How To Make Healthy Turkey Meatballs
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If you’re looking for a healthier version of a classic comfort food, these healthy turkey meatballs are the perfect choice. Made with lean ground turkey and simple ingredients, they offer all the flavor and juiciness of traditional meatballs without the extra fat. Whether served over whole wheat pasta or alongside your favorite vegetables, these meatballs are sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.
If you are looking to make a healthy main dish, you should make the turkey meatballs. Turkey meatballs are very easy to make and very healthy – turkey meat is lean and good for you.
Why You’ll Love Healthy Turkey Meatballs
- These meatballs are incredibly juicy and flavorful, thanks to the combination of lean turkey and perfectly balanced seasonings. You’ll get all the taste of traditional meatballs with less fat and calories, making them a healthier option for family meals.
- This recipe is easy to prepare, with simple steps that anyone can follow, even if you’re new to cooking. From mixing the ingredients to simmering in sauce, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in under an hour.
- Using ground turkey makes these meatballs a leaner alternative to beef, yet they remain tender and satisfying. The turkey absorbs the flavors of the spices and sauce, so each bite is full of rich, savory goodness.
- These turkey meatballs are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides, like pasta, roasted vegetables, or even a fresh salad. You can easily adjust the dish to suit your dietary needs or preferences.
- They make excellent leftovers! You can store them in the fridge or freezer and reheat them for a quick, healthy meal on busy days without compromising flavor or texture.
If you use ground turkey breast, the meatballs will be virtually fat free. Even if you use dark turkey meat, these meatballs will still be much leaner than the beef meatballs.
Ingredients For Healthy Turkey Meatballs
- Lean Ground Turkey – A healthier alternative to beef, keeping the meatballs light and low in fat.
- Pasta Sauce – Adds rich, tomato flavor and keeps the meatballs juicy as they cook.
- Onion – Minced onion brings a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the meatballs.
- Bread – Acts as a binder, keeping the meatballs moist and tender. Whole wheat bread can be used for added fiber.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor of the turkey.
- Oil – Helps brown the meatballs and adds a little extra moisture to the pan.
For exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Healthy turkey meatballs are also very tasty. This healthy meatball recipe will show you how to make very yummy turkey meatballs that are juicy, tender and full of flavor.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Healthy Turkey Meatballs
- Mixing Bowls – One for soaking the bread and another for mixing the turkey mixture.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – For measuring out the ingredients like salt, pepper, and oil.
- Non-stick Frying Pans – You’ll need two large pans to brown the meatballs evenly.
- Large Pot – For simmering the meatballs in sauce, ensuring they cook through and stay juicy.
- Spatula – For carefully flipping and transferring the meatballs from the pan to the pot.
You can serve healthy turkey meatballs over pasta, or for even healthier side dish check out my recipe for oven roasted sweet potatoes – these yummy sweet potatoes go really well with turkey meatballs!
How To Make Healthy Turkey Meatballs
- Soak the bread slices in a bowl of water until softened, then squeeze out the excess liquid and break the bread into small pieces.
- In a separate bowl, mix the ground turkey with salt, pepper, and the softened bread. Add the minced onion and combine everything thoroughly.
- Heat oil in two large non-stick frying pans over medium-high heat. Shape the turkey mixture into meatballs and place them in the pans.
- Brown the meatballs on one side for about 4 minutes, then carefully flip them with a spatula and brown the other side for 3 minutes.
- In a large pot, pour some pasta sauce on the bottom. Transfer the browned meatballs into the pot in layers, then pour the remaining sauce over the top.
- Bring the sauce to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the turkey meatballs over whole wheat pasta for a hearty, healthy meal.
- Pair them with roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, broccoli, or balsamic zucchini for a nutrient-packed side.
- For a low-carb option, try serving the meatballs on a bed of zucchini noodles or a fresh kale salad.
- Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top for extra flavor.
- These meatballs also make a great sandwich filling for a quick lunch or dinner option.
Tips For Success
- Use ground turkey with a little fat: While lean turkey is great for keeping the recipe low in fat, a little fat in the meat helps to keep the meatballs tender and juicy. If you use ground turkey breast, be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster.
- Don’t skip the bread: Soaking the bread in water helps to bind the meatballs and keep them soft. This step is crucial to ensure your meatballs don’t end up too dense or dry. If you want a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread.
- Brown the meatballs well: Browning the meatballs in a frying pan before simmering them in the sauce adds a great depth of flavor. Make sure to cook them long enough to get a nice golden crust, but be careful not to burn them.
- Simmer low and slow: After browning, simmering the meatballs in the sauce for at least 30 minutes ensures they absorb the flavors of the sauce and remain moist. If you have time, let them simmer even longer for richer taste.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste: Don’t be afraid to taste the turkey mixture before cooking and adjust the salt, pepper, or any additional seasonings like garlic or herbs. This ensures your meatballs are perfectly seasoned to your liking.
Variations And Substitutions
- Gluten-Free Option: To make these turkey meatballs gluten-free, simply swap out the regular bread for gluten-free bread or gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use oats in place of bread as a binder if you prefer.
- Keto-Friendly: For a low-carb, keto-friendly version, replace the bread with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. These ingredients will still help bind the meatballs together without adding unnecessary carbs.
- Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the turkey mixture. You can also spice up the sauce with a dash of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce.
- Herb Variations: Add fresh or dried herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano for a more Mediterranean flavor. Italian seasoning is also a great addition to the mixture or sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: If you want to take your meatballs to the next level, consider stuffing them with cheese. Mozzarella or feta are great options for adding a gooey, flavorful surprise inside each meatball.
- Different Sauces: Instead of using pasta sauce, try simmering the meatballs in other sauces like a light garlic and herb butter sauce, a spicy marinara, or even a creamy mushroom sauce for a different flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also cook the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. When ready to serve, simply reheat them on the stovetop in some sauce.
Can I bake the turkey meatballs instead of frying them?
Absolutely! If you prefer to bake the meatballs, preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the shaped meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and browned. You can then simmer them in the sauce for additional flavor if desired.
How do I keep turkey meatballs from falling apart?
The key to keeping turkey meatballs together is making sure you have a proper binder, such as the soaked bread in this recipe. Mixing the ingredients well, including the bread, helps hold the meatballs together. Also, avoid over-handling the mixture, as this can make the meatballs tough.
What can I serve with turkey meatballs?
Turkey meatballs are versatile and pair well with many sides. Classic options include whole wheat pasta, zucchini noodles, or mashed potatoes. For a healthier option, serve them with roasted vegetables like broccoli or sweet potatoes, or on a bed of greens for a low-carb meal.
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
Turkey meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be fully cooked. You can use a meat thermometer to check. Alternatively, you can cut one of the larger meatballs in half to make sure it’s no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear.
Other Easy Meatball Recipes
Instant Pot Frozen Turkey Meatballs: This quick and easy Instant Pot recipe delivers tender and flavorful turkey meatballs straight from frozen, perfect for a fast weeknight dinner.
Air Fryer Crispy Frozen Meatballs: Make perfectly crispy frozen meatballs in the air fryer with minimal prep and no thawing required, ready in under 20 minutes.
Air Fryer Juicy Meatballs Recipe: These homemade air fryer meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection in just a few minutes, making them a quick and healthy meal option.
Instant Pot Meatballs with Rice and Tomato Sauce: A hearty and satisfying one-pot meal of tender meatballs and rice simmered in a rich tomato sauce, made easy in the Instant Pot.
Keto Low-Carb Meatballs Baked Recipe: These keto-friendly baked meatballs are low in carbs and high in flavor, making them a perfect option for a healthy, satisfying meal.
Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs with Cheese Recipe: Indulge in these juicy meatballs stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese, baked to perfection and packed with rich, cheesy flavor.
Simple Baked Italian Meatballs with Marinara Recipe: Classic Italian meatballs are baked and served with a rich marinara sauce for an easy and comforting homemade meal.
How To Make Healthy Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lean ground turkey
- 1 jar 1 lb pasta sauce
- 1 onion minced
- 2 slices of bread regular or whole wheat
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp oil
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- 2 large non-stick frying pans
- Large pot
- Bowl for mixing turkey mixture and soaking bread
Instructions
- Put the bread slices in a bowl and pour water over them.
- Put the ground turkey in a bowl and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Take the bread slices out of the water and add to the turkey. Break up the bread slices by squeezing them with your hands.
- Add the minced onion to the turkey. Mix turkey, onion and bread until everything is combined.
- Prepare 2 large non-stick frying pans. Heat 1/2 tbsp oil in each frying pan over medium-high heat. Shape the turkey mixture into meatballs and put on the frying pans.
- Brown the meatballs for about 4 minutes, then carefully flip each meatball with a spatula and brown on another side for 3 minutes.
- Pour 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce on the bottom of the pot that will fit all the meatballs. Carefully move the meatballs from the frying pan to the pot, just put the meatballs in layers on top of one another. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the meatballs.
- Cook the pot with meatballs over high heat until the tomato sauce boils, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
More Pasta Recipes
- Fresh Arugula and Pasta Salad Recipe
- One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef
- Creamy Sausage and Cheese Penne Pasta One Pot Recipe
Such a simple and healthy dish…
Healthy and tasty this recipe is a win. So tender and delicious.