-----

Juicy Baked Turkey Meatballs

lorem

Juicy Baked Turkey Meatballs

Table of Contents

Facebook
Pinterest

Juicy Baked Turkey Meatballs – These Juicy Baked Turkey Meatballs have quickly become a staple in our kitchen. They’re straightforward to make but crammed with flavors that’ll leave you desiring more. Think tender turkey meatballs infused with herbs and garlic, baked to perfection, then drenched in a luscious buttery herb sauce. It’s comfort food with a fresh, vibrant twist, and honestly, who doesn’t need more of that?

Pin this Recipe

I remember the first time I whipped up these turkey meatballs—honestly, it was more of a kitchen experiment than a planned meal. You know those nights when you’re just staring into the fridge, trying to figure out what to make with what’s left? Well, that’s how these were born. But when I pulled them out of the oven and that buttery sauce started bubbling, I knew I had something special. My husband took one bite and gave me that look—the one that says, “Okay, you’ve done it again.” And our picky eater? He cleaned his plate! Now it’s one of those recipes that just makes everyone happy, no matter how hectic the day has been.

What makes these Juicy Baked Turkey Meatballs truly special?

These meatballs are the description of comfort food, but they’ve brought a little something extra that makes them extraordinary. The mozzarella keeps them juicy, the garlic and herbs provide them depth, and that sauce—oh, that sauce! It’s buttery, herby, and just the right harmony of richness and luster. Whether you’re serving them with pasta, veggies, or just on their own. These meatballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a feast that feels fancy but is discreetly so easy to make?

Juicy Baked Turkey Meatballs

What You Need To Make This Juicy Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe?

Ground Turkey: This is a leaner option compared to beef, but don’t worry—it’s still packed with flavor. It absorbs the seasonings beautifully, and when paired with mozzarella, it stays nice and juicy.

Mozzarella: The secret to keeping these meatballs extra moist! The cheese melts into the turkey, adding that little bit of creamy goodness that keeps everything from drying out. It’s honestly a game-changer.

Egg: This helps bind everything together so the meatballs don’t fall apart. You only need one, but it does a lot of heavy lifting to keep the meatballs intact and tender.

Italian Seasoning: A quick and easy way to get a punch of flavor. This mix of herbs is a lifesaver when you want that classic Italian taste without pulling out a million different spices.

Onion Powder & Garlic: These are your flavor boosters! Onion powder adds a touch of sweetness, and the garlic brings that delicious savory note. Together, they make the turkey meatballs super tasty.

Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): If you’re feeling adventurous and like a bit of spice, add these in. They won’t make it too hot, just enough to give it a little kick. Or skip them entirely if spice isn’t your thing!

Butter, Lemon, and Herbs (for the sauce): The butter makes the sauce rich and silky, while the lemon cuts through the richness with a bit of brightness. The herbs—rosemary, thyme, and parsley—just elevate the whole dish, giving it a fresh, fragrant finish that really ties everything together.

Juicy Baked Turkey Meatballs

Steps To Make Juicy Baked Turkey Meatballs:

Alright, here’s how you do it! First, preheat your oven to 400°F and give a baking dish a quick spray with nonstick spray to make sure nothing sticks later on. Set it aside for now.

In a large bowl, toss in the ground turkey, grated mozzarella, beaten egg, onion powder, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Now, using your hands (yeah, it’s messy, but it works best), mix everything together until it’s well combined—but don’t overdo it. You want everything to be mixed but not mushy.

Once that’s ready, scoop out small portions and roll them into meatballs—whatever size you like works. Place the meatballs in the baking dish in a nice, even layer.

Want To Save This Recipe?

Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox.

Pop the dish in the oven and let them bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and starting to get a little golden on top.

While the meatballs are baking, let’s make that butter herb sauce! Melt the butter either in the microwave or on the stovetop, whichever you prefer. Then, stir in the lemon juice, freshly chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, and minced garlic. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to your liking.

When the meatballs are done baking, carefully drain any excess fat from the dish if needed. Pour the buttery herb sauce over and around the meatballs, making sure everything gets a nice coating. Top the meatballs with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan.

Pop the dish back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes, just until the sauce is bubbly and the parmesan melts and browns a bit.

Serve them hot, and enjoy every bite! These are perfect over pasta, with veggies, or even on their own.

Juicy Baked Turkey Meatballs

Tip:

Here’s a little secret to make these Juicy Baked Turkey Meatballs even more wonderful: let the turkey mixture chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before rolling it into meatballs. This not only makes the mixture easier to handle but also helps the flavors really meld together, resulting in more flavorful meatballs. And if you want an even juicier meatball, add a splash of milk or a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture. It sounds simple, but it adds an extra layer of moisture that keeps the meatballs tender and juicy every time. Don’t skip the fresh herbs in the sauce—they make all the difference! That pop of fresh flavor takes these meatballs from good to “Wow, I need seconds.”

Juicy Baked Turkey Meatballs

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! Mozzarella is great because it melts so well, but you can switch it up with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even parmesan for a slightly different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that stronger cheeses may change the overall taste of the meatballs.

Can I freeze these meatballs?

Yes! After baking, let the meatballs cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat them in the oven or stovetop until warmed through.

What sides go well with this dish?

These meatballs are super versatile! They’re delicious over pasta, served with mashed potatoes, or paired with a simple side of roasted vegetables. You could even toss them in a sub roll for a tasty meatball sandwich.

Juicy Baked Turkey Meatballs

<Remember it later>

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

<Remember it later>

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Pin it now
Juicy Baked Turkey Meatballs

Juicy Baked Turkey Meatballs

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
This Juicy Baked Turkey Meatballs recipe is an excellent go-to for an effortless, flavor-packed feast. Made with ground turkey, mozzarella, and a blend of herbs and garlic, these meatballs bake up tender and juicy, then get drenched in a buttery herb sauce that’s both rich and refreshing. Whether you serve them over pasta, with a side of veggies, or on their own, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. The best part? They come together quickly, so they’re perfect for busy weeknights when you need something comforting but don’t have a ton of time.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds of ground turkey
  • 1 c of grated mozzarella
  • 1 beaten egg
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy, toss these in—totally optional!

For the sauce:

  • 1/2 c 1 stick unsalted butter
  • Juice from 1 lemon
  • 1 sprig of fresh rosemary finely chopped
  • 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • 1/2 c fresh parsley chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
  • A good pinch of kosher salt and a few cracks of black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and give a baking dish a quick spray with nonstick spray to make cleanup easier. Set the dish aside for now.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, toss in the ground turkey, mozzarella, beaten egg, onion powder, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. Season generously with salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s nicely combined but don’t overdo it—just enough to get everything evenly distributed.
  3. Form the turkey mixture into meatballs and place them in the greased baking dish, spacing them out evenly. Pop them in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until they’re cooked through and slightly golden on top.
  4. While the meatballs are baking, it’s time to whip up that dreamy butter sauce. Melt the butter on the stovetop or in the microwave, then stir in the fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, rosemary, thyme leaves, and minced garlic. Add salt and pepper to the sauce, adjusting to your personal taste.
  5. Once the meatballs are done baking, drain off any excess fat from the dish if necessary. Pour the herb-infused butter sauce over and around the meatballs, making sure they all get a nice coating. Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan and pop them back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Serve hot and enjoy every last bite!

Notes

To make these Juicy Baked Turkey Meatballs gluten-free, it’s super simple. Just swap the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free variety—these are easy to find at most grocery stores. If you don’t have gluten-free breadcrumbs on hand, crushed gluten-free crackers or even gluten-free oats can work as a substitute. Also, double-check that your seasoning packets, like Italian seasoning, and cheeses are labeled gluten-free, as sometimes hidden gluten can sneak into processed items. With these easy swaps, you’ll have a gluten-free version that’s just as delicious as the original!
Bitty
Facebook
Pinterest

If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

This site contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase through them, we receive a small commission.

Related Categories

Subscribe for email updates

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




< Hi, I'm Bitty! >

I'm Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my "About Me" page for more info!

< Search Recipes >

Join our community of over 1+ million on social media!

Don't Miss A Recipe! >

Subscribe for email updates

< Must-Try Recipes >

Tasty Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe

Delicious Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls – Perfect for Any Occasion!

Queso Mac and Cheese Taco Beef Casserole

Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Butter Swim Biscuits