Mini Turkey Meatballs with Marinara Recipe
These Mini Turkey Meatballs are a delicious and healthy option for a quick meal. Made with lean ground turkey, Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and a blend of seasonings, they are baked to perfection and served with warm marinara sauce. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main course, these meatballs are easy to make and packed with flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 mini meatballs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Serving
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes or until they are cooked through, golden brown on the outside, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare Marinara Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until simmering.
- Combine: Once the meatballs are fully cooked, transfer them to the marinara sauce in the saucepan. Let them simmer together for a few minutes to absorb the flavors and heat through.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the mini turkey meatballs hot, spooned with marinara sauce. They make a great appetizer or a main dish when paired with pasta or a salad.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh parsley with dried parsley if fresh is not available, just use about 1 tablespoon dried.
- For gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit if you prefer no heat.
- Make sure to check the internal temperature of meatballs with a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
