Name: Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/3 cup breadcrumbs gluten-free if needed; 1/3 cup milk any kind; 1 lb ground turkey; 1 small shallot minced; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; Black pepper and/or red pepper flakes to taste; Olive oil for drizzling

There’s something undeniably comforting about meatballs fresh from the oven, and this Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe hits all the right notes—tender, flavorful, and perfectly juicy without any fuss. I love how simple ingredients come together for such a crowd-pleaser that’s lighter than your typical beef version.

The image shows a close-up of several round meatballs arranged in a tight pattern. Each meatball has a golden-brown, slightly crispy outer layer with a glistening texture. Small patches of green herbs, likely parsley, are sprinkled unevenly across the meatballs, adding bright green highlights. Tiny bits of red chili flakes and coarse salt crystals are scattered on the surface, providing pops of red and white color. The background is a white marbled texture that contrasts with the warm tones of the meatballs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe is one of those reliable go-to dishes I turn to when I want something hearty yet healthy. It’s incredibly forgiving, comes together quickly, and bakes up with minimal mess — perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners.

Healthy and Lean: Turkey keeps these meatballs lower in fat but still juicy thanks to the milk-soaked breadcrumbs.
Easy Prep: No frying means fewer dishes for you, with a simple sheet pan doing all the work.
Flavorful Yet Simple: Garlic, shallot, oregano, and parmesan give just enough flavor without overpowering.
Highly Versatile: Whether tossed in sauce, paired with rice, or served as appetizers, these meatballs fit any occasion.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here dances perfectly together—moisture from the milk keeps the turkey tender, while the parmesan and seasonings add layers of taste without complexity. Choosing fresh garlic and shallots makes all the difference in that bright, savory aroma.

Flat lay of a mound of fresh ground turkey, a small white ceramic bowl of pale golden breadcrumbs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy milk, a small shallot with its fresh papery skin intact, two uncracked brown garlic bulbs (each showing at least one clove), a small white ceramic bowl of finely grated pale yellow parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with bright green dried oregano leaves, a small white ceramic bowl with light beige onion powder, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl with a mix of black and red pepper flakes, and a small white ceramic bowl of clear golden olive oil, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Breadcrumbs: Soaking in milk softens them to keep the meatballs tender; gluten-free ones work fine here.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind the mixture gently without weighing it down.
Ground Turkey: Lean and mild, a perfect base that takes on flavors beautifully.
Shallot: Offers a delicate onion flavor that’s less harsh than regular onions.
Garlic: Freshly minced, garlic packs a punch that balances richness.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor and a bit of umami.
Oregano: Brings earthy, herbal notes that brighten the mix.
Onion Powder: Boosts the depth of onion flavor without adding moisture.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
Black Pepper/Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
Olive Oil: A light drizzle helps create a beautiful golden exterior as they bake.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often swap in fresh herbs or add a touch of spice depending on my mood or what I have on hand.

Variation: Sometimes I add finely chopped spinach or kale for a green boost, which blends seamlessly and ups the nutrition without changing the flavor much.
Gluten-Free: Using gluten-free breadcrumbs makes this recipe just as delicious and keeps it friendly for everyone at the table.
Spice It Up: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or swap oregano for Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile that pairs beautifully with tomato sauce.
Cheese Swap: Grated pecorino or a sharp cheddar works great instead of parmesan if you want a twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe

A stack of about ten round meatballs sits on a white shallow dish with small speckles. The meatballs have a light browned color with a slightly rough texture and small bits of herbs and spices visible. Some green parsley leaves and a few flakes of red chili pepper are sprinkled on top of the meatballs, adding a pop of color. Around the plate, there are small grains of white cheese and red chili flakes scattered on a wooden surface beneath, which is partially visible. A blurred white cup and a green cloth are in the background over a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Soak the Breadcrumbs

Start by mixing your breadcrumbs with milk in a large bowl and let them absorb the liquid for about 5 to 7 minutes. This step really keeps the meatballs moist and tender—don’t skip it! While they soak, chop the shallot and garlic so you’re ready for the next steps.

Step 2: Combine the Meatball Mixture

Next, add the ground turkey, minced shallot, garlic, parmesan, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the soaked breadcrumbs. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon—over-mixing makes the meatballs dense and tough, so just combine until everything’s evenly distributed.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Using a large cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 16-18 meatballs (about 1.5 ounces each). To keep things smooth and avoid sticky fingers, wet your hands with water before rolling each one. Arrange them on a greased sheet pan with some space between.

Step 4: Drizzle and Bake

Drizzle the meatballs lightly with olive oil for a golden finish. Bake in a preheated 425°F oven, positioned on the top rack, for 13-15 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 160°F and they’re lightly browned on top. No flipping needed—just perfect hands-off cooking.

Top Tip

From my experience, the key to tender, flavorful meatballs lies in gentle mixing and the breadcrumb soak—these small steps make a massive difference.

Don’t Overmix: I’ve learned that mixing just enough to combine keeps the texture light and tender instead of dense and chewy.
Use a Cookie Scoop: This trick keeps meatballs uniform in size so they cook evenly every time, and it’s a huge time saver.
Wet Your Hands: When rolling the meatballs, water stops sticking so you get smooth, round balls with less mess.
Bake on the Top Rack: I found this produces a nicely browned top without the bottoms scorching or sticking.

How to Serve Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Baked Turkey Meatballs - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping these with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and brightness. Sometimes, a sprinkle of extra parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil is all you need to make them feel special.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides include spaghetti tossed in marinara (classic combo!), zesty roasted veggies, or a refreshing crisp salad. Rice or quinoa bowls loaded with greens also pair beautifully for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like serving these meatballs on skewers with a dipping sauce like tzatziki or a spicy aioli. Another favorite is to pile them high in a toasted sub roll with melted mozzarella and basil for an unforgettable sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge where they keep well for up to 4 days. Just make sure they cool completely before sealing to keep them fresh and moist.

Freezing

Freezing is a lifesaver—after baking, I freeze the meatballs individually on a sheet pan first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They keep for about 3 months and thaw quickly with no loss in texture.

Reheating

I reheat frozen or refrigerated meatballs in the oven or air fryer at 400°F until hot and crisp on the outside—this brings back the fresh-baked texture better than microwaving ever could.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly since chicken can cook faster. Keep an eye on the meatballs to avoid drying out.

Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free option. I like using gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers—they soak up the milk nicely and keep the texture spot-on.

How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

The key is the breadcrumb soak in milk—they act as a binder while adding moisture. Also, don’t overmix the meat; mix just until combined. Finally, forming tightly packed meatballs helps them hold their shape in the oven.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the meatballs and store them raw in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking, or bake them and freeze for later. This makes meal prep super flexible and convenient.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe feels like a warm hug after a long day—easy, satisfying, and with just the right balance of flavors. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, whether for your family dinner or your meal prep routine. Give it a try and see how quickly it might become a kitchen staple in your house, too!