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.
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!
10-Minute Healthy Turkey Meatballs (No Breadcrumbs!)
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
Nutrition
This post was originally published in July 2017. Updated recipe + photos in January 2019.
Suz says
I can’t believe how easy this recipe was! The meatballs turned out great under the broiler. I am excited to make this again by experimenting with different seasonings and favours.
Sharon says
These were delicious and tasty! They were a hit with the whole family! I will definitely be making them again. Excellent recipe! I’d never used ground turkey before and my family was very skeptical about the recipe, but they absolutely loved them. Now we have a great healthy meatball recipe that everyone loves.
Lauren Thompson says
I just made these and they are delicious, especially warm out of the oven.
Can these be frozen? if so how would you suggest thawing? microwave? Fridge overnight?
Jamie Silva says
Yes, you can freeze cooked meatballs for up to 2 months. Just bring them to room temperature in the fridge overnight before reheating in the microwave.
Curt says
I just had gastric bypass and these were my first real meat. Thank you for the recipe, I put a couple of Tbls. of my favorite pasta sauce underneath the meatballs and yum yum!
Sofia says
Hi! I tried making these in my toaster oven and they started “melting” at the bases, what would you recommend I do? is it simply not suited for the toaster oven or could i try to do something else before i put them in? They taste immaculate though!!
Jamie Silva says
Hi Sofia, this recipe is meant for the regular oven, not the toaster oven. You can try air frying them at 400ºF for 5 minutes and then flipping them over and cooking for another 5 minutes. Hope this helps!
imsen says
LOVE this meatball recipe. It’s my go-to favorite recipe for meatballs.
Easy Family Recipes
Diane says
I want to make these for New Year’s Eve but I think I will add some jalapeño, cilantro and cheese. Do you think that will work?
Jamie Silva says
I think so!
Aldwin says
Really easy totally enjoyable, hair to use dried parsley but this is now I go to for my grandson who is allergic to about everything. Thanks much
LORI says
These are super easy and really good! I would definitely follow the suggestion to check the meatballs after five minutes under the broiler.. My parchment paper had started to burn, so I transferred the meatballs to foil for the rest of the cooking time. Still perfect!
Katie says
Wanting to make these for party meatballs. Do you think they will hold up and not fall apart in the crock pot? I’ve had my meatballs fall apart before but looking at the store bought ones and they are mostly soy! Yuck.
Jamie Silva says
Unfortunately, they may fall apart in the crockpot especially since they don’t have breadcrumbs. I’d recommend cooking them first as instructed before adding them to the crockpot. You can set the temp to low/warm on the crockpot so they stay warm during the party. Hope that helps!
Natalie says
Do you think I could make these with ground chicken instead of turkey or would they be too dry?
Jamie Silva says
Yes! Just make sure they are cooked through completely. :)
Rosemarie says
Can you substitute olive oil for sesame oil ? I don’t have any sesame oil on hand
Jamie Silva says
Yep!
Ashley says
Did you use 90/10, 93/7 or 85/15 lean ground turkey?
Jamie Silva says
93/7 :)
Nicole says
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 :)
Jamie Silva says
Yes, absolutely!
Melissa says
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!
Jamie Silva says
So happy you liked them, Melissa!!
Jonas says
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
Bea says
Is it ok not to add the eggs?
Jamie Silva says
Yep!
Racquel Saddler says
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!
steve says
just wondering how much salt and pepper?
not much of a cook and these seemed pretty easy and strait forward .
Jamie Silva says
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.
Blossom Smith says
These meatballs were so insanely good!
Julie V says
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?
Jamie Silva says
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!
Iliana says
How many meatballs are in one serving
Jamie Silva says
If you use a medium cookie scoop to make the meatballs, you should yield about 15-16 meatballs so 3-4 per serving.
maria gonzales says
Can you clarify nutritional info?How many ounces in a serving or approx. how many meatballs if using a medium scoop?
Thank you
Jamie Silva says
One serving is 3-4 meatballs using a medium scoop!
Sandra G. says
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!
Anna says
Do you have instructions on how to bake them or cook them stove top?
Jamie Silva says
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!
Kathy says
Can you bake these? How long and what temperature?
Jamie Silva says
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!
Christina says
Can you use avocado oil or does it have to be sesame oil?
Jamie Silva says
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.
Collette D says
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.
Andi says
Do you think you can fry these? My broiler is not working.
Jamie Silva says
I think so! Maybe like 15 minutes or so. Just keep your eye on it.
Patrick McCoy says
This is a great recipe! Very tasty, healthy, and quick. Great job!
Margaret Sanvictores says
Can you make these ahead and freeze them?
Jamie Silva says
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!
Karly says
Meatballs. In 10 minutes. heck to the YESS! I am so in love with these little guys!
Jamie Silva says
Not only are they quick to make, they’re delicious! Thanks Karly! :)
Rachel says
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
Jamie Silva says
If you use a medium cookie scoop to make the meatballs, you should yield about 15-16 meatballs so 3-4 per serving.