The Best Turkey Meatballs
Experience a culinary delight with these turkey meatballs, a delicious alternative that redefines comfort food. Infused with fresh herbs and creamy ricotta, they deliver an unexpected burst of flavor while maintaining a tender, juicy texture that makes every bite irresistible.
Unlike traditional meatballs, this recipe embraces a softer mixture, resulting in a delightful contrast to the typical meat texture. With the perfect blend of spices and cheeses, these turkey meatballs promise to satisfy even the most discerning palate, leaving beef meatball recipes in the dust.
Whether served over pasta, in a sub, or on their own, these meatballs offer versatility and taste that will make them a staple in your kitchen. Elevate your dinner game and prepare to be amazed by the savory goodness that awaits!
The Best Turkey Meatballs Ingredients
Ground turkey brings a lean protein to the dish, ensuring each meatball is hearty yet light. The ricotta adds creaminess, contributing to a tender texture that melts in your mouth.
Fresh breadcrumbs enhance the meatballs’ structure while keeping them moist, soaking up flavors with each bite. A hint of garlic infuses warmth, while parsley and oregano provide a burst of herbal freshness, elevating the overall flavor profile.
Finally, the combination of olive and canola oil helps achieve a golden, crisp exterior, enhancing the meatballs’ visual appeal and delivering a satisfying crunch with every mouthful.
The Best Turkey Meatballs: Recipe Tips, Serving Suggestions, and FAQs
These turkey meatballs are not only delicious but also versatile. Below are some helpful tips, serving suggestions, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you make the most of this delightful dish.
Recipe Tips
- Perfect Texture: To ensure your turkey meatballs have the ideal texture, avoid overmixing the ingredients. Mix just until combined; this will help keep them tender and prevent them from becoming dense. The ricotta is key for moisture, so don’t skip it!
- Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor kick, consider adding finely chopped onion or bell pepper to the mixture. Sautéing these vegetables beforehand can deepen their flavor and enhance the overall taste of the meatballs.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: These turkey meatballs freeze well, making them a great meal prep option. Shape the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for a quick weeknight meal.
What to Serve with Turkey Meatballs
- Pasta and Marinara: Pair these turkey meatballs with your favorite pasta and a homemade or store-bought marinara sauce for a classic Italian meal. The rich sauce complements the tender meatballs, creating a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners.
- Sub Sandwiches: For a delicious twist, serve the meatballs in a hoagie roll topped with marinara and melted mozzarella. This hearty sandwich makes for a great lunch or casual dinner option, combining flavors and textures that are sure to please.
- Salad: Balance the richness of the meatballs with a fresh side salad. A simple mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast, making your meal feel light and wholesome.
FAQ
- Can I use leaner ground turkey?
While 93/7 ground turkey is recommended for optimal moisture and flavor, you can use a leaner option. Just be aware that the meatballs may be drier, so consider adding a little extra ricotta or olive oil to the mixture. - What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese or a creamy goat cheese can work as substitutes. Blend them until smooth to mimic the texture of ricotta, ensuring your meatballs remain moist and tender. - How do I store leftover meatballs?
Store leftover turkey meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. - Can I grill these meatballs instead of baking?
Yes! These turkey meatballs can be grilled for a smoky flavor. Just ensure they are cooked through, monitoring their internal temperature to reach 165°F for safety. Use a grill basket or skewer them to prevent them from falling through the grates.
The Best Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey 93/7 ratio
- 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 3/4 cup finely ground fresh breadcrumbs from 3 to 4 slices of white bread, crusts removed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 clove garlic grated
- 1/4 cup packed parsley leaves finely chopped (approximately 2 tablespoons chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and drizzle a blend of olive oil and canola oil evenly over the surface.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with milk, stirring thoroughly to ensure the breadcrumbs are completely moistened. Add in the remaining ingredients and mix gently with your hands until just combined.
- Using a 1/4-cup measuring scoop, portion out the meatball mixture and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet, aiming for a total of 12 meatballs. Carefully roll each portion into a ball shape. Bake in the preheated oven until the bottoms achieve a golden-brown color, which should take about 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through.
