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Mediterranean Baked Turkey Meatballs

Healthy, flavorful turkey meatballs infused with Mediterranean herbs and spices, baked to perfection and served in rich tomato sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 24 meatballs
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 85

Ingredients
  

Meatballs
  • 1.5 pounds ground turkey 93% lean
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs plain or Italian-seasoned
  • 0.33 cup milk whole or 2%
  • 1 egg large, beaten
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped, or 1 tsp dried
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
  • 3 cups marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • fresh basil leaves for garnish

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large skillet or saucepan

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil.
  2. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Stir until breadcrumbs absorb all liquid and let sit for 5 minutes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, soaked breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Mix ingredients gently but thoroughly until evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough meatballs.
  5. With slightly wet hands, shape mixture into 24 meatballs approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Place on prepared baking sheet with space between each.
  6. Drizzle olive oil over meatballs or lightly brush each one with oil.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  8. While meatballs bake, warm marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat.
  9. Transfer cooked meatballs into warm sauce, gently coating each one. Simmer together for 5-10 minutes.
  10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Meatballs can be frozen before or after cooking for up to 3 months. Use 93% lean ground turkey for best moisture balance. Test seasoning by cooking a small portion before forming all meatballs.