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Healthy Lean Turkey Meatballs

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These juicy and flavorful turkey meatballs are packed with protein and perfect for a quick, healthy dinner. They stay moist thanks to Greek yogurt and balanced seasoning, making them a family-friendly favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (60 ml), full-fat or low-fat
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat or panko breadcrumbs (50 g), gluten-free options available
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (25 g), optional
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 small onion, finely grated or minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil for cooking

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Finely mince the garlic and grate the onion to add moisture without big chunks.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, Greek yogurt, grated onion, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing.
  4. Add breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix lightly to incorporate.
  5. Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch (4 cm) meatballs using a cookie scoop or your hands. Place evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Wetting your hands slightly helps prevent sticking.
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until meatballs are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Optional: For extra flavor, brown the meatballs in a hot skillet with olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side before baking.
  8. Let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to avoid tough meatballs. Adding Greek yogurt and grated onion keeps meatballs moist. Use a cooking thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Optional browning in skillet adds flavor but is not necessary. Freeze cooked or uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Adjust breadcrumbs or yogurt if mixture is too wet or dry.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatballs, healthy dinner, high protein, lean turkey, easy recipe, weeknight meal, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/healthy-lean-turkey-meatballs-recipe-easy-high-protein-dinner-idea/