# Turkey Meatballs Baked: An Irresistible and Adaptable Recipe
These turkey meatballs baked are an excellent enhancement to your cooking collection, blending ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, and a variety of herbs. They are not just great for pasta nights but also perfect for meal preparation and convenient freezer-friendly dinners.
## Flavor Profile
Turkey meatballs boast a moist and tender texture, enriched by a flavorful, herby taste. They pair wonderfully with pasta, sauces, or can simply be enjoyed as a protein-rich snack.
## Skill Level
Crafting turkey meatballs is simple—just mix, shape, and bake! This easy method makes it an enjoyable task for cooks of any skill level.
## Recipe Swaps
These nutritious turkey meatballs can effortlessly substitute standard ground beef meatballs in numerous recipes, including soups, casseroles, and appetizers. They provide a lighter option without compromising on flavor.
## Freezing Tips
Turkey meatballs freeze remarkably well. Think about doubling the recipe to guarantee you always have a quick meal option available.
## Ingredient Tips for Turkey Meatballs
– **Turkey**: Select lean ground turkey to keep them juicy. Ground chicken or pork can also be utilized, maintaining a 1:1 ratio of turkey to pork for improved moisture.
– **Binders**: Eggs and Panko breadcrumbs act as binders, ensuring the meatballs remain moist and whole.
– **Onion**: Sautéing the onion in a small amount of oil enhances its taste. Alternatively, onion powder can be used.
– **Seasonings**: Add garlic powder, dried parsley, basil, and oregano for a flavor boost. Italian seasoning or a Cajun mix can also be incorporated to fit your meal’s style.
– **Variations**: For added taste, you might want to include ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese into the blend.
## How to Make Turkey Meatballs
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. In a large bowl, mix together ground turkey, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, parsley, onion, egg, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano.
3. Blend gently until unified, being cautious not to overmix. Shape the mixture into 24 meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until the meatballs achieve an internal temperature of 165°F.
## Storing Solutions
– **Refrigeration**: Keep leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish with a little water, cover, and heat until thoroughly warm.
– **Freezing Cooked Meatballs**: Store in a zippered bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 18-22 minutes.
– **Freezing Raw Meatballs**: Freeze the formed meatballs on a baking sheet before transferring to zippered bags for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen at 375°F for 22-26 minutes.
## Nutritional Information (per meatball)
– **Calories**: 30
– **Protein**: 5g
– **Carbohydrates**: 1g
– **Fat**: 1g
– **Cholesterol**: 18mg
– **Sodium**: 71mg
## Conclusion
These turkey meatballs are not only tasty but also adaptable and simple to create. Whether you’re pairing them with pasta, adding them to soup, or savoring them as a snack, they’re sure to please. Enjoy experimenting with various flavors and serving suggestions!