Let’s be real, the daily question of what to make for dinner can feel like a huge challenge. You want something tasty, something your family will actually eat, and you probably don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. I get it completely.
That is why I am so excited to share one of my favorite Easy Dinner Recipes with you. These baked turkey meatballs are a simple, delicious answer to the weeknight dinner rush. They come together quickly and are incredibly versatile.
Jump To:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
So, what makes this particular recipe so special? Honestly, it is the simplicity. There are no complicated steps or fancy ingredients. It is just straightforward cooking that delivers amazing flavor every single time.
These meatballs are a fantastic choice for Kid Friendly Dinners. They have a mild, savory flavor that appeals to even the pickiest eaters. Plus, their small, round shape is just plain fun to eat. My kids love them!
Another huge win is how easy the cleanup is. Since everything gets baked in one dish, you are not left with a sink full of pots and pans. That alone makes it a top contender for Easy Weeknight Dinners.
They are also incredibly juicy. The combination of milk and eggs ensures they stay moist and tender while baking. No dry, tough meatballs here. They get a lovely golden brown top while the inside stays succulent.
You can also customize them to your heart’s content. Think of this recipe as a starting point. Feel free to add different herbs or spices to match your family’s taste. It is one of those Easy Food Recipes that you can truly make your own.
Serve them with pasta and marinara sauce for a classic meal. Or, place them in a sub roll for a hearty sandwich. You can even serve them on their own with a side of roasted vegetables for a lighter option. The possibilities are endless.
Ingredients
The beauty of these Easy Dinner Recipes lies in the short and simple ingredient list. You probably have most of these items in your pantry and refrigerator right now.
Here is what you will need to gather:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? This process is so simple. Just follow these steps for one of the easiest Easy Weeknight Dinners you will ever make.
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven And Baking Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the oven is nice and hot when your meatballs are ready to go in. It helps them cook evenly and get that beautiful brown color.
Next, grab a medium baking dish. Spray it lightly with some pan spray. This little step is a big deal because it prevents the meatballs from sticking to the bottom. It makes serving and cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix And Form The Meatballs
Now for the fun part. In a medium sized bowl, combine the ground turkey, Italian breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together.
You want to mix until all the ingredients are just incorporated. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the meatballs tough. Just mix until you no longer see streaks of individual ingredients.
Once mixed, roll the mixture into balls. Aim for about 1 ½ to 2 inches in size. A cookie scoop can be a great tool here to get them all uniform. Place each meatball into the prepared baking dish as you go.
Step 3: Bake To A Golden Brown
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. The meatballs are done when they are lightly browned on top and cooked through. This is what makes it such a great and reliable entry in my book of Easy Food Recipes.
The most important thing is to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check for doneness and ensure they are safe to eat.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from this amazing Easy Dinner Recipes adventure, storing them is simple. Let the meatballs cool down to room temperature first.
You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. They are great for quick lunches or another easy dinner later in the week.
These meatballs also freeze wonderfully. To freeze, let them cool completely. You can place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for an hour. This is called flash freezing. Once they are solid, transfer them to a freezer safe bag or container. They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
To reheat, you can warm them in the microwave, on the stovetop with some sauce, or in the oven until heated through. They make future Easy Weeknight Dinners even easier!
Tips
Want to make these meatballs even better? Here are a few tips I have learned along the way. These little tricks can make a big difference.
First, as I mentioned before, do not overmix the meat. Mix just until the ingredients come together. This is key to keeping the meatballs tender and juicy.
For extra flavor, consider adding a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture. A little bit of fresh chopped parsley also adds a nice touch of color and freshness.
To ensure your meatballs are all the same size, use a small ice cream scoop or a cookie scoop. This helps them cook evenly, so you do not have some that are overcooked while others are still raw inside.
If you find the mixture is too sticky to roll, you can wet your hands slightly with water. This prevents the meat from sticking to your palms and makes rolling much easier.
Finally, always use a meat thermometer. It is the only way to be certain your poultry is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is especially important for Kid Friendly Dinners.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple, delicious, and reliable recipe that I hope becomes a new family favorite. These baked turkey meatballs truly are one of the best Easy Dinner Recipes you can have in your collection.
They are a wonderful solution for busy parents and anyone looking for tasty, homemade meals without all the fuss. Enjoy!
FAQ
Can I Use Ground Chicken Or Beef Instead Of Turkey?
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. Ground chicken would be a direct substitute. If you use ground beef, especially one with a higher fat content, you might see a bit more grease in the pan, but they will be just as delicious.
How Do I Make These Gluten Free?
Making this recipe gluten free is very easy. Simply swap the Italian breadcrumbs for your favorite brand of gluten free breadcrumbs. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free, but always double check your labels.
Can I Cook These In An Air Fryer?
Yes, you can! To cook in an air fryer, preheat it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the meatballs in the basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are cooked and golden brown.
What Can I Serve With These Meatballs?
So many things! They are fantastic with spaghetti and marinara sauce. You can also serve them with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or on a bed of rice. They also make amazing meatball subs. It is one of the most versatile Easy Food Recipes.
Baked Turkey Meatballs
Simple, flavorful baked turkey meatballs make for an easy, versatile weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a medium baking dish lightly with pan spray.
- In a medium sized bowl, combine the ground turkey, Italian breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are just incorporated. Roll the mixture into balls, about 1 ½ to 2 inches in size. Place each meatball into the prepared baking dish as you go.
- Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, until lightly browned on top and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check for doneness and ensure they are safe to eat.
Notes
Do not overmix the meat. Mix just until the ingredients come together. This is key to keeping the meatballs tender and juicy.
For extra flavor, consider adding a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture. A little bit of fresh chopped parsley also adds a nice touch of color and freshness.
To ensure your meatballs are all the same size, use a small ice cream scoop or a cookie scoop. This helps them cook evenly, so you do not have some that are overcooked while others are still raw inside.
If you find the mixture is too sticky to roll, you can wet your hands slightly with water. This prevents the meat from sticking to your palms and makes rolling much easier.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
