Easy Turkey Meatballs
Easy homemade turkey meatballs recipe with whole grains and fresh herbs. Gluten-free, high-protein dinner ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey breast
- 0.5 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.33 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 0.25 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- 1
Combine ground turkey breast, whole wheat breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, black pepper, and sea salt in a large mixing bowl.
- 2
Mix the ingredients gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix as this can make the meatballs tough and dense.
- 3
Form the mixture into 16 meatballs of equal size, about 1.5 inches in diameter, rolling between your palms until smooth.
- 4
Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, about 1 minute.
- 5
Add the diced yellow onion to the hot oil and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- 6
Carefully place the formed meatballs into the skillet, working in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan.
- 7
Brown the meatballs on all sides without moving them for the first 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then gently roll them to cook remaining surfaces for another 3-4 minutes.
- 8
Pour the low-sodium chicken broth and fresh lemon juice around the meatballs, being careful not to wash away the flavorful crust.
- 9
Reduce heat to medium, cover the skillet partially with a lid, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- 10
Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- 11
Transfer the meatballs to a serving platter, drizzle with the pan sauce, and garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
- 12
Serve warm over zucchini noodles, with marinara sauce on the side, or nestled in a grain bowl with roasted vegetables.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| whole wheat breadcrumbs | almond flour or finely ground oats | Reduces refined carbohydrates and adds fiber while maintaining moisture and texture in the meatballs |
| extra virgin olive oil | avocado oil or coconut oil | Provides similar healthy fat profile with higher smoke points for better browning at medium-high heat |
| low-sodium chicken broth | bone broth or vegetable broth | Bone broth adds collagen and gelatin for improved gut health; vegetable broth is lighter and plant-based |
| ground turkey breast | ground turkey thighs or grass-fed ground beef | Turkey thighs are more forgiving for juiciness; grass-fed beef offers better omega-3 ratios and anti-inflammatory compounds |
| Parmesan cheese | nutritional yeast or pecorino Romano | Nutritional yeast adds B vitamins and umami without dairy; pecorino Romano intensifies savory notes with less quantity needed |
| fresh parsley | fresh basil or fresh cilantro | Basil complements Italian flavors while cilantro adds brightness and anti-inflammatory benefits |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 228 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 112mg |
| Sodium | 340mg |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Protein | 33g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
