Hey friends!
Looking to spice up your dinner routine? I’ve got a treat for you!
Today, I’m sharing my favorite recipe for ground turkey Italian meatballs.
They’re juicy, packed with flavor, and super easy to whip up.
Perfect for spaghetti night or on their own with your favorite sauce.
Trust me, you won’t want to miss this one! Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Possible Ingredient Alternatives
Ground turkey can be replaced with ground chicken or lean ground beef for alternative protein options. These substitutions maintain a similar texture and can be seasoned similarly to achieve the Italian flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, consider using a mixture of cooked lentils and finely chopped mushrooms, which provides a meaty texture and good protein content.
Seasoned Italian breadcrumbs can be substituted with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative. These options help bind the meatballs while adding flavor. Adjust the quantity as needed to achieve the right consistency.
Eggs, which act as a binder, can be replaced with ground flaxseed mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) for a vegan option. This substitution maintains the binding properties while adding beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Allow the flax mixture to sit for a few minutes before incorporating it into the recipe.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15-18 minutes |
| Total Time | 25-33 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1400-1600
- Protein: 120-130 g
- Fat: 70-80 g
- Carbohydrates: 120-130 g
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup seasoned italian breadcrumbs
- 1 cup marinara sauce, either homemade or store-bought
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon mixed italian herbs
- 1.5 pounds ground turkey (ideally a blend of light and dark meat)
Step 1: Prepare for Broiling
Preheat the broiler to 500ºF.
Lightly oil a baking sheet to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
Note that other cooking options are available if you prefer a different method.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine eggs, breadcrumbs, marinara sauce, salt, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
Mix these thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors and spices throughout your meatballs.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Add the meat to the bowl with the mixed ingredients.
Use your hands to blend the meat into the mixture until it is fully combined.
Scoop out about ¼ cup of the meat mixture, roll it into a ball, and place the meatball on the prepared baking sheet.
Repeat this process until all of the meat is used.
Step 4: Broil the Meatballs
Place the baking sheet with the meatballs under the broiler.
Broil the meatballs for 15-18 minutes, turning them once during cooking.
They should be cooked until the turkey registers an internal temperature of 165ºF to ensure they are safely done.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once broiled, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
These delicious meatballs can be enjoyed with pasta, polenta, or a fresh salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
