I love my classic homemade meatballs recipe, but ground beef is getting expensive lately! So when ground beef is out of budget or I’m craving a lightly lighter flavor, I’ll make these super easy Turkey Meatballs. These meatballs freeze well, so consider making a double batch and freezing half for a rainy day. Spaghetti and meatballs is the ultimate quick weeknight dinner, especially when you’ve got homemade turkey meatballs in the freezer ready to go.
Roll your meatballs in flour Roll the finished meatballs in plain flour before frying. This is, hands down, one of the easiest ways I’ve discovered to prevent meatballs from falling apart when cooking.
Ingredients for Turkey Meatballs
These turkey meatballs are incredibly easy to make and only require eight simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make them:
- Ground Turkey: I used 93% lean ground turkey, which keeps the flavor light but still has enough fat to keep the meatballs from drying out. I don’t suggest using 99% lean ground turkey as it may result in tough meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs combine with the egg to help bind the turkey together to keep the turkey meatballs from falling apart. They also hold moisture, which helps keep the meatballs tender.
- Egg: The egg combines with the breadcrumbs to bind the meatballs together and prevent them from falling apart.
- Italian Seasoning: A simple store-bought Italian seasoning blend provides tons of herbal flavor to the meatballs.
- Other Seasoning: I’ve also added some garlic and onion powder for a little depth and of course the classics, salt and pepper!
- Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan gives an extra boost of rich umami flavor to the meatballs, making them extra satisfying and drool-worthy!
Baking is my favorite method for making meatballs because it’s hands-off, but you can also make these turkey meatballs in an air fryer or a skillet. Here is how to cook turkey meatballs with each of the three methods:
Oven Baked Meatballs: Bake the meatballs at 400ºF for 20 minutes. Or, bake for 15 minutes and transfer the meatballs to a hot skillet with butter to cook for the remaining five minutes, which gives them a nice golden brown exterior.
Air Fryer Meatballs: Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF. Cook the meatballs for 8 minutes, shaking once half-way through, or until cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket and preventing airflow.
Skillet: Cook the meatballs in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat until browned on each side and cooked through (about 2-3 minutes on each side). Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
How to Freeze Meatballs
These turkey meatballs freeze really well and make for delicious weeknight dinners later. To freeze the meatballs, pack them in an air-tight container after cooking and chill completely before transferring to the freezer where they can be stored for about three months. To reheat the meatballs, simply add them to a pot of red sauce and simmer until heated through. Or, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat through in a skillet with butter or oil.
The BEST Baked Turkey Meatballs | LOADED With of Flavor!
FAQ
Why are my turkey meatballs falling apart?
How do you make meatballs so they don’t fall apart?
Why are my turkey meatballs mushy?
What is the best binder for meatballs?
How long can you keep leftover Turkey meatballs?
Leftover baked turkey meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 – 4 days or in the freezer for up to six months. The meatballs can be reheated on the stovetop (my boys love turkey meatballs in tomato sauce), in the microwave, or in the oven.
How long do Turkey meatballs last?
Poultry should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before consuming. This is especially true when using ground meat as it has a higher risk of contamination. The best way to be sure your meat has reached a safe internal temperature is with a meat thermometer. You can freeze turkey meatballs and they will last for several months.
Do meatballs fall apart while cooking?
Follow these steps carefully and enjoy making delicious meatballs that won’t fall apart while cooking them. When you make meatballs, one of the most common mistakes people make is to start mixing your minced meat without giving the meat a little time out of the fridge.
Can Turkey meatballs be frozen?
When the meatballs are frozen solid, add them to a freezer bag or container and return to the freezer. Leftover baked turkey meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 – 4 days or in the freezer for up to six months.