Turkey Meatball Recipe With Vegetables | The Foodie Affair (2024)

Home » Recipes » Uncategorized

Posted bySandra Shaffer on Updated on

10 Comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Healthy turkey meatball recipe with finely grated carrots and zucchini. Enjoy these turkey meatballs over pasta, zoodles or as an appetizer dipped in your favorite sauce.

Turkey Meatball Recipe With Vegetables | The Foodie Affair (1)

Healthy Meatballs

Are you looking for ways to add some vegetables to your diet or just looking for ways to use the veggies that are stashed in the refrigerator?

Well, I have you covered with these lightened up meatballs made with ground turkey and finely shredded carrots and zucchini.

Ground turkey is a rich source of protein and lower in saturated fat than ground beef, which is a simple switch to lighten up meatballs.

Now pair turkey meat with carrots and zucchini and you added some extra nutrients that can benefit any diet.

Zucchini is high is fiber and packed with Vitamin A. Carrots are also a great source for Vitamin A (good for your eyes) and are are rich in minerals.

Turkey Meatball Recipe With Vegetables | The Foodie Affair (2)

Delicious Main Meal or Appetizer

Serve these healthy turkey meatball recipe the traditional way with a crockpot pasta sauce over pasta or on a bed of zucchini zoodles!

For a homemade dipping sauce give these recipes a try

  • Homemade Pizza Sauce – delicious sauce that doubles as a dipping sauce.
  • Rhubarb BBQ Sauce – simple sauce made with smokey chipotle peppers.
  • Homemade Alfredo Sauce – rich, creamy and ready in 15 minutes!

Ready to make some meatballs?!

Turkey Meatball Recipe With Vegetables | The Foodie Affair (3)

Healthy Turkey Meatball Recipe – Ingredients & Utensils Needed

Ingredients

  • ground turkey (white or dark meat)
  • garlic cloves
  • shredded carrots (about 2)
  • shredded zucchini (about 1)
  • Panko
  • large eggs
  • Dijon mustard
  • dried rosemary
  • thyme

Utensils

  • large mixing bowl
  • grater
  • mixing spatula
  • measuring spoons and cups
  • baking sheet with parchment paper or foil
  • small scoop (I use a cookie scoop)
  • skillet (optional if browning meatballs)
Turkey Meatball Recipe With Vegetables | The Foodie Affair (4)

How To Make Healthy Turkey Meatballs – Instructions

You’ll find that the most time consuming part of this recipe is shredded the veggies. Which should tell you how EASY it is to make turkey meatballs!

  1. Shred carrots and zucchini and set aside
  2. Mix together ground turkey with spices, Dijon mustard, garlic and Panko.
  3. Add Parmesan cheese and shredded vegetables
  4. Fold ingredients until combined.
  5. Scoop meat in 1 1/2 inch diameter meatballs.
  6. Place on a baking sheet and put in the refrigerator or freezer to firm up the meat.
  7. Bake in the oven at 375˚ for 25 minutes OR lightly brown meatballs in a skillet (in batches) over medium-high heat with avocado oil, then bake.
  • Turkey Meatball Recipe With Vegetables | The Foodie Affair (5)
  • Turkey Meatball Recipe With Vegetables | The Foodie Affair (6)
  • Turkey Meatball Recipe With Vegetables | The Foodie Affair (7)
  • Turkey Meatball Recipe With Vegetables | The Foodie Affair (8)
  • Turkey Meatball Recipe With Vegetables | The Foodie Affair (9)
  • Turkey Meatball Recipe With Vegetables | The Foodie Affair (10)

Turkey Meatballs Recipe – FAQ’s

Can turkey meatballs be frozen?

Yes! Turkey meatballs can be frozen after they are cooked and cooled. Place cooled meatballs on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Place in the freezer for 20 minutes or until the meat is no longer soft. Put in air tight freezer containers or freezer bags.

Are turkey meatballs better than beef?

Both turkey and beef meatballs are delicious. Turkey meat has less fat than beef, so if you want a leaner cut of meat, then turkey is a good choice.

What temperature should turkey meatballs be cooked?

Ground turkey is safe when the temperature reaches 160˚ Fahrenheit. Without an internal thermometer, this will usually take approximately 25 minutes at 375 degrees.

Can turkey meatballs be made without breadcrumbs?

Breadcrumbs lighten up the meatball, but this can be mimicked by replacing breadcrumbs with Panko like I did in this recipe or ground pork rinds for a low carb option.

Other Ground Turkey Recipes From The Foodie Affair

Looking for more recipes using ground turkey meat? Check out these recipes!

  • Turkey Meatball Subs – perfect mid-week meal filled with homemade sauce and baked meatballs, then topped with melted cheese. You may need to use a fork!
  • Turkey Meatballs With Italian Sausage – made with a mix of dark ground turkey and Italian sausage turkey links. Keep the dishclassic and serve with broccoli slaw.
  • Asian Lettuce Wraps – lightened up with ground turkey instead of beef.
  • Taco Salad with Cilantro Dressing – substitute the ground beef for a lighter protein, ground turkey.

Turkey Meatball Recipe With Vegetables | The Foodie Affair (11)

Turkey Meatball Recipe With Vegetables

Light and flavorful turkey meatballs are delicious with pasta or served as an appetizer with dipping sauce.

5 from 5 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 30 meatballs

Calories: 101kcal

Author: Sandra Shaffer

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground turkey*
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2/3 cup shredded carrot about 2 carrots
  • 2/3 cups shredded zucchini about 1 medium zucchini
  • 1/3 cup Panko*
  • 2 eggs large
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan finely grated
  • 2 tabespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon rosemary dried
  • 1/4 teaspoon thyme dried
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil

Instructions

  • Grate the carrots and zucchini and set aside. Heat oven to 375˚ Fahrenheit.

  • In a large bowl, add the ground turkey, eggs, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, Dijon mustard, Parmesan and Panko. Blend well with a large spoon.

  • Fold in shredded carrots and zucchini.

  • With your hands, gently roll the meat mixture into meatballs in about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

  • Place them on a lined baking sheet and place in the refrigerator or freezer to firm up (10 minutes)

  • Heat a skillet pan with two tablespoons of avocado oil. Gently brown the meatballs (optional step).

  • Return to lined baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160˚ Fahrenheit.

Notes

A mix of dark and light turkey meat can be used.

In place of Panko breadcrumbs or fine pork rinds can be used for a lower carb option.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 101kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 136mg

Disclaimer

Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.

Turkey Meatball Recipe With Vegetables | The Foodie Affair (12)
Turkey Meatball Recipe With Vegetables | The Foodie Affair (2024)

FAQs

Turkey Meatball Recipe With Vegetables | The Foodie Affair? ›

They're made with the top quality turkey and seasoned with a special blend of herbs and savory spices like onions and garlic. They're perfect for pasta dinners and sandwiches, great in a Turkey Meatball Pie, Escarole Soup, or as Meatball Nachos.

What are the ingredients in cooked perfect turkey meatballs? ›

They're made with the top quality turkey and seasoned with a special blend of herbs and savory spices like onions and garlic. They're perfect for pasta dinners and sandwiches, great in a Turkey Meatball Pie, Escarole Soup, or as Meatball Nachos.

What are the ingredients in frozen turkey meatballs? ›

TURKEY, MECHANICALLY SEPARATED TURKEY, WATER, TEXTURED SOY FLOUR, GRATED ROMANO & PARMESAN CHEESES (GRATED ROMANO CHEESE MADE FROM SHEEP'S AND COW'S MILK, SALT, ENZYME], GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE [MILK, SALT, ENZYME), CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF THE FOLLOWING: BROWN SUGAR, SALT, DEHYDRATED ONIONS, YEAST EXTRACT, SPICES, ...

How do you know when turkey meatballs are done? ›

Bake 16 to 20 minutes or until thermometer inserted in center of meatballs reads at least 165°F. Serve with pasta and marinara sauce, or use in your favorite meatball dinner.

Are cooked perfect turkey meatballs healthy? ›

14 g of Protein - only 150 calories and decent ingredients

My family loves them, they're high in protein and reasonably low in calories and fat.

Is it better to pan fry or oven bake meatballs? ›

Baking will result in meatballs with a crunchy exterior, though the caramelisation achieved from frying will be superior.

How do you make cooked meatballs taste better? ›

Allowing your meatballs to cook on the stove in a simmering sauce is a great way to flavor the meatballs and the sauce. Whether you are cooking your own meatballs or you bought them, you'll end up with the most tender meatballs. As they simmer, they will soak up so much of that delicious tomato sauce.

What are the ingredients in great value turkey meatballs? ›

Turkey, Water, Onions, Mechanically Separated Turkey, Textured Soy Flour, Seasoning (dehydrated Onion, Maltodextrin, Sugar, Spices, Garlic Powder, Parsley), Bread Crumbs (wheat Flour, Salt, Yeast), Soy Protein Concentrate, Salt, Sodium Phosphate, Natural Flavor.

Are turkey meatballs healthier than regular meatballs? ›

Ground beef and turkey are both nutritious meats that provide protein, fat, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Turkey is generally lower in saturated fat than beef. As such, it may be a better choice for heart health. Fat-free turkey is also the lowest calorie option if you're interested in weight loss.

Is it better to freeze turkey meatballs raw or cooked? ›

Meatballs make great freezer meals. They can be frozen either cooked or uncooked and keep well for up to 2 months. For super convenient and time saving meals, simply make a double batch of meatballs and freeze the extra!

Is it better to bake meatballs at 350 or 400? ›

If you are making meatballs and are wondering how long you need to cook them, you came to the right place. After all of the Italian meatballs I've been making lately, I consider myself a meatball expert. A good rule of thumb is to bake meatballs for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees fahrenheit.

Why are my turkey meatballs falling apart? ›

Because meat shrinks when cooked, mince proteins are likely to separate and crumble unless bound together. Whether it's breadcrumbs or egg (or both), or simply salt, binding the mince is a crucial step in maintaining the softness of your meatballs while preventing them from falling apart.

Why are my turkey meatballs mushy? ›

Commercially ground turkey also has a finer texture than beef or pork, which is why it cooks up mushy. The fine consistency also means the meat has a harder time holding on to moisture.

Can Turkey Meatballs be a little pink inside? ›

The color of cooked meat and poultry is not always a sign of its degree of doneness. Only by using a meat thermometer can one accurately determine that a meat has reached a safe temperature. Turkey, fresh pork, ground beef or veal can remain pink even after cooking to temperatures of 160°F. and higher.

Why are my Turkey Meatballs dry? ›

Ground turkey: You need a bit of fat in the meat to give the meatballs moisture and flavor — so now isn't the time to reach for the leanest ground turkey you can find. Opt for ground turkey that's 93% lean/7% fat for the best results.

How to tell if Turkey Meatballs are done without a thermometer? ›

If you don't have a meat thermometer, there are three visual checks that must done. Pierce the thickest part of the meat with a fork or skewer and check that: The juices run clear. It is piping hot all the way through (it should be steaming)

What are turkey meatballs made of? ›

Mix turkey, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, and salt together in a large bowl. Form meat mixture with wet hands into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter without handling or packing too hard. Bake in the preheated oven until browned, about 20 minutes.

What are the ingredients in cooked perfect gluten free meatballs? ›

Ingredients. Beef And Pork, Water, Textured Soy Flour, Soy Protein Concentrate, Less Than 2% Of: Oregano, Basil, Black Pepper, Natural Flavors, Rice Flour, Dextrose, Salt.

Are cooked perfect meatballs precooked? ›

Cooked Perfect® Meatballs are fully cooked — just heat and serve. Please follow the directions below for heating. All times are from a frozen state; reduce time if thawed.

What are the ingredients in Trader Joe's turkey meatballs? ›

Turkey meat, water, seasonings (textured soy flour, bread crumbs (wheat flour, sugar, salt, yeast), soy protein concentrate, corn syrup solids, salt, dehydrated onion, spices, garlic powder, parsley), mechanically separated turkey, onion.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dr. Pierre Goyette

Last Updated:

Views: 6132

Rating: 5 / 5 (50 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dr. Pierre Goyette

Birthday: 1998-01-29

Address: Apt. 611 3357 Yong Plain, West Audra, IL 70053

Phone: +5819954278378

Job: Construction Director

Hobby: Embroidery, Creative writing, Shopping, Driving, Stand-up comedy, Coffee roasting, Scrapbooking

Introduction: My name is Dr. Pierre Goyette, I am a enchanting, powerful, jolly, rich, graceful, colorful, zany person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.