Are you craving a delicious, protein-packed meal that won't derail your healthy eating goals? Look no further than these mouthwatering Eat Clean Turkey Meatballs! Packed with lean ground turkey and bursting with Italian-inspired flavors, these meatballs are about to become your new go-to recipe for a quick, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying dinner that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Crack the egg into the mixture and mix thoroughly using your hands or a spatula until all ingredients are well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the meatballs tough.
- Cover the bowl and let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up slightly.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Using clean hands or a small ice cream scoop, form the mixture into uniform meatballs approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove from the oven and let the meatballs rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender texture.
- Serve hot with your favorite sauce, over zucchini noodles, or as part of a balanced meal.
Tips
- Keep your hands slightly damp when forming meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers and ensure smooth, uniform shapes.
- Don't overwork the meat mixture - mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the meatballs tender and light.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety without overcooking.
- For extra moisture, consider adding a splash of milk or a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the mixture.
- Make a big batch and freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months - they're perfect for quick future meals!
- For a crispy exterior, you can briefly broil the meatballs for 1-2 minutes after baking.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 276kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 114mg
