenever you need a quick protein boost.

They also freeze beautifully—just let them cool completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This makes it easy to portion out only what you need, whenever you need it.

Having a batch of these meatballs in your freezer can save dinner on a hectic evening or add protein to your lunch without any extra cooking.

Versatile for Any Cuisine or Dish

Baked Turkey Meatballs are a culinary chameleon—they can be used in so many ways beyond just spaghetti and marinara. Serve them over rice or couscous for a Mediterranean-style bowl, add them to a salad for a protein-packed lunch, or tuck them into a pita or wrap with tzatziki and veggies.

They also work great with different sauces. Swap marinara for teriyaki or barbecue sauce for a completely different flavor profile. Want to go low-carb? Serve them over spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice. Hosting a party? Stick them with toothpicks and serve with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, garlic aioli, or sweet chili.

The base recipe is so flexible that you can customize it with spices and herbs to suit your tastes—add cumin and coriander for a Middle Eastern twist, or ginger and scallions for an Asian-inspired version.

Perfect for the Whole Family

Because they’re mild in flavor yet full of seasoning, these meatballs are incredibly kid-friendly while still appealing to adults. Their small, hand-held size makes them especially fun for kids, and they can be served plain, with ketchup, or alongside mac and cheese for an easy family dinner.

They’re also a great way to sneak in extra veggies—just add finely grated zucchini or carrots into the mix. The moisture from the vegetables keeps the meatballs tender and juicy, and the flavors blend in seamlessly, even for picky eaters.

Whether served alone or as part of a larger meal, these meatballs offer balanced nutrition and delicious taste in every bite.

Balanced Nutrition in Every Bite

Each turkey meatball contains about 55 calories, 5 grams of protein, and just 3 grams of fat, making them a smart choice for those watching their calorie or fat intake. With just 2 grams of carbohydrates per serving, they’re also compatible with low-carb and keto diets when paired with appropriate sides.

Turkey is a high-quality source of protein that supports muscle maintenance, satiety, and overall health. The added Parmesan cheese and egg help with both binding and flavor, while breadcrumbs provide lightness and structure.

If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, simply swap the breadcrumbs for almond flour or gluten-free crumbs, and the results will be just as tasty.

Tips for the Juiciest Meatballs

To ensure your turkey meatballs come out perfectly juicy every time, avoid overmixing the ingredients. Mix just until combined—this keeps the meatballs tender and prevents them from becoming dense.

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out evenly sized balls for consistent cooking. Lightly brushing the tops with olive oil helps them brown slightly and adds flavor without the need for frying.

Make sure the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F to ensure they’re fully cooked and safe to eat. A quick-read digital thermometer is a handy tool for checking doneness.

Let them rest for a minute or two out of the oven before serving to allow the juices to redistribute evenly.

Pairs Well with So Many Sides

Baked Turkey Meatballs are easy to pair with your favorite side dishes. Go classic with spaghetti and red sauce, or mix things up with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a big green salad.

They’re also excellent in subs—add warm marinara, melt some provolone on top, and you’ve got an incredible meatball sandwich. Or pile them into a grain bowl with quinoa, hummus, cucumber, and tahini for a Mediterranean-inspired lunch.

Because they’re so adaptable, you can change up the sides and sauces to suit your mood or pantry without ever getting bored.

Conclusion

Baked Turkey Meatballs are a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional meatballs, offering all the comfort and versatility of the classic dish with a leaner twist. Packed with flavor from fresh herbs, garlic, Parmesan, and spices, these meatballs are juicy, tender, and satisfying without being heavy or greasy.

They’re quick to make, easy to bake, and ideal for a wide variety of meals—whether you’re meal prepping for the week, putting together a family dinner, or looking for a fun party appetizer. With just one bowl and one pan, you can whip up a batch in under 20 minutes and enjoy them fresh or from the freezer days later.

For anyone looking to eat healthier without giving up flavor or convenience, Baked Turkey Meatballs are the answer. They’re proof that simple, wholesome ingredients can yield delicious results—and they just might become one of your go-to recipes for every season.