This Juicy Baked Turkey Meatballs recipe is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for any meal. Made with ground turkey, herbs, and melty mozzarella, these tender meatballs are finished with a rich buttery herb sauce. Serve them with pasta, veggies, or enjoy them on their own for a comforting, gluten-free dinner option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthier Choice: Made with lean turkey, these meatballs are a lighter alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs.
Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, they come together in just 35 minutes.
Versatile: Pair them with your favorite sides, from pasta to mashed potatoes, or enjoy them as an appetizer.
Packed with Flavor: Fresh herbs, garlic, and a buttery herb sauce elevate this dish to restaurant-quality.
Kid-Friendly: A meal the whole family will love, even picky eaters.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Meatballs

2 lbs ground turkey
1 cup mozzarella, grated
½ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
1 egg, beaten
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp onion powder
½ tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 good pinch kosher salt and a few cracks of black pepper

Buttery Herb Sauce

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice from 1 lemon
1 sprig fresh rosemary
2 sprigs fresh thyme
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions

Prepare the Meatballs

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, mozzarella, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Form Meatballs: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly golden.

Make the Buttery Herb Sauce

Melt Butter: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Add Herbs and Lemon: Stir in the lemon juice, rosemary, and thyme. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Finish with Parmesan: Remove the rosemary and thyme sprigs, then stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and smooth.

Assemble

Coat the Meatballs: Add the baked meatballs to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat them evenly.
Serve: Garnish with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Cheese Substitutions: Swap mozzarella with cheddar or fontina for a different flavor.
Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes for more heat.
Herb Variations: Use basil, oregano, or sage in place of thyme or rosemary.
Low-Carb Option: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
Make It Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free mozzarella and butter alternatives.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze uncooked or baked meatballs for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or skillet.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works as a great substitute for turkey.

2. What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?

Try almond flour, crushed crackers, or gluten-free breadcrumbs.

3. How do I know when the meatballs are done?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

4. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

5. Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure the meatballs are evenly spaced on the baking sheet for even cooking.

6. How do I make the meatballs extra juicy?

Avoid overmixing the meat mixture and use a higher fat-content ground turkey if available.

7. Can I skip the sauce?

Yes, the meatballs are flavorful on their own, but the buttery herb sauce adds richness.

8. What sides pair well with these meatballs?

Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.

9. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, use 1/3 the amount of dried herbs as fresh.

10. How do I prevent the meatballs from sticking to the pan?

Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly with cooking spray.

Conclusion

These Juicy Baked Turkey Meatballs are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With tender, cheesy meatballs coated in a rich buttery herb sauce, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining. Serve them over pasta or alongside your favorite sides for a comforting and satisfying meal.