These homemade turkey meatballs are a family favorite for good reason! Made with ground turkey, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian herbs, they’re flavorful, tender, and easy to prepare. Browned in olive oil and finished in tomato sauce, they’re perfect for serving over pasta, making meatball subs, or prepping ahead for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love It
- Simple ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients.
- Family-friendly: A comforting, satisfying meal that everyone can enjoy.
- Versatile: Serve with your favorite pasta, tuck into a sandwich, or pair with roasted vegetables.
Nutrition Highlights
- Protein-packed: Ground turkey, Parmesan cheese, and egg provide protein to support muscle maintenance and overall health.
- Flavorful additions: Onion, garlic, and Italian herbs add flavor without requiring complicated ingredients.
- Balanced meal potential: Pair with pasta and vegetables for a satisfying combination of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and fat.
Ingredients
Makes approximately 16–20 meatballs, depending on size
- 1 package (20 oz) ground turkey
- ⅔ cup breadcrumbs
- ⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup finely diced onion
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1¼ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Olive oil, for pan-frying
- Your favorite tomato sauce, for simmering
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, diced onion, egg, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, basil, and oregano. Mix gently until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Shape the meatballs. Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, approximately 1½ inches in diameter.
- Brown in olive oil. Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Remove excess grease. Carefully blot excess oil from the skillet with a paper towel, or drain it off.
- Finish in tomato sauce. Pour your favorite tomato sauce into the skillet and gently simmer with the meatballs until fully cooked through.
- Serve and enjoy. Spoon the meatballs and sauce over pasta, serve with crusty bread, or enjoy alongside your favorite vegetables.
Meal Prep & Storage
- Refrigerator: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container with tomato sauce for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a saucepan with tomato sauce until heated through to 165°F.
- Make ahead: Shape the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook.
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