High-protein ground turkey meatballs — perfect for busy days. Freeze, meal-prep, and enjoy a healthy, protein-packed option for the whole family.
GROUND TURKEY MEATBALLS
These turkey meatballs are a healthy, high-protein choice made with ground turkey, cilantro, carrots, celery and a few simple pantry ingredients. They’re quick to prepare, bake in about 20 minutes, and are great for meal prep or freezing for later.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lb ground turkey
1 medium carrot (about 1/4 cup when chopped)
2 stems celery, chopped
2 tbsp cilantro leaves, chopped
1 small onion, chopped (about 1/8 cup when chopped)
1 tbsp corn starch
2 eggs
1/4 tsp ground pepper
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1/8 cup ketchup
How to Make It
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Chop the celery, cilantro and carrot (an electric chopper works well). Transfer to a large bowl.
3. Add the ground turkey to the bowl with the chopped vegetables.
4. Mix in the eggs, chopped onion, corn starch, salt and pepper. Combine evenly but avoid overworking the meat.
5. Form the mixture into meatballs of your preferred size and place them on a baking sheet or a baking pan (use a wire rack if you prefer).
6. Bake for about 20 minutes, until cooked through. The meatballs will brown slightly on the edges; you can test one to ensure it’s fully cooked.
7. For the sauce: combine the hoisin sauce and ketchup in a small saucepan and heat gently over low heat until it starts to simmer. Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and toss gently to coat.
8. Serve hot and enjoy. These meatballs freeze and reheat well, making them ideal for meal prep.
Notes
- Yield: about 20 small meatballs (serving size and number will vary with the size you make).
- Prep time: ~15 minutes. Cook time: ~20 minutes.
- To freeze: cool completely, place in a single layer on a tray to flash-freeze, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a sauce or in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
- Adjust seasonings to taste — add garlic, ginger, or a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor if desired.
Recipe Details
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Servings: about 20 pieces
Calories: approx. 55 kcal per small meatball (estimate)
Ingredients (Structured)
- 1 1/2 lb ground turkey
- 1 medium carrot, chopped (~1/4 cup)
- 2 stems celery, chopped
- 2 tbsp cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped (~1/8 cup)
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 tsp ground pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (or more to taste)
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/8 cup ketchup
Instructions (Structured)
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Chop the celery, cilantro and carrot and place in a large bowl.
- Add the ground turkey to the bowl with the chopped vegetables.
- Mix in eggs, chopped onion, corn starch, salt and pepper until combined.
- Form into meatballs and place on a baking sheet or pan.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until cooked through and lightly browned on the edges.
- Meanwhile, combine hoisin sauce and ketchup in a small pan and heat on low until it begins to simmer.
- Add meatballs to the sauce, gently coat and serve hot.
These ground turkey meatballs are an easy, healthy option for weeknights, meal prep, or a quick family dinner. Enjoy!