10-Minute Healthy Turkey Meatballs (No Breadcrumbs!)
Weeknights just got more exciting over here! Guys, these are my go-to 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, and easy to make, just like my Cuban turkey picadillo!
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.
5 star review
“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 meatball recipe that everyone loves.”
—Sharon
Recommended For This Recipe
Cookie Scoop
The easiest way to get perfectly uniform meatballs! It’s also dishwasher safe, making clean up a breeze.
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!
LOVE this meatball recipe. It’s my go-to favorite recipe for meatballs.
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!!
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!
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!
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?
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.
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.
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.
What setting on an air fryer do you think would do the trick? I have a powerXL grill combo. It has Air fry, roast, and bake. Tried in the oven and they were great. Trying to simply my cooking procedures lol. Thank you!
I’ve never made them in the AF but I’d say try making them at 400F for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through.
I am making this recipe now. I love the smell of the herbs. Need to buy some parsley and green onion and will finish later. Love the cookie scoop idea, so may eventually buy one. I may serve over rice or other or may place them in a broccoli cheese soup.
I made this tonight for dinner, it was delicious – great flavor! I chose this recipe because I needed a ‘gluten free turkey meatballs’ recipe and this was the one that didn’t call for breadcrumbs (gluten-free or otherwise). I love how QUICKLY this came together, definitely a plus! I will absolutely make this again, its a wonderful fast recipe with tasty results. I served it over broccoli and cauliflower florets that I first steamed then sauteed with olive oil and garlic. Thank you so much for this recipe!!
How long will these last in refrigerator?
No more than 2 days in an airtight container!
This is a great combination. I made my mixture into patties for the BBQ. They turned out fantastic!
So happy to hear, Cynthia! Thank you for your comment!
Turned out awesome! Made one change(omitted the oil) Meatballs maintained shape in the oven, great color on exterior, very juicy inside. Served alongside accordion potatoes and chili lime corn on the cob and the meatballs were the star of the show. Definitely recommend this recipe.
So happy to hear! Thank you for your comment!
I am definitely going to try this yummy yummy recipe and I will definitely send that comment on how I enjoy them
I hope you enjoy them. Thank you for your comment, Faye!