Hey there, friends!
Are you in the mood for something delicious and healthy? I’ve got just what you need!
Today, I’m excited to share my favorite recipe for ground turkey Greek meatballs.
They’re packed with flavor, super easy to whip up, and a great way to add some protein to your meals.
Perfect for dinner or meal prep!
Let’s dive into this tasty adventure!
Possible Ingredient Alternatives
Ground turkey can be replaced with ground chicken or lean ground beef for different flavor profiles while maintaining a similar protein content. For a vegetarian option, consider using a mixture of cooked lentils and finely chopped mushrooms, adjusting the seasoning as needed to enhance flavor. The egg can be substituted with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan alternative, which will help bind the ingredients together. Plain breadcrumbs can be swapped with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb option, though you may need to adjust the quantity slightly to achieve the right texture. These substitutions accommodate various dietary preferences while maintaining the overall structure and flavor profile of the meatballs.
Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
Cooking Time | 18-30 minutes |
Total Time | 33-50 minutes |
Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 700-800
- Protein: 60-70 g
- Fat: 40-50 g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50 g
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground turkey 93/7
- 1 large egg, whisked
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs, gluten-free or low-carb
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp. fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp. fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp. greek seasoning
- 1/2 – 3/4 tsp. salt, to taste
- 3 tbsp. flour, gluten-free (optional)
- 2 tbsp. oil (avocado or olive)
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine 1 lb.
of ground turkey, 1 large whisked egg, ½ cup of plain breadcrumbs, ½ cup of finely chopped red onion, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh mint, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon of Greek seasoning, and ½ to ¾ teaspoon of salt to taste.
Mix the ingredients until well combined using a spatula or your hands.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Scoop out approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball.
If the mixture is sticking to your hands, apply a bit of non-stick cooking spray to your hands to help.
Repeat this process to form about 20 meatballs.
Step 3 (Optional): Coat with Flour for Pan-Searing
If you plan to pan-sear the meatballs, place 3 tablespoons of flour in a shallow bowl.
Roll each meatball in the flour to create a light coating and shake off any excess flour.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the meatballs evenly on the sheet.
Bake the meatballs for 18-22 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are cooked through.
Step 5: Pan-Sear the Meatballs
If pan-searing, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add 10 meatballs in a single layer and cook for 7-9 minutes, turning them every 1-2 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Serve and Store
Serve the Greek turkey meatballs with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a side of tzatziki sauce.
Enjoy your dish!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness.