Garlic Herb Turkey Meatballs

$- 1 pound ground turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 egg, beaten - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying) - 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving) To make garlic herb turkey meatballs, gather all your ingredients first. Fresh garlic gives great flavor. I like to use whole wheat breadcrumbs for extra nutrition. Ground turkey is lean and healthy. Using fresh herbs like parsley brightens the dish. Dried oregano and thyme add depth. Red pepper flakes offer just the right kick, but you can adjust them to your taste. Grated Parmesan cheese brings in a savory note. Don't forget the egg! It helps bind everything together. A sprinkle of salt and pepper rounds out the flavor. Finally, olive oil is needed for frying. You can serve these meatballs with marinara sauce, which adds even more flavor. Preparing all these ingredients makes cooking easier and more fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, you will combine all the meatball ingredients. Add in one pound of ground turkey. Then, pour in half a cup of whole wheat breadcrumbs. Next, add two minced cloves of garlic. Toss in a quarter cup of chopped fresh parsley, one teaspoon of dried oregano, and one teaspoon of dried thyme. Don't forget the half teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a little kick! Now, add a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese and one beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. It’s time to mix! Use your hands to combine everything well. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly mixed. This step is key to tasty meatballs. Next, you’ll want to preheat your skillet. Place it over medium heat and add two tablespoons of olive oil. Wait until the oil is hot, but not smoking. While the oil heats, roll your turkey mixture into meatballs. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Once the skillet is ready, gently place the meatballs in the pan. Avoid crowding them. It’s best to cook them in batches if needed. Cook each meatball for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. They should turn a nice golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). After cooking, remove the meatballs from the skillet. If you see excess oil, place them on paper towels to drain. For serving, arrange the meatballs on a platter. You can garnish them with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a nice touch. Serve them warm with a cup of marinara sauce. You can drizzle the sauce on top or serve it on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious garlic herb turkey meatballs! To keep your meatballs juicy, use fresh ground turkey. Mix in breadcrumbs and herbs well. The egg helps bind everything, so don’t skip it. If you want to avoid dryness, don’t overcook. Cook the meatballs until they reach 165°F (74°C). Check with a meat thermometer for great results. They should be brown on the outside and firm yet springy to touch. For a lovely dish, arrange the meatballs on a platter. Sprinkle with extra parsley for color. A light dusting of Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Freshly toasted bread or zucchini noodles pairs well. This adds a tasty twist to your meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme enhance the flavor profile significantly compared to dried herbs. Always opt for fresh when possible for the best taste. Don't Overmix: When combining the ingredients, be careful not to overmix. This keeps the meatballs tender and prevents them from becoming tough. Test for Spice: Before rolling all the meatballs, cook a small piece of the mixture to test for seasoning and spice levels. Adjust accordingly to suit your taste. Keep Them Warm: If you're making a large batch or serving later, keep the cooked meatballs warm in a low oven (around 200°F) until ready to serve to maintain their texture. {{image_2}} You can switch up the ground turkey for chicken or beef. Both options work well in this recipe. Chicken gives a lighter taste, while beef adds a rich flavor. Just keep the same amount, and follow the same steps. If you want to try plant-based options, use lentils or chickpeas. They can give you a nice texture. You can mash them up and mix them like the turkey. Add a bit of extra binder, like a flax egg, to hold them together. To change the flavor, think about the herbs and spices you like. You can add fresh basil or rosemary for a twist. This will make the meatballs taste different and fresh. Use dried herbs if fresh ones are not available. If you enjoy heat, try adding more red pepper flakes. You can also use cayenne pepper for a bolder kick. Adjust the amount to fit your taste. Just remember, a little goes a long way! To keep your garlic herb turkey meatballs fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place the container in the fridge. They will stay good for about three to four days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. First, let the meatballs cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. This method helps prevent sticking. When you want to eat them, take out what you need. To reheat the meatballs properly, you can use a few methods. The oven works well. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Place the meatballs on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for one minute at a time, checking until they are warm. The shelf life of your garlic herb turkey meatballs depends on how you store them. In the fridge, they last three to four days. In the freezer, they can stay good for up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Look for changes in color or texture. If the meatballs smell off or feel slimy, it’s best to discard them. Trust your senses; they help keep you safe when it comes to food. To keep your meatballs from falling apart, use a good binding agent. In this recipe, the breadcrumbs and egg work well together. Make sure to mix the turkey and other ingredients thoroughly. Don't overwork the mix; just combine it until it's uniform. Roll the meatballs gently to maintain their shape. If they seem too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs. Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. Prepare them and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze the meatballs for about an hour, then transfer them to a bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to cook, no need to thaw. Just fry them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. These meatballs are versatile and pair well with many dishes. Serve them with marinara sauce over spaghetti for a classic meal. You can also enjoy them in a sub sandwich topped with cheese. For a lighter option, try them with zucchini noodles or a fresh salad. They also work great as an appetizer with toothpicks and dipping sauces on the side. Making meatballs at home is fun and easy. You learned about key ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking methods. I shared tips for perfecting your meatballs and creative variations. Proper storage and reheating methods keep your leftovers tasty longer. Try out different flavors and serving ideas. With this guide, you'll impress family and friends with delicious meatballs. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Garlic Herb Turkey Meatballs

Delicious turkey meatballs infused with garlic and herbs, perfect for a hearty meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey
0.5 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg beaten
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
1 cup marinara sauce (for serving)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, and the beaten egg.
Season the mixture with salt and pepper, then using your hands, mix everything together until well combined.
Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
While the skillet is heating, roll the turkey mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Once the oil is hot, place the meatballs gently into the skillet, making sure not to crowd the pan. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and drain on paper towels if needed.
Serve the meatballs warm with marinara sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.

Notes

Arrange the meatballs on a serving platter, garnished with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve alongside freshly toasted bread or zucchini noodles for a complete meal.

Keyword garlic, healthy, herbs, turkey meatballs