Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Meatballs have a rich history and appear in various cuisines worldwide. The origins are believed to date back to Persia, where a dish called “kofta” consisted of ground meat, often mixed with spices, formed into balls, and cooked in different ways. As the recipe spread across cultures, each region adapted it according to local tastes and available ingredients.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet or skillet (if baking or frying)
- Oven or stovetop
- Saucepan (if making sauce)
- Meat thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or gluten-free for a healthier option)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ small onion, finely grated or minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a hint of smokiness)
For the Sauce (Optional):
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth or water (to thin the sauce if desired)
Instructions
- Preheat and PrepPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking the meatballs.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix the Meatball IngredientsIn a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated onion, parsley, salt, black pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Use clean hands to mix the ingredients gently until well combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the meatballs dense.
- Shape the MeatballsScoop about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball. The size of a golf ball works well.
- Place each meatball on the lined baking sheet or a plate if you plan to cook on the stovetop.
- Cook the MeatballsOven-Baked: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the meatballs are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Pan-Fried: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides, until cooked through and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Sauce (Optional)In a saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the marinara sauce and chicken broth or water, stirring to combine.
- Simmer the sauce for 5-10 minutes, then add the meatballs, allowing them to soak up the sauce for another 5 minutes.
- Serve and EnjoyServe the turkey meatballs hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Garnish with extra parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.