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- 1 pound ground turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking) These key ingredients form the base of your garlic herb turkey meatballs. Ground turkey gives the meatballs a light texture and keeps them healthy. The breadcrumbs help bind everything together. Grated Parmesan adds a nice cheesy flavor. Fresh parsley and garlic bring brightness and aroma. - Marinara sauce - Seasoning variations Marinara sauce is perfect for serving. It adds a rich, tangy flavor. You can also play with seasonings. Try adding red pepper flakes for heat or smoked paprika for depth. - Alternatives for ground turkey: You can use ground chicken or lean beef. Both work well and taste great. - Gluten-free options: Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers. This keeps the meatballs tasty for everyone. These ingredients make the garlic herb turkey meatballs a simple and tasty dish. Enjoy cooking and feel free to get creative! {{ingredient_image_1}} Mixing the ingredients In a large bowl, add the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss in the chopped parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and the egg. Use your hands to mix everything gently. Make sure not to overmix. This keeps your meatballs soft and tender. Shaping the meatballs Once mixed, take a small portion of the mixture. Roll it into a ball about 1 inch in size. Repeat this until you shape all the mixture into meatballs. Keep them uniform for even cooking. Preheating the skillet Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Wait until the oil gets hot before adding the meatballs. This step ensures a nice golden crust. Cooking meatballs to desired doneness Carefully place the meatballs in the hot skillet. Don’t crowd the pan; this helps them brown well. Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes until they turn brown and are fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check; they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Incorporating marinara sauce While the meatballs cook, you can warm some marinara sauce in a small saucepan. This sauce adds a rich flavor and keeps the dish moist. Best sides and garnishes Serve your garlic herb turkey meatballs hot. Drizzle with warm marinara sauce. For sides, consider garlic bread, a simple salad, or steamed veggies. Fresh basil or parsley can make a lovely garnish. Enjoy this simple yet tasty dish! Why should you not overmix? Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. You want them light and tender. Mix the ingredients gently, just until they come together. This keeps the meatballs soft and juicy. For perfect browning, ensure your skillet is hot. Preheat it on medium heat, then add olive oil. When you place the meatballs in the pan, avoid crowding them. Give them space to brown nicely on each side. This takes about 4-5 minutes per side. Using fresh herbs makes a big difference. Fresh parsley gives a bright taste. You can also try fresh basil for extra flavor. Both of these herbs add freshness to your meatballs. Adding spices can give your meatballs an extra kick. Try a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like heat. You can also play with different spices to create your own unique flavor. You can cook meatballs on the stovetop or in the oven. The stovetop method gives a nice brown crust. It takes about 30 minutes in total. If you prefer the oven, bake them at 400°F for about 20 minutes. This method is easy and keeps your stove clean. Using an air fryer is another great option. It cooks the meatballs quickly and evenly. Set it to 375°F and cook for 12-15 minutes. This gives you crispy meatballs without much oil. Pro Tips Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your turkey meatballs are cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to mix and match fresh or dried herbs according to your preference; thyme, rosemary, or even Italian seasoning can add a unique flavor. Chill the Mixture: For firmer meatballs, chill the turkey mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping them; this helps them hold their shape while cooking. Experiment with Add-ins: Add chopped spinach, grated carrots, or other vegetables to the mixture for extra nutrition and flavor. {{image_2}} You can swap ground turkey for other meats. Ground beef and chicken work well. Beef gives a richer taste while chicken keeps it light. If you want a plant-based option, try lentils or chickpeas. Just mash them and mix with spices. This keeps the flavor but makes it meat-free. To change the taste, go for Italian herbs. Add rosemary and thyme for a Mediterranean twist. For a spicy kick, mix in red pepper flakes. You can also create Asian-themed meatballs. Use ginger, soy sauce, and green onions for a fun twist. Both options add excitement to your meal. Besides marinara, you can try other sauces. BBQ sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor. Teriyaki sauce gives a nice glaze and saltiness. For dips, consider tzatziki or hummus. These add a fresh taste and pair well with meatballs. You can also serve with roasted veggies or a salad for a complete meal. Store your garlic herb turkey meatballs in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers. It prevents sticking. They should stay good for up to four days. You can freeze cooked and uncooked meatballs. For uncooked meatballs, place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. This helps them keep their shape. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. Cooked meatballs can be stored similarly. Just ensure they cool before freezing. To reheat, place cooked meatballs in the oven at 350°F. Heat for about 15 minutes. You can also microwave them. Just cover them with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Cooked turkey meatballs last about four days in the fridge. After that, they may spoil. Signs of spoilage include a slimy texture or an off smell. If you see any discoloration, it's best to toss them. Always trust your senses. If in doubt, throw it out! How to know when meatballs are done? You can tell if meatballs are done by checking their internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer. The center should reach 165°F. If you cut one open, it should not be pink. Can I make meatballs ahead of time? Yes, you can make meatballs ahead. Shape them and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just thaw before cooking. What is the best way to serve meatballs? The best way to serve meatballs is with marinara sauce. Pour it over the hot meatballs. You can also add some grated Parmesan on top for extra flavor. How to reheat meatballs without drying them out? To reheat meatballs, place them in a pan with a little marinara sauce. Heat on low until warmed through. This keeps them moist and tasty. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? You can use dried herbs. Just remember that dried herbs have a stronger flavor. Use one-third of the amount compared to fresh herbs. What if I don't have breadcrumbs? If you lack breadcrumbs, crushed crackers work well. You can also use rolled oats or cornmeal as a substitute. Adjust the amount to keep the texture right. In this article, we explored how to make delicious meatballs using key ingredients like ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. I shared tips for juicy meatballs and variations to keep your meals exciting. Remember, you can substitute ingredients, experiment with flavors, and choose your cooking method. Store your meatballs properly for freshness, whether in the fridge or freezer. With these easy steps and tricks, you can enjoy tasty meatballs any night of the week. Now, get cooking and let your culinary creativity shine!

Garlic Herb Turkey Meatballs

Delicious and tender turkey meatballs infused with garlic and herbs, served with marinara sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
  • 1 serving Marinara sauce (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and egg.
  • Using your hands, gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
  • Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
  • While the skillet heats, shape the turkey mixture into meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
  • Once the skillet is hot, carefully add the meatballs, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • If desired, warm marinara sauce in a saucepan while cooking the meatballs.
  • Serve the garlic herb turkey meatballs hot, drizzled with marinara sauce.

Notes

Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
Keyword garlic, herbs, meatballs, turkey