Juicy Turkey Meatball Recipe with Garlic and Herbs

These Easy Turkey Meatballs are tender, juicy and full of flavor. Made from just a few simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, these baked meatballs are a versatile addition to many dishes.

If you enjoy quick, flavorful meals, these turkey meatballs are a great staple to keep in your recipe rotation. They’re lighter than beef meatballs thanks to lean ground turkey, and they pair well with marinara, Asian glazes, spicy sauces, or simple pan sauces. Because they’re baked instead of fried, cleanup is easier and the result stays moist when prepared correctly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients that deliver big flavor.
• Baked, not fried—healthier and easy to prepare.
• Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
• Uses lean ground turkey for a lower-fat protein option.
• Extremely versatile—works in pasta, sandwiches, soups, salads, and appetizers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground turkey – lean ground turkey keeps the meatballs lower in fat while providing plenty of protein. You can substitute ground chicken, beef, pork, or Italian sausage if preferred.
• 1 egg – acts as a binder to help the meatballs hold together.
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs – Italian-style breadcrumbs help the meatballs keep their shape and retain moisture. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs, panko, or almond flour if needed.
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – adds savory depth and umami.
• 1/2 cup grated yellow onion – fresh onion adds moisture and flavor; you can substitute 1 teaspoon onion powder if needed.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic is best; use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – gives a subtle tang and sweetness; soy sauce or tamari are workable alternatives.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – fresh herbs brighten the flavor. Basil, rosemary, or thyme also work well.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning plus 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – basic seasoning to round out the flavors.

Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: about 15 (approximately two meatballs per serving)

How to Make Easy Turkey Meatballs

1. Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, grated onion, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Shape the meatballs: Use a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion the mixture into roughly 1-inch balls (about 30 meatballs from this batch). Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly sprayed with nonstick spray for easy removal.
3. Bake: Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 16–20 minutes, or until they’re lightly browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

How to Serve These Meatballs

• Main dish: Serve over rice, orzo, or cauliflower rice with a side of vegetables.
• Spaghetti and meatballs: Toss with your favorite marinara or tomato sauce and serve over pasta, spaghetti squash, or zucchini noodles.
• Meatball sub: Place meatballs in a sub roll with cheese and toppings for a satisfying sandwich.
• In soup: Make smaller meatballs and add to minestrone, tortellini soup, or a hearty vegetable broth.
• In salads: Top a Greek, Caesar, or Mediterranean salad with warm meatballs for added protein.
• Appetizer: Double the recipe and offer with toothpicks and dipping sauces at parties.

Prepping and Storage

To prep ahead: Form the raw meatballs and store them covered in the refrigerator for 2–3 days before baking. You can also prepare sauce in advance and reheat just before serving.

To store: Once cooked and cooled, keep meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Sauce can last up to two weeks in the fridge or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

To freeze: These meatballs freeze well for 3–4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, then reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition

Serving size: 2 meatballs • Calories: 66 kcal • Carbohydrates: 2.2 g • Protein: 7.2 g • Fat: 3.1 g • Saturated fat: 0.9 g • Cholesterol: 34.4 mg • Sodium: 87.9 mg • Fiber: 0.3 g • Sugar: 0.4 g

Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline.

More Meatball Recipe Ideas

• Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs
• Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs
• Honey Sriracha Glazed Meatballs
• Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
• Cheesy Meatball Casserole

If you try these Easy Turkey Meatballs, please leave a rating or comment to let others know how they turned out. I love seeing your recreations and hearing which sauces and serving ideas you prefer!