Nothing beats the aroma of Italian-seasoned meatballs baking in the oven, filling your kitchen with warmth and comfort. These Baked Italian Turkey Meatballs are juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. Made with lean ground turkey, herbs, and a touch of Parmesan, they’re a healthier take on a classic favorite without sacrificing taste.
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Trust me, you’re going to love how easy and satisfying this recipe is! Whether you’re serving them over a bed of pasta, stuffing them into a sub, or enjoying them on their own, these meatballs are a total game-changer. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Baked Italian Turkey Meatballs
Versatile: Perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or even as a party appetizer. You can serve them with spaghetti, on a sandwich, or with a side of roasted veggies.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. No fancy extras—just classic, delicious flavors!
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, these meatballs come together in no time. No complicated techniques required!
Customizable: Want a little heat? Add red pepper flakes. Prefer extra cheesy? Toss in more Parmesan. You can easily make these your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: Both kids and adults love these flavorful meatballs. They’re the perfect blend of tender, juicy, and packed with bold Italian spices.
Ingredients
The beauty of these meatballs lies in their simple yet flavorful ingredients. Let’s break it down:
Ground Turkey: Lean and packed with protein, turkey keeps these meatballs juicy and light.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs together while adding a subtle crunch.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings in a rich, nutty depth of flavor.
Egg: The glue that holds everything together, making the meatballs firm yet tender.
Garlic & Onion: The secret to that deep, savory flavor—fresh and aromatic.
Italian Seasoning: A perfect blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary for that authentic Italian touch.
Salt & Pepper: Simple yet essential for enhancing all the flavors.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lining a baking sheet with parchment paper will make cleanup a breeze.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion, and seasonings. Mix gently—overmixing can make the meatballs dense.
Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into evenly sized balls (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
Serve and Enjoy: Pair with your favorite marinara sauce, pasta, or a fresh salad. These meatballs are delicious on their own or as part of a hearty meal.
How to Serve Baked Italian Turkey Meatballs
These meatballs are incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious serving ideas:
Classic Spaghetti & Meatballs: Toss them in marinara sauce and serve over spaghetti for a traditional Italian meal.
Meatball Subs: Load them into a hoagie roll with melted mozzarella and marinara for an irresistible sandwich.
Over Zoodles: Keep it light and low-carb by serving them over zucchini noodles.
Appetizer Style: Serve with toothpicks and a side of marinara for a party-ready snack.
Paired with a Salad: A crisp Caesar or Greek salad makes a great complement to these juicy meatballs.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Mix and shape the meatballs in advance, then store them in the fridge until ready to bake.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne if you love a little heat.
Dietary Adjustments: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version or swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing Instructions: These meatballs freeze beautifully! Just place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
A1: Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and provides a similar texture and flavor.
Q2: How do I keep my meatballs from being dry?
A2: Avoid overmixing the meat mixture and don’t skip the breadcrumbs and egg—they help keep the meatballs moist and tender.
Q3: Can I pan-fry these instead of baking?
A3: Yes! Just heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
Q4: What sauce pairs best with these meatballs?
A4: A classic marinara or a creamy Alfredo sauce both work wonderfully. You can also try a garlic butter sauce for something different.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results.
Q6: Can I freeze cooked meatballs?
A6: Yes! Let them cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag.
Q7: Can I double this recipe?
A7: Definitely! Just make sure to spread the meatballs out on the baking sheet so they cook evenly.
Q8: Can I make these meatballs dairy-free?
A8: Yes! Simply omit the Parmesan or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.
Q9: What sides go best with these meatballs?
A9: Try roasted vegetables, garlic bread, mashed potatoes, or even a simple rice pilaf.
Q10: Can I add extra cheese inside the meatballs?
A10: Absolutely! Stuffing them with a small cube of mozzarella creates a delicious, cheesy surprise.
Final Thoughts
These Baked Italian Turkey Meatballs are an absolute must-try! They’re juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re prepping them for a quick weeknight dinner or serving them at a gathering, they’ll always be a hit. So, what are you waiting for? Get your ingredients ready and enjoy every bite of this homemade Italian goodness!
Print
Baked Italian Turkey Meatballs
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 hoagies 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These toasted turkey meatball subs with melty cheese are the perfect easy weeknight meal! Made with fresh homemade or frozen meatballs, smothered in rich tomato sauce, and topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, these subs are baked to perfection in just 15 minutes. A delicious, high-protein recipe for dinner that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 4 (6-inch) hoagie rolls
- 20 cooked turkey meatballs (homemade or frozen)
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
- Slice the hoagie rolls and place them on the foil-lined baking sheet.
- Spoon ½ cup of tomato sauce onto each roll, then layer with 5 turkey meatballs.
- Sprinkle ½ cup of mozzarella cheese and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese on top of each sub.
- Wrap the subs tightly with foil and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the meatballs are heated through.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use whole wheat hoagie rolls for a healthier option.
- Add sautéed onions or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Swap turkey meatballs for beef or chicken if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hoagie
- Calories: 482
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg