If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, healthy, and versatile meal that the whole family will adore, this Ground Turkey Meatballs Recipe will quickly become your go-to. Featuring lean ground turkey infused with fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of tangy Greek yogurt, these meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether baked or pan-fried, they come together quickly and offer a wonderful balance of comforting taste and wholesome goodness. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be hard not to make it on repeat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, holding a layer of green and beige chopped herbs mixed with spices, spread evenly at the bottom. On top of this mixture sits a large mound of raw ground pink meat, with a slightly coarse texture. The ground meat is centered and contrasts with the surrounding herbs. The clear bowl allows the colors and textures inside to be visible from the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and texture. From the fresh herbs adding vibrant notes to the panko breadcrumbs ensuring lightness, these simple staples come together beautifully to create unforgettable meatballs.

1/2 small yellow onion: Grated fresh to release natural sweetness and moisture to keep meatballs tender.
1 egg: Acts as a binder, holding everything together without weighing the mixture down.
2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt: Adds tang, moisture, and a subtle creaminess while keeping meatballs light.
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs: Provides crunch and prevents meatballs from being too dense.
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, umami kick to elevate flavor complexity.
3 cloves garlic (minced): The aromatic backbone delivering savory warmth; garlic powder works as a handy substitute.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil: Brings herbaceous freshness, but dried basil works in a pinch.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds bright, grassy notes while enhancing color.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary: Introduces a woodsy fragrance that amps up the savory profile.
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Lends a subtle Mediterranean flair with a hint of earthiness.
1 teaspoon granulated beef bouillon or 1 crushed cube (optional): Deepens savory depth without overpowering.
1/2 teaspoon salt & 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all flavors into harmony.
1 pound ground turkey 93% lean: The wholesome protein star that keeps this dish light yet satisfying.
Olive oil for brushing or cooking spray: Ensures a beautiful golden crust whether baking or pan frying.

How to Make Ground Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by grating your onion finely, capturing both the zest of the onion and all those flavorful juices—this little trick is key for juicy meatballs. Mince your garlic and chop your fresh herbs so they’re ready to mingle with the other ingredients.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Base

In a large bowl, combine the grated onion along with its juice, egg, Greek yogurt, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, herbs, oregano, optional beef bouillon, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well before gently folding in the ground turkey. Use your hands for the final mix, but be careful not to overwork the meat; this keeps the meatballs tender and not tough.

Step 3: Shape Your Meatballs

To prevent the mixture from sticking, lightly wet or spray your hands with cooking spray. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out about 1 ½ tablespoons of the mixture per meatball. Roll each portion gently between your palms, forming nice round balls without packing them too tightly. This careful shaping ensures they’ll stay juicy and light.

Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Method

You can either bake or pan-fry these meatballs. For baking, set your oven to 400 degrees F, line a baking rack over a foil-covered sheet, and lightly brush or spray the meatballs with olive oil. Bake for 16 to 21 minutes, turning golden and cooked through to an internal temp of 160 degrees F, then let them rest to reach 165 degrees F. For pan frying, add enough olive oil to coat your skillet and cook the meatballs over medium heat in batches until nicely browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. The result will be crispy on the outside, tender on the inside meatballs every time.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Meatballs Recipe

The image shows close-up of round meatballs placed on a white plate with a white marbled surface. Each meatball has a light golden brown color with specks of green herbs mixed inside. The texture looks moist and slightly shiny with a soft, crumbly surface. There are small pieces of chopped green leaves scattered around the meatballs, adding a fresh touch. The focus is on the front meatball, making the others softly blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finish your meatballs with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of freshness and vibrant color. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil also works beautifully to elevate each bite.

Side Dishes

These meatballs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve them atop spaghetti or zoodles for a comforting meal, or alongside roasted vegetables for a wholesome, balanced plate. A fresh green salad or garlic bread can also round out the experience perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your meatballs to create a mini meatball tower, or present them on skewers with veggies for a fun appetizer. You can also stuff them into pita pockets with tzatziki or nestle them beside a creamy polenta for a gourmet twist that impresses without fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place leftover meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate. They stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick meals or snacks during a busy week.

Freezing

You can freeze these meatballs either before or after cooking. Lay them out on a parchment-lined sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen meatballs keep well for up to 3 months, ideal for meal prepping or having a ready-to-go protein option.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your meatballs gently in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through, or warm them in a skillet with a splash of water and a lid to prevent drying out. Microwaving is quick but less effective at preserving texture and juiciness.

FAQs

Can I use turkey breast instead of ground turkey?

Definitely! Ground turkey breast is leaner and will still work well, though you may want to add a little extra moisture like a bit more Greek yogurt or olive oil to keep the meatballs juicy.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs are a great pantry standby. Use about one-third the amount of fresh herbs called for since dried herbs are more concentrated. They’ll still add lovely flavor to your meatballs.

Is it necessary to use panko breadcrumbs?

Panko breadcrumbs are preferred for their light, airy texture which prevents dense meatballs, but regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers can be used if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I bake and then freeze the meatballs?

Yes! Baking them first then freezing makes reheating super easy and helps retain the best texture. Just make sure to cool them completely before freezing.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer. Meatballs are safe to eat once they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F, then rested to 165 degrees F for perfect doneness.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Turkey Meatballs Recipe has a special place in my kitchen because it combines simplicity and flavor so effortlessly. It’s wholesome enough for a weeknight dinner but tasty enough to serve at gatherings. Give it a try—you might just find a new family favorite that’s both nourishing and downright delicious.

Ground Turkey Meatballs Recipe