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This Turkey Meatball Recipe is super easy, kid-friendly, and healthier than their beef/pork counterparts! With added pesto, the flavor in these meatballs is incredible!
A very simple recipe that you can easily whip up on a weeknight! Step by step instructions, including process photos are below, as well as how to troubleshoot your meatball game.
Update: This recipe was originally published in January of 2014. The post has been updated to improve reader experience (I left in an old photo of my now 7 year old son, when he was 2!)
Like most families, spaghetti and meatballs is a staple around here. There’s something just screams “homemade comfort food” about it. We love them, but I like to mix it up a little. Switching out beef/pork for turkey (or chicken) cuts the fat content, but keeps the protein up. Adding pesto is a great way to take a bland kind of meat (let’s be real here) and make it a little bit special.
These meatballs go especially well with a tomato-based sauce, but I have added them to an alfredo sauce as well with great results.
Any kind of pasta will work! In the same way as “the best camera in the world is the one you have in your hand”, the same goes for pasta! My kids are especially fond of farfalle (little bow ties), but I’ll cook up whatever I have, cheerfully and they’ll eat it. Because I said so. Just kidding! They eat it because it’s MEATBALLS, ya’ll.
Are Turkey Meatballs Kid Friendly?
Yes! As you can see, 2-year-old (at the time) H thought they were great. When I first made these turkey meatballs, I put the plate of meatballs on the counter, and within seconds, little hands found them and had sampled. I put the plate on the table, I said: “hands off!” … so he improvised. Got to give the kid credit? Now, at 7, he still loves these and demands them at least once a month. Happy to oblige, kid!
Ingredients:
- Ground Turkey Breast – choose your fat ratio – the 99% fat-free works great, but I like the 97/3 blend. You may also, of course, use chicken. I often add chicken breasts to my food processor and pulse until I have coarse ground chicken.
- Breadcrumbs – these are just plain old grocery store dried breadcrumbs. The Italian Seasoned ones are also a great option!
- Salt & Pepper – test a meatball before committing to rolling the whole batch. Just cook in a little olive oil in a skillet and test for seasoning.
- Pesto – I get the one from Costco (because I heart Costco), but any brand will work. I also mix it up and use a sundried tomato kind.
- Parmesan Cheese – any kind is good! We’re adding this for flavor and texture, so even the *gasp* stuff in the green can will be just fine, I promise.
- Eggs – lightly beat these before adding to the mixture to save you from overmixing!
- Garlic – double this if you like garlic (and if you don’t, OMG, we can’t be friends. Just kidding. We can. I’ll convert you
How to make Baked Turkey Meatballs:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl, and mix until just combined (gently!)
- Roll mixture into even-sized meatballs.
- Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake the meatballs at 375 degrees F for about 20 minutes – or until meatballs are cooked.
- Test the center with a thermometer, and ensure they are cooked (internal temperature should be 165 degrees F)
- Add to your favorite tomato sauce and your favorite shaped pasta and top with a little extra parmesan cheese.
- Devour!
Kylee’s Notes & FAQs
- How do you get meatballs to be a consistent size? Aside from weighing them (way too hard), I use a small cookie scoop to make them all approximately the same size.
- How do you keep meatballs from falling apart? Meatballs fall apart due to inconsistencies in the binder (in this case, egg) and breadcrumbs. I recommend cooking a test meatball to see how it fares before rolling them all and cooking them!
- Why are my meatballs rubbery? Meatballs get rubbery when you pack them too tightly and mix them too well. Just gently mix your ingredients. Treat them with love!
- Do you have to put breadcrumbs in meatballs? Yes, if you want them to not fall apart
- How do you know when turkey meatballs are done? You can use a thermometer to test – they should be 165 degrees F, and be all white (not pink)
- Add a little extra garlic into the meatballs- if your family likes garlic!
- Onion Powder is another great way to add a deeper flavor.
- More weeknight family-friendly recipes:
- Italian Style Chicken Mozzarella Skillet – this is an amazing dinner, that everyone loves (and includes pesto, too!)
- Tuna Noodle Casserole – this childhood favorite makes everyone happy!
- Creamy Sausage Pasta – it’s sausage. It’s pasta. It’s cheese. IT’S A WINNER!
- Broccoli Chicken Alfredo Pasta – this one uses a super easy short cut – go check it out!
- ALL WEEKNIGHT MEALS
If you have tried this recipe or any other recipe on Kylee Cooks, leave a comment and rating – I truly love to hear from you!
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Turkey Meatball Recipe (with Pesto!)
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground turkey breast
- 1 cup bread crumbs ( )
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cracked pepper
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese (grated )
- 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl, and mix gently until just combined.
- Roll mixture into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake the meatballs at 375 degrees F for about 20-25 minutes.
- Test the center with a thermometer, and ensure they are cooked (should be 165 degrees F)
- Add to your favorite tomato based pasta sauce, and your favorite shaped pasta and top with a little extra parmesan.
- Devour.
Notes
- How do you get meatballs to be a consistent size? Aside from weighing them (way too hard), I use a small cookie scoop to make them all approximately the same size.
- How do you keep meatballs from falling apart? Meatballs fall apart due to inconsistencies in the binder (in this case, egg) and breadcrumbs. I recommend cooking a test meatball to see how it fares before rolling them all and cooking them!
- Why are my meatballs rubbery? Meatballs get rubbery when you pack them too tightly and mix them too well. Just gently mix your ingredients. Treat them with love!
- Do you have to put breadcrumbs in meatballs? Yes, if you want them to not fall apart
- How do you know when turkey meatballs are done? You can use a thermometer to test – they should be 165 degrees F, and be all white (not pink)
- Add a little extra garlic into the meatballs- if your family likes garlic!
- Onion Powder is another great way to add a deeper flavor.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Amy says
This recipe looks delish! I love a good pesto and smothering meatballs with it looks heavenly! Also, you’re son is so cute anticipating eating the meatballs! ☺️
Daniela says
Such cute pic with the kid and I really enjoy your ingredient shot! Your pics make following the recipe so easy! Thanks so much for sharing :).
Des says
I can already tell that these are loaded with amazing flavor. I am always looking for a good meatball recipe and here I have found one I can’t wait to try.