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A serving of perfectly cooked ground turkey meatballs.

Italian-Herb & Veggie Boost Turkey Meatballs

These delightful Italian-Herb & Veggie Boost Turkey Meatballs are packed with flavor and nutrition, making them perfect for a family meal. They are easy to prepare and can be baked or pan-fried, then simmered in your favorite sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large skillet (optional)
  • Saucepan (optional)

Ingredients
  

Meatballs

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (or regular panko for non-GF)
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup finely grated zucchini (squeezed dry)
  • 1/4 cup finely grated carrot
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for pan-frying, optional)

Optional Sauce

  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (15 oz)
  • 1/4 cup water or chicken broth (for sauce thinning)

Instructions
 

Prepare Your Base

  • Gently combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, zucchini, carrot, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl; mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Form the Meatballs

  • Dampen your hands lightly with water, then roll the mixture into uniform balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.

Cook Them Up (Baking Method Recommended for Kid-Friendly)

  • For baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 18-22 minutes until cooked through and lightly golden, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • For optional pan-frying, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then cook meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until browned on all sides (they do not need to be fully cooked if simmering in sauce later).

Serve & Enjoy (Optional Sauce)

  • If serving with sauce, add baked or lightly browned meatballs to a saucepan with crushed tomatoes and water/broth, then simmer for 10-15 minutes until heated through and flavors meld; serve over whole wheat pasta or ziti.

Notes

Avoid overmixing the turkey meatballs, as this can make them tough. If using a meat thermometer, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. These meatballs can be frozen cooked or uncooked for future meals.