Tasty Turkey Meatballs with Oatmeal Recipe

Looking for a new spin on classic meatballs? I’ve been making these turkey meatballs with oatmeal for years, and they’ve become a regular at our family dinners. My kids actually ask for them now, which is saying something! The oatmeal might sound a bit different, but trust me – it makes these meatballs so tender and keeps them from drying out (which can be tricky with turkey).

I started making these when I was trying to find healthier versions of our favorite comfort foods. Now, I usually prep a big batch on Sunday afternoons while I’m getting ready for the week ahead. They freeze really well, so I always have some on hand for those busy weeknight dinners. Plus, they’re just as good the next day – maybe even better!

Whether you’re trying to eat a bit healthier or just want to try something new, these turkey meatballs might surprise you. They’re simple to make, and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry right now.

What Kind of Ground Turkey Should I Use?

For these meatballs, you’ll want to stick with lean ground turkey that’s around 93% lean – this gives you the perfect balance of flavor and moisture without being too fatty. While you could use extra lean ground turkey (99%), it tends to make drier meatballs that aren’t as satisfying. Ground turkey thigh meat works too, but it will make your meatballs a bit more fatty and might need a few extra minutes of cooking time. Just make sure your ground turkey is fresh – if you’re using frozen, thaw it completely in the fridge overnight and pat it dry with paper towels before mixing to prevent your meatballs from becoming too wet.

Options for Substitutions

This healthy meatball recipe is pretty flexible and allows for several ingredient swaps:

• Turkey mince: You can swap the turkey for chicken mince, lean beef mince, or even pork mince. Just keep in mind that different meats might need slightly different cooking times – pork and beef usually need a few extra minutes.
• Oats: Out of oats? No worries! You can use breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free), crushed crackers, or even cooked quinoa as a binder. Use the same amount as you would oats.
• Dried herbs: Feel free to use fresh herbs instead of dried – just triple the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. You can also mix and match different Italian herbs based on what you have.
• Egg: If you need an egg substitute, try 2 tablespoons of ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons of water (let it sit for 5 minutes before using), or 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce.
• Coconut aminos: Besides balsamic vinegar, you can also use soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce – just use half the amount since these are saltier, and adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest challenge when making turkey meatballs is preventing them from becoming dry and tough, which often happens because turkey is naturally lean – mixing in the oats helps retain moisture, but be careful not to overmix the meat mixture as this can lead to dense, rubbery meatballs. A common error is making the meatballs too large, which can result in uneven cooking; instead, aim for golf ball-sized portions (about 1.5 inches in diameter) and use slightly wet hands to roll them to prevent sticking. To ensure your meatballs are perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F – any higher and they’ll dry out, any lower and they won’t be food-safe. For extra juicy meatballs, try letting them rest for 5 minutes after cooking, which allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat instead of running out when cut.

What to Serve With Turkey Meatballs?

These lean turkey meatballs are super flexible when it comes to serving options! You can go the classic route and serve them over your favorite pasta with marinara sauce, or keep things light by pairing them with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. For a cozy weeknight dinner, try them over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice with some steamed vegetables on the side. If you’re watching your carbs, these meatballs are great served over a big bed of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad – just add your favorite sauce and you’re good to go!

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These turkey meatballs will stay good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They’re perfect for meal prep – I like to make a batch on Sunday and use them throughout the week for quick lunches and dinners!

Freeze: These meatballs are fantastic for freezing! Once they’re completely cooled, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours), then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. This method prevents them from sticking together, so you can grab just what you need.

Reheat: To warm up refrigerated meatballs, pop them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or heat them in a covered skillet over medium-low heat. For frozen meatballs, thaw overnight in the fridge first, or reheat directly from frozen in your favorite sauce over low heat until they’re heated through.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	20-25 minutes
Total Time	30-40 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 600-650
• Protein: 60-65 g
• Fat: 15-20 g
• Carbohydrates: 50-55 g

Ingredients

• 1 pound turkey mince (93% lean)
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon coconut aminos (or use balsamic vinegar)

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet and Preheat Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

While the oven is warming up, cover a cookie sheet with aluminum foil.

This makes for an easier cleanup after baking.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients and Shape Meatballs

In a large bowl, mix all your ingredients together thoroughly.

Once everything is well combined, roll the mixture into tablespoon-sized balls.

Arrange the meatballs on the prepared cookie sheet, ensuring they are spaced evenly for uniform baking.

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes.

This will cook the meatballs through while keeping them juicy.

Step 4: Optional Broiling for Golden Finish

If you desire a golden, crispy exterior for your meatballs, switch the oven to broil.

Broil the meatballs for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning, until they reach your preferred level of golden hue.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy them as is, or incorporate them into your favorite dish!