These herb-infused turkey meatballs are a nutritious and flavorful option for a high-protein meal. They’re oven-baked for a healthier twist, making them perfect for quick dinners or meal prep.
- Total Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 (12 meatballs)
Contents
Ingredients
- 500 g (1 lb) ground turkey
- 1 egg
- ½ cup (40 g) almond flour or breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
Substitutions:
- Dairy-free option: Skip Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.
- Low-carb version: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
- Extra flavor: Add a dash of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with oil.
- Make the Meatball Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, almond flour (or breadcrumbs), Parmesan, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and chopped parsley.
- Mix until just combined (don’t overwork the meat for tender meatballs).
- Form the Meatballs:
- Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to form evenly sized meatballs (about 12 total).
- Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake for 18–20 minutes or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 75°C/165°F).
- For a golden-brown finish, broil for the last 2 minutes.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with extra fresh parsley and serve with marinara sauce, salad, or roasted vegetables.
Nutritional Information (Per 3 Meatballs)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 25 g
- Fats: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 0 g
Vitamins & Benefits
- Turkey: A great source of lean protein and essential amino acids.
- Herbs: Provide antioxidants and natural anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Almond flour: Adds fiber and healthy fats.
Did you know? Turkey is one of the highest natural sources of tryptophan, an amino acid that helps regulate mood and sleep!
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
FAQ
❓ Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
✔️ Yes! Ground chicken works just as well in this recipe.
❓ How do I prevent dry meatballs?
✔️ Adding a little olive oil and not overbaking will keep them juicy.
❓ What sauces go well with these meatballs?
✔️ Marinara, tzatziki, honey mustard, or a light yogurt sauce are all great options!
