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Juicy Baked Turkey Meatballs

Tender baked turkey meatballs with Parmesan, garlic and a secret spoon of Greek yogurt that keeps them juicy. 38 grams of protein per serving.

  • 38g protein
  • 338 calories
  • 33 minutes
  • 4 servings

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By The Protein First Kitchen Team. Published

Baked turkey meatballs on a bed of arugula
Photo by @emilianovittoriosi on Unsplash

Turkey meatballs have a reputation for being dry. These aren’t. A spoon of Greek yogurt and panko soaked in egg keep them tender and juicy, Parmesan and garlic keep them flavorful, and five meatballs give you 38 grams of protein.

The juicy-meatball formula

  • 93% lean turkey: enough fat for flavor; 99% lean dries out.
  • A panade: panko soaked in egg and yogurt holds moisture inside.
  • Gentle mixing: stop as soon as everything is combined.
  • Don’t overbake: 165°F inside and they’re done.

How to serve them

  • In marinara over zucchini noodles or protein pasta.
  • In a sub roll with melted mozzarella.
  • In a bowl with quinoa salad and tzatziki.

For a cheesy pasta pairing, try cottage cheese alfredo.

How long to bake turkey meatballs

SizeOven temperatureTime
1 inch400°F (200°C)12 to 14 minutes
1 1/2 inches400°F (200°C)16 to 18 minutes
1 1/2 inches375°F (190°C)18 to 20 minutes
1 1/2 inches350°F (175°C)22 to 25 minutes
1 1/2 inchesAir fryer, 380°F9 to 11 minutes

Always check the center with an instant-read thermometer: turkey meatballs are safe at 165°F (74°C). Pull them right at that point; a few extra minutes is what makes turkey meatballs dry.

Ingredients you’ll need

  • 93% lean ground turkey: the sweet spot between juicy and lean.
  • Panko and egg: the binder. Panko stays lighter than regular breadcrumbs.
  • Greek yogurt: our addition. It keeps the meatballs moist and tender.
  • Parmesan, garlic, parsley and Italian seasoning: flavor that makes turkey taste like a classic Italian meatball.

How to make turkey meatballs

  1. Mix all the seasonings, binders and yogurt first, then add the turkey. This way you can combine everything with fewer strokes.
  2. Use a cookie scoop for even meatballs that cook at the same rate.
  3. Wet your hands lightly to roll them smooth.
  4. Bake on parchment, spaced apart so they brown instead of steam.

Stovetop option

Brown the meatballs in 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes, turning, then simmer in 3 cups marinara for 10 to 12 minutes until 165°F inside.

Freezing

Freeze baked, cooled meatballs on a tray, then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in simmering sauce for 15 minutes or in a 350°F oven for 15 to 18 minutes. You can also freeze them raw; bake from frozen and add 5 to 7 minutes.

Serving ideas

  • Spaghetti or protein pasta with marinara.
  • Meatball subs with melted mozzarella.
  • Over zucchini noodles for a lighter plate.
  • With cottage cheese alfredo instead of chicken.

Juicy Baked Turkey Meatballs

Prep 15 min. Cook 18 min. Makes 4 servings of 5 meatballs.

Servings

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the egg, panko, Parmesan, Greek yogurt, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Let sit 2 minutes.
  3. Add the turkey and mix gently with your hands until just combined.
  4. Roll into 20 meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches each, and space them on the pan.
  5. Bake 16 to 18 minutes, until browned and 165°F (74°C) inside.

Notes

  • Mix the turkey gently. Overworking makes meatballs tough.
  • Freeze baked meatballs up to 3 months. Reheat in sauce from frozen.
  • Sauce and pasta are not included in the nutrition.

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    Questions people ask

    How do you keep turkey meatballs from being dry?

    Use 93% lean turkey (not 99%), add a moist binder like Greek yogurt and soaked panko, and pull them as soon as they hit 165°F.

    Can I cook turkey meatballs in sauce?

    Yes. Brown them for 10 minutes in the oven, then simmer in marinara for 10 to 15 minutes.

    How long do you bake turkey meatballs?

    At 400°F, 1 1/2-inch turkey meatballs take 16 to 18 minutes. Smaller 1-inch meatballs take 12 to 14 minutes. They are done at 165°F in the center.

    How long do you cook turkey meatballs in the oven at 350°F?

    About 22 to 25 minutes for 1 1/2-inch meatballs. We prefer 400°F because they brown better in less time.

    Can I cook turkey meatballs in an air fryer?

    Yes. Air fry at 380°F for 9 to 11 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until 165°F inside.

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