Easy to make, moist, flavorful, and healthy turkey meatballs made with few ingredients and no breadcrumbs. Low carb, gluten-free, and ready in 10 minutes!
Weeknights just got more exciting over here! Guys, these are my go-to healthy turkey meatballs! I’ve been making these babies for years. Back in the day, I would always bake them until I found out you can literally broil them for 10 minutes to juicy perfection!
Of course, I was skeptical at first until I tried it for myself. I was impressed! These meatballs are juicy, delicious, easy to make, gluten-free and low carb. Also, this cookie scoop? The BEST for making these meatballs! It makes the perfect 1-inch in diameter meatball which is why they are ready in just 10 minutes.
How To Make Turkey Meatballs
While this recipe is to make turkey meatballs in 10 minutes, I’ll also share how to bake these turkey meatballs in the oven and how to cook them on the stove. Let’s get into it!
In a bowl, add ground turkey, cumin, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, parsley, egg, sesame oil, and green onions. Combine all together being careful not to over mix. Over mixing the meatball mixture can result in meatballs being very tough. We want tender meatballs!
Form the mixture into meatballs using a medium cookie scoop. This mixture makes 15 meatballs, 1-inch in diameter. One serving makes about 3-4 meatballs.
You can definitely make them in whatever size you’d like. Just make sure they are all the same size so they cook evenly. Adjust the time accordingly depending on size.
Video on how to make healthy turkey meatballs
To make turkey meatballs in the broiler
Preheat broiler. Place meatballs on a lined baking sheet. Broil on HIGH for 10 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through. Since all broilers are different, check on them after 5 minutes, you can flip them over and broil for another 5 minutes. Once they are out of the oven, brush with more sesame oil on top for more flavor. That’s all folks!
To make turkey meatballs in the oven
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. To make the meatballs in the oven, place them in a lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through.
To make turkey meatballs on the stovetop
In a large skillet, heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil at medium-high heat. Cook the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides for about 6-8 minutes.
To freeze the turkey meatballs
After cooking the meatballs, allow them to cool before freezing them. Transfer them to a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for 1 hour. After 1 hour, place them in an airtight container and store in the freezer up to 1 month.
Be sure to bring them to room temperature before reheating and enjoying.
You can then serve these turkey meatballs with rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, cauliflower congri, chipotle mashed sweet potatoes. This seriously is the best weeknight meal ever.
I hope you make them and LOVE them!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil plus more to brush on top
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (or 2 tablespoons finely chopped white onion)
- salt + pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat broiler. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
- In a bowl, add ground turkey, cumin, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, parsley, egg, sesame oil, and green onions. Gently mix until well combined. Careful not to overmix or the meatballs won’t be moist and tender.
- Form the mixture into meatballs. Place on lined baking sheet. Using a medium cookie scoop makes 15 meatballs, 1-inch in diameter. You can definitely make them in whatever size you'd like, just make sure they are all the same size so they cook evenly.
- Broil on HIGH for 10 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through.* Brush with more sesame oil on top for more flavor. Serve with your favorite side dish. Enjoy!
Notes
This post was originally published in July 2017. Updated recipe + photos in January 2019.
Meatballs. In 10 minutes. heck to the YESS! I am so in love with these little guys!
Not only are they quick to make, they’re delicious! Thanks Karly! :)
I am making the meatballs right now. I don’t understand how many calories in one serving. How many meatball = how many calories. Please reply. Thanks
If you use a medium cookie scoop to make the meatballs, you should yield about 15-16 meatballs so 3-4 per serving.
Can you make these ahead and freeze them?
Hi Margaret! You can freeze them, uncooked, on a baking sheet for a few hours first before transferring them into a freezer ziplock bag for up to 2 months. Hope that helps!
This is a great recipe! Very tasty, healthy, and quick. Great job!
Do you think you can fry these? My broiler is not working.
I think so! Maybe like 15 minutes or so. Just keep your eye on it.
These were very easy to make and simply delicious. Huge win for my son and husband. I think I will invest in a cookie scoop for next time.
Can you use avocado oil or does it have to be sesame oil?
Hi Christina, you can use any neutral oil really. I just recommend sesame oil because of its nutty, bold flavor. Really makes these meatballs taste amazing.
Can you bake these? How long and what temperature?
I’d say you can bake these for 15-20 min at 400*F. Keep an eye on them. Make sure they fully cook and don’t dry out. Hope that helps!
Do you have instructions on how to bake them or cook them stove top?
Hi! You can make these on the stove for 15 min or bake for 15-20 min at 400*F. Just keep an eye on them. Make sure they fully cook and don’t dry out. Hope that helps!
Deliciously moist and tender!
Best part, no breadcrumbs, no flour and no deep frying. in oil.
Ready in 10 min. with no intervention!
Made it in the toaster-oven, easy-peasy.
This is a keeper!
Thanks!
How many meatballs are in one serving
If you use a medium cookie scoop to make the meatballs, you should yield about 15-16 meatballs so 3-4 per serving.
Can you clarify nutritional info?How many ounces in a serving or approx. how many meatballs if using a medium scoop?
Thank you
One serving is 3-4 meatballs using a medium scoop!
Hello there! Is ground turkey breast okay for this recipe? Will I need to adjust the cooking time if baking? How about in an air fryer?
Hi Julie, I’ve never used ground turkey breast before so I can’t really speak to how it’s going to turn out. If using an air fryer, try making them at 400 degrees F for 12-15 minutes until they are cooked through. Hope that helps!
These meatballs were so insanely good!
just wondering how much salt and pepper?
not much of a cook and these seemed pretty easy and strait forward .
It all depends on your tastebuds, really… I’d say maybe start with a 1/4 teaspoon of each and go from there adding as you see fit.
These meatballs were literally so quick, so easy and so delicious. Ate them plain and then also cooked them down in some homemade marinara sauce with tomatoes and garlic for versatility. Will def make over and over again!
Is it ok not to add the eggs?
Yep!
Looks amazing can’t wait to try them. I should know better than to check your post when I’m fasting for another 8 hrs. Lol ok I can do this. Just glad they cook fast.lol
Omg these meatballs are so delicious and easy to make. My 10 year old son and 1 1/2 year old both devour these. Thank you for sharing!
So happy you liked them, Melissa!!
Hi Jamie,
I was wondering if it would be okay to leave out the sesame oil and keep everything else? Im trying to lose weight and trying to eat really healthy. Thanks :)
Yes, absolutely!
Did you use 90/10, 93/7 or 85/15 lean ground turkey?
93/7 :)
Can you substitute olive oil for sesame oil ? I don’t have any sesame oil on hand
Yep!
Do you think I could make these with ground chicken instead of turkey or would they be too dry?
Yes! Just make sure they are cooked through completely. :)