11+ Delicious Turkey Meatball Recipes for Every Occasion

Turkey meatballs offer a lighter twist on the classic comfort food we all love. These versatile protein-packed bites work perfectly for weeknight dinners, party appetizers, or meal prep sessions.

From herb-crusted varieties to globally-inspired flavors, these recipes transform simple ground turkey into something truly special and satisfying.

01. Herb Pesto Turkey Meatballs

Aromatic basil pesto elevates these tender turkey meatballs with bold Italian flavors. Ready in just thirty minutes, they’re perfect for busy weeknight cooking.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey, ½ cup store-bought basil pesto, ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 2 cloves garlic minced, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons olive oil.

How To Make Herb Pesto Turkey Meatballs

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, pesto, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until just combined without overmixing.

2. Using clean hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the mixture into 20 evenly-sized meatballs, about 1½ inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart for even cooking.

3. Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs and gently roll them to coat all sides. Bake for 18-20 minutes until they’re golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F when tested with a meat thermometer.

02. Morning Spice Turkey Meatballs

These breakfast-inspired meatballs pack morning spices into every bite. Serve alongside scrambled eggs or stuff them into warm buttermilk biscuits for a hearty start.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons breakfast sausage seasoning, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.

How To Make Morning Spice Turkey Meatballs

1. Mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, sausage seasoning, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt in a large bowl. Combine gently with your hands until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

2. Shape into 16 meatballs using a light touch to keep them tender. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and moves freely around the pan.

3. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning carefully every 2-3 minutes to develop a golden crust on all sides. Cook for 12-15 minutes total until they’re cooked through and register 165°F internally.

4. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain briefly before serving hot with your favorite breakfast sides or tucked into fresh biscuits with a drizzle of honey.

03. Tequila-Glazed Turkey Meatballs

Bold tequila and jalapeño create an unexpected flavor combination in these party-worthy meatballs. The unique glaze with Mexican beer and pickle relish makes them unforgettable.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1 diced jalapeño, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, ½ cup tequila, ½ cup Mexican beer, ¼ cup chili sauce, 2 tablespoons pickle relish, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Tequila-Glazed Turkey Meatballs

1. Combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, diced jalapeño, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Form into 18 meatballs and set aside while you prepare the glaze.

2. Brown meatballs in a large skillet over medium heat, turning to cook evenly on all sides for about 8 minutes total. Remove meatballs and set aside on a plate.

3. In the same skillet, whisk together tequila, beer, chili sauce, pickle relish, and remaining Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.

4. Return meatballs to the skillet and simmer in the glaze for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until the sauce coats them beautifully and they’re heated through completely.

04. Cheese-Stuffed Pesto Turkey Meatballs

Melted mozzarella surprises hide inside these pesto-flavored turkey meatballs. Each bite delivers a delicious cheese pull that pairs beautifully with pasta and marinara sauce.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey, ⅓ cup basil pesto, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 16 small mozzarella cubes, ¼ cup grated Parmesan, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste, 2 tablespoons olive oil.

How To Make Cheese-Stuffed Pesto Turkey Meatballs

1. Mix ground turkey, pesto, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until just combined. Divide the mixture into 16 portions, keeping your hands slightly damp to prevent sticking.

2. Flatten each portion in your palm and place a mozzarella cube in the center. Carefully wrap the turkey mixture around the cheese, sealing the edges completely to prevent leaking during cooking.

3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Brown the stuffed meatballs on all sides, about 6-8 minutes total, handling them gently to keep the cheese enclosed.

4. Transfer the skillet to a 375°F oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F throughout.

5. Let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the melted cheese to set slightly and prevent it from oozing out when you cut into them.

05. Asian-Style Turkey Meatballs

Sesame oil and soy sauce infuse these meatballs with rich Asian flavors. Fresh scallions add brightness while the sweet soy dipping sauce complements their savory taste perfectly.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey, 3 chopped scallions, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 egg, ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated, 2 cloves garlic minced, vegetable oil for frying.

How To Make Asian-Style Turkey Meatballs

1. Combine ground turkey, chopped scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, egg, panko breadcrumbs, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a large bowl. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed without overworking the meat.

2. Roll the mixture into 20 uniform meatballs using a light touch. Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F, testing the temperature with a candy thermometer for accuracy.

3. Fry meatballs in small batches for 4-5 minutes until they’re golden brown and float to the surface. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate for draining.

4. For the dipping sauce, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil until smooth and well combined.

06. Hidden Veggie Turkey Meatballs

Finely grated carrots and zucchini disappear into these kid-friendly meatballs. They add moisture and nutrition without affecting the familiar taste that picky eaters love.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey, ½ cup finely grated carrot, ½ cup finely grated zucchini, ¼ cup minced onion, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste, olive oil spray.

How To Make Hidden Veggie Turkey Meatballs

1. Place grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove excess moisture, which prevents the meatballs from becoming soggy during cooking. This step is crucial for the right texture.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, squeezed zucchini, grated carrot, minced onion, breadcrumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined.

3. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the mixture into 18 meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet with space between each one.

4. Spray the meatballs lightly with olive oil spray to help them brown beautifully. Bake for 20-22 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through to 165°F internal temperature.

5. Let them cool for 3-4 minutes before serving, allowing the vegetables to finish steaming inside and the flavors to meld together perfectly for the best taste.

07. Blue Cheese Turkey Meatballs

Bold blue cheese transforms ordinary turkey meatballs into something spectacular. The tangy cheese melts throughout, creating pockets of intense flavor that blue cheese lovers absolutely crave.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey, ½ cup crumbled blue cheese, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, black pepper to taste, 2 tablespoons butter.

How To Make Blue Cheese Turkey Meatballs

1. Gently fold together ground turkey, blue cheese crumbles, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped chives, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Handle the mixture minimally to keep the meatballs tender and the cheese chunks intact.

2. Shape into 16 meatballs, being careful not to press too firmly since the blue cheese can make them more delicate than regular meatballs. Keep your hands slightly damp while rolling.

3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it foams and turns golden. Add meatballs and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning gently every few minutes to brown all sides evenly.

4. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking for 5-6 minutes until the centers reach 165°F and the blue cheese has melted throughout, creating delicious pockets of creamy flavor.

08. Swedish-Style Turkey Meatballs

Creamy garlic gravy coats these tender turkey meatballs in classic Swedish tradition. Parmesan cheese adds extra richness while the sauce begs to be soaked up with egg noodles.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 3 cloves garlic minced, ¼ cup grated Parmesan, 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, 1½ cups beef broth, ½ cup heavy cream, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Swedish-Style Turkey Meatballs

1. Mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, half the minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Form into 20 small meatballs, keeping them uniform in size for even cooking.

2. Brown meatballs in a large skillet over medium heat, turning carefully to develop color on all sides. This takes about 8-10 minutes total. Remove meatballs and set them aside on a plate.

3. In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook for 1 minute, then gradually whisk in beef broth, remaining garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.

4. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in heavy cream and return meatballs to the skillet.

5. Simmer everything together for 6-8 minutes, spooning the creamy gravy over the meatballs frequently until they’re heated through and the sauce coats them beautifully.

09. Party-Style Turkey Meatballs

Water chestnuts add surprising crunch to these cocktail meatballs. The sweet apple-mustard glaze balances savory flavors perfectly, making them ideal for entertaining with toothpicks.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey, ½ cup minced water chestnuts, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, ½ cup apple jelly, 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon onion powder, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Party-Style Turkey Meatballs

1. Combine ground turkey, minced water chestnuts, breadcrumbs, egg, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. The water chestnuts should be chopped finely but still provide little bursts of crunch.

2. Roll into 24 small cocktail-sized meatballs, perfect for one-bite appetizers. Brown them in a large skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, turning to cook evenly on all sides.

3. While meatballs cook, whisk together apple jelly, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

4. Pour the apple-mustard sauce over the browned meatballs and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring gently to coat them evenly as the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

5. Transfer to a serving dish and provide toothpicks for easy grabbing. The sweet-tangy glaze makes these irresistible at parties and they stay warm in a slow cooker if needed.

10. Curry-Spiced Turkey Meatballs

Madras curry powder brings warm spices to these Mediterranean-inspired meatballs. They’re perfect served with hummus, pita bread, and fresh salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey, 2 teaspoons madras curry powder, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon turmeric, 2 cloves garlic minced, salt to taste, olive oil for cooking.

How To Make Curry-Spiced Turkey Meatballs

1. Toast curry powder, cumin, and turmeric in a dry skillet for 30 seconds until fragrant, which intensifies their flavors. Let the spices cool completely before mixing with other ingredients.

2. Combine ground turkey, toasted spices, breadcrumbs, egg, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and salt in a large bowl. The yogurt adds moisture and helps bind the mixture together beautifully.

3. Form into 18 meatballs and heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 8-10 minutes total, developing a golden crust.

4. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and register 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.

11. Simple Baked Turkey Meatballs

Fresh spinach and lean turkey create these healthy baked meatballs. With just a handful of ingredients, they’re perfect for meal prep and weeknight dinners when you want something nutritious.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey, 2 cups fresh spinach chopped, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves garlic minced, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, salt and pepper to taste, cooking spray.

How To Make Simple Baked Turkey Meatballs

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Chop fresh spinach finely so it distributes evenly throughout the meatballs without creating large green chunks.

2. Mix ground turkey, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until just combined. Don’t overmix to keep the meatballs tender.

3. Roll into 20 evenly-sized meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet with space between each one for proper air circulation and even browning.

4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F internal temperature. The spinach will wilt during cooking and add beautiful color and nutrition to each bite.

Final Thoughts

These turkey meatball recipes prove that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. From cheese-stuffed indulgences to veggie-packed options, there’s something here for every taste preference and dietary need.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a party, these versatile recipes will become your go-to solutions for delicious, protein-rich meals.