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Dinner

Juicy Turkey Meatballs with Parmesan

These tender, flavorful turkey meatballs are a lighter, delicious twist on a classic Italian favorite.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 Italian· August 8, 2026
Juicy Turkey Meatballs with Parmesan
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
20 minutes
Cook
20 minutes
Total
40 minutes
Serves
4

If you are looking for a family dinner that you will never get tired of, these turkey meatballs are perfect. They are made with a blend of savory herbs, garlic, and plenty of Parmesan cheese, making them incredibly moist and tasty. Even picky eaters will love these, and they are a great way to serve a healthy meal to the whole family.

Because ground turkey is lean, the secret to keeping these juicy is using cold ingredients and letting the mixture chill in the fridge before cooking. You can serve them over spaghetti, inside a sub sandwich, or with a side of roasted potatoes. They are so versatile that you might want to make a double batch to keep in your freezer for busy nights.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup minced white onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • Fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for serving

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, egg, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and all the herbs and spices.

  2. 2

    Mix the ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour or up to 24 hours.

  3. 3

    Using a cookie scoop, portion the meat into equal balls and roll them gently with your hands.

  4. 4

    Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches for about 5 minutes, ensuring they develop a nice crust on all sides.

  5. 5

    Remove the meatballs from the pan and pour in your marinara sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

  6. 6

    Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes until they are cooked through.

  7. 7

    Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a little extra grated Parmesan cheese.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, let the cooked meatballs cool completely before placing them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When serving, these pair beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread.

#dinner#italian#turkey#meatballs#healthy

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