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A serving of perfectly cooked ground turkey meatballs.

Juicy Ground Turkey Meatballs

These juicy ground turkey meatballs are flavorful and easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. They can be simmered in your favorite marinara sauce or served plain.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • whisk
  • large non-stick skillet
  • cookie scoop (optional)

Ingredients
  

Meatballs

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey (450g)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup whole milk (or buttermilk)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Your favorite marinara sauce (optional, for simmering)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, Parmesan, minced garlic, fresh parsley, onion powder, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
  • Add the ground turkey and panko breadcrumbs to the moisture mixture in the bowl.
  • Gently mix with your hands until just combined, ensuring no dry spots remain to avoid tough meatballs.
  • Gently form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs, aiming for 18-20 uniform meatballs without pressing too hard.

Cooking

  • Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Sear meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until nicely browned on all sides.
  • Quick finish: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Simmer in sauce: Pour marinara sauce over seared meatballs, bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 10-15 minutes until cooked through and infused with sauce.

Serving

  • Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider browning the meatballs in a cast-iron skillet to get a deeper crust. You can also bake these meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 18-22 minutes until cooked through, if you prefer not to pan-fry.