These No Breadcrumb Turkey Meatballs are a game-changer! They’re super easy to make, healthy, and packed with flavor. Forget about dry, bland meatballs – this recipe guarantees juicy and delicious results every time. Perfect for pasta night, appetizers, or even meal prepping. Let’s get cooking!
Contents
Why You’ll Love These Meatballs
* **No Breadcrumbs Needed:** This recipe skips the breadcrumbs, making it gluten-free and lighter.
* **Super Flavorful:** A blend of Italian seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan cheese ensures every bite is delicious.
* **Easy to Make:** Just mix, roll, and bake – it’s that simple!
* **Versatile:** Serve them with your favorite pasta sauce, in soups, or as appetizers.
* **Healthy:** Made with lean ground turkey, these meatballs are a healthier alternative to traditional beef meatballs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* 1 pound ground turkey
* 1 large egg
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
How to Make No Breadcrumb Turkey Meatballs
Making these meatballs is a breeze! Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. **Get Ready:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
2. **Mix It Up:** In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. **Combine Gently:** Gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
4. **Roll ‘Em:** Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Aim for about 20-24 meatballs.
5. **Bake:** Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. **Serve:** Serve the meatballs immediately with your favorite sauce, pasta, or as appetizers.
Tips for the Best Meatballs
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the meatball mixture can result in tough meatballs. Mix until just combined.
* **Use a Cookie Scoop:** For uniform meatballs, use a cookie scoop to portion out the mixture.
* **Add Moisture:** If the mixture seems dry, add a tablespoon of olive oil or water.
* **Get Creative with Flavors:** Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor. Try adding red pepper flakes for a little heat or oregano for a more robust flavor.
* **Brown First (Optional):** For extra flavor, you can brown the meatballs in a skillet with olive oil before baking. This adds a nice crust.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas:
* **Pasta Night:** Serve them with spaghetti and your favorite marinara sauce.
* **Meatball Subs:** Load them into hoagie rolls with sauce and cheese for a delicious meatball sub.
* **Appetizers:** Serve them with toothpicks and a dipping sauce like honey mustard or BBQ sauce.
* **Soup:** Add them to your favorite soup for extra protein and flavor.
* **Meal Prep:** Make a big batch and store them in the fridge for easy lunches and dinners throughout the week.
Variations
* **Spicy Meatballs:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
* **Italian Meatballs:** Use Italian sausage in place of some of the ground turkey for a richer flavor.
* **Chicken Meatballs:** Substitute ground chicken for ground turkey.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Use a plant-based ground meat substitute.
* **Air Fryer Meatballs:** Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
How to Store and Reheat
* **To Store:** Let the meatballs cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3-4 days.
* **To Reheat:** You can reheat the meatballs in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop.
* **Microwave:** Place the meatballs on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until heated through.
* **Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Stovetop:** Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until heated through.
FAQ
* **Can I freeze these meatballs?**
Yes, these meatballs freeze well. Let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
* **Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?**
Yes, you can substitute dried parsley for fresh. Use 1 tablespoon of dried parsley for every 1/4 cup of fresh parsley.
* **Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?**
Yes, you can make the meatball mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Roll and bake the meatballs just before serving.
* **What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?**
You can substitute another hard cheese, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago. Or, you can simply omit the cheese.
* **Can I add vegetables to the meatballs?**
Yes, you can add finely chopped vegetables such as onions, carrots, or zucchini to the meatball mixture. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the vegetables before adding them.
Enjoy your delicious and easy No Breadcrumb Turkey Meatballs!