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A close-up 45-degree angle shot of perfectly cooked ground turkey meatballs in a skillet with rich marinara sauce and fresh basil.

Ground Turkey Meatballs Recipe (The BEST, Juiciest!)

This is the ultimate ground turkey meatballs recipe that guarantees perfectly moist, tender, and incredibly flavorful results. Made with a simple panade to lock in moisture, these meatballs are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 24 meatballs
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 45
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey 93% lean recommended
  • 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated is best
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • 1 Medium cookie scoop optional, for uniform size

Instructions
 

Prepare and Mix
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs and milk. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the milk.
  2. Add the ground turkey, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, diced onion, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the panade. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  3. Using a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the mixture into about 24 meatballs. Lightly wet your hands and gently roll each portion into a smooth ball. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Cook the Meatballs
  1. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are lightly browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should register 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
  2. Serve immediately with your favorite sauce, or allow to cool before storing.

Notes

Cooking Method Variations:
Pan-Fry: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook meatballs for 8-10 minutes, turning, until browned and cooked through.
Air Fry: Cook in a single layer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway.
Moisture Tip: The panade (milk and breadcrumb mixture) is crucial for juicy meatballs. Do not skip this step!
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