Simple Turkey Meatballs Recipe (2025)

I have never found a turkey meatballs recipe that I really liked that much, until I tried these!  The addition of the spices and my homemade spaghetti sauce recipe, made them delicious!

I love experimenting with different flavors and ingredients in my cooking, and this recipe for turkey meatballs was a game changer.

Not only does it call for an array of spices that really enhance the flavor of the meatballs, but using homemade spaghetti sauce takes it to a whole new level.

Creating my simple flavorful turkey meatballs has been a fantastic addition to my easy dinner ideas, offering a healthy and flavorful option that the whole family loves.

Key Takeaways

• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Main Ingredients: Ground turkey, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, parsley, and more seasonings
• Servings: 6
• Extras: You can serve this over pasta like a classic dish, but never forget about meatball subs- my husband’s favorite way to eat these!
• Tip: Make this with my easy homemade spaghetti sauce; you can also cook turkey meatballs in a skillet for pan-frying for a nice char, and add the sauce right to the pan to get all those drippings.

Simple Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Ground turkey meatballs are a great meal idea that can be seasoned and enjoyed in so many ways!  They’re fast to mix and bake and get dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less.

I got ground turkey at ALDI (93% lean), so they are about as healthy as you can get! Needless to say, I was SHOCKED by how tender and full of flavor this turkey meatballs recipe is.

First, I recommend that you take a look at my homemade spaghetti sauce recipe before you start making this turkey meatball recipe.

You can make an entire pot of sauce for under $5, and it will make these meatballs absolutely shine!

Okay, back to the meatballs….

I made this style, which is Italian turkey meatballs, because that’s a classic for me, and the flavors are strong and good for lean meat.

You simply combine ground turkey with an egg, bread crumbs, garlic, parsley, basil, and more and make small balls on a prepared baking sheet to bake in the oven. 

You can change the seasoning to get new flavors, too- I’ll sometimes mix in ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and the white ends of green scallions for Asian meatballs to have bibimbop. 

You can use pre-made seasonings for flavoring your meatballs, too, like garlic lemon, taco, ranch, or Italian seasoning.

For this meal, I made classic turkey meatballs with my homemade red sauce over pasta with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese- a family favorite in our house, and I was happy to try something new with the meatballs.

I had one of my girls take the first bite; she looked at me and said, “These are amazing.  Like really really good!”

They are so moist and flavorful that you won’t know you are eating something healthy! Ground turkey can make such great meatballs, and I’m happy to replace the ground beef with someone a bit more lean.

5 from 1 vote

Healthy Turkey Meatballs

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Author: Brittany Kline

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• 1 - 1.5 lbs. of ground turkey the package I use is 1.2 lbs.
• 3 cloves of garlic pressed or minced
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs for gluten free, I use Schar breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup dried parsley
• 1 Tbsp dried basil
• 1 - 1.5 tsp seasoned salt depends on how salty you want them
• black pepper
• 3 Tbsp homemade spaghetti sauce or crushed tomatoes

Instructions

• In a bowl, combine everything except the turkey and mix well.
• Add the turkey and blend (works best with your hands)
• Form small balls of the meat and place on a cookie sheet.
• Bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes (this could be longer or shorter depending on the size of the meatballs).
• If you have prepared sauce as well, place the meatballs in the sauce and simmer for a half hour (optional) .

Meal Ideas For Turkey Meatballs

Whether you are making these turkey meatballs for a weeknight dinner or planning a special meal, there are plenty of ways to use them.

I’ll make small ones to incorporate in casseroles or make them big to be the star of the show! Here are some lazy dinner ideas using these cooked meatballs:

• Serve over pasta with your favorite sauce
• Make meatball subs with marinara sauce and melted cheese (add some red pepper flakes for a kick!)
• Add them to a hearty soup or stew for added protein
• Make a batch and freeze them for easy meal prep
• Use the meatballs in a Mediterranean-style wrap with hummus, cucumber, and feta cheese
• Include them in a stir-fry with vegetables and a tangy teriyaki sauce or in a bibimbop bowl
• Make a turkey meatball pizza (yes, it’s so good!)
• Incorporate them into a casserole with rice, veggies, and a creamy sauce for a comforting dinner
• Serve as an appetizer with a dipping sauce like tzatziki or ranch for a party or gathering

Some Easy Slow Cooker Meals

And if you like this one, you might be interested in my 40 other slow cooker dump recipes!  They are seriously amazing!

FAQs

How can I ensure my turkey meatballs stay moist and tender?

To keep turkey meatballs moist and tender, avoid overmixing the meat as it can make the meatballs dense and dry.

Adding ingredients like bread crumbs and eggs to the meat mixture helps to retain moisture and keep them in their ball shape.

Some people also add a bit of olive oil to add some fat and keep things moist while baking in the oven.

What meals can I make with turkey meatballs?

Turkey meatballs are versatile and can be used in various dishes such as pasta, sandwiches, casseroles, soups, and stir-fries.

You can also serve them on their own with a dipping sauce for appetizers or party food.

Can I make turkey meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make turkey meatballs ahead of time. Prep and shape the meatballs, then refrigerate them (covered) for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Alternatively, you can cook them and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for up to three months.

Can I use other types of ground meat in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can replace ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, pork, or a combination of these meats. 

Many people prefer beef meatballs because the fat content gives them a good flavor, but I find it can be greasy and a bit heavy and getting 90-95% can get expensive. 

I’ll sometimes mix ground beef with ground turkey when I want something with a bit more fat, especially with a nice red wine pasta sauce.

Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary depending on the type of meat you use.

What are some tips for adding more flavor to my turkey meatballs?

Experiment with different herbs and spices to boost the flavor of your turkey meatballs.

Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint, and seasonings such as smoked paprika or cumin, can add a unique twist to the recipe.

Additionally, try incorporating grated cheese like Parmesan or feta for an extra layer of taste.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my simple turkey meatballs are healthy but also incredibly flavorful and versatile.

By using high-quality ingredients and pairing them with my homemade spaghetti sauce, this dish becomes an easy yet impressive dinner option that the whole family will love.

Whether served over pasta, in a sub, or as part of another creative meal, these meatballs are sure to be a hit.

Don’t forget to check out my other slow cooker recipes for more effortless and delicious meal ideas!