Flavorful Oven Baked Turkey Zucchini Meatballs Recipe

Meatballs are a beloved dish around the world due to their versatility and comfort factor. Whether served with pasta, on a sandwich, or as an appetizer, meatballs are incredibly easy to make and can be tailored to suit different tastes. Oven Baked Turkey Zucchini Meatballs are a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs made with ground beef, as they feature lean turkey meat combined with the nutritional benefits of zucchini.

Why You’ll Love These Oven Baked Turkey Zucchini Meatballs:

• Healthy and Lean: Made with lean ground turkey, these meatballs are a great source of protein without the added fat of beef or pork.
• Packed with Vegetables: The zucchini adds moisture, nutrients, and fiber to the meatballs, making them an ideal way to incorporate vegetables into your meals.
• Easy to Make: These meatballs are simple to prepare and bake in the oven, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
• Great for Meal Prep: These meatballs store well in the fridge and freeze easily, making them perfect for meal prep or preparing large batches for future meals.
• Versatile: Serve these meatballs with pasta, as a sub sandwich filling, in a salad, or with your favorite dipping sauce.

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

1. Grate the zucchini: Use a box grater or a food processor to grate the zucchini. You’ll need about 1 cup of grated zucchini.

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2. Remove excess moisture: Zucchini has a high water content, so it’s important to remove the excess moisture before mixing it with the meat. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel, and squeeze to remove as much water as possible. This step will ensure your meatballs aren’t soggy.

   • Tip: If you have time, you can also sprinkle the grated zucchini with a little salt and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out more moisture before squeezing.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

1. Combine all ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Crack the egg into the bowl and mix everything together until fully combined.

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   • Tip: Use your hands to mix the ingredients together for the best results. Be gentle, as over-mixing can lead to tough meatballs.

2. Test the mixture: Take a small portion of the mixture and form it into a small ball (about 1 inch in diameter). Cook it in a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes to check for seasoning. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed before shaping the rest of the meatballs.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

1. Form the meatballs: Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, take portions of the meatball mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. You should get about 18-20 meatballs from this recipe, depending on the size.

   • Tip: For uniform meatballs, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to measure out each portion.

2. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. Place the meatballs on the sheet, spacing them about 1-2 inches apart to ensure even cooking. If you want crispier meatballs, lightly brush them with olive oil.

Step 4: Bake the Meatballs

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for baking meatballs, allowing them to cook through while getting a nice golden brown color on the outside.

2. Bake the meatballs: Place the baking sheet with the meatballs in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through. You can check the doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of a meatball; the internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C).

   • Tip: To get a little extra crispness, broil the meatballs for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.

Step 5: Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Optional)

1. Heat the marinara sauce: While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare a simple dipping sauce by heating the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in a teaspoon of olive oil and some fresh basil for added richness and flavor.

2. Serve with meatballs: Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and serve them with the warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve the meatballs: Transfer the baked turkey zucchini meatballs to a serving platter and garnish with additional fresh parsley or basil if desired. They can be served as a main dish with pasta, over a salad, or in a sub sandwich.

2. Meal Prep or Storage: These meatballs store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for later use. To freeze, place the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Then transfer the frozen meatballs to a ziplock bag or airtight container for long-term storage. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Tips for Perfect Oven Baked Turkey Zucchini Meatballs

1. Don’t Overmix: When mixing the meatball ingredients, avoid overworking the mixture. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough meatballs. Gently mix everything until just combined.

2. Adjust the Moisture: If your mixture feels too wet, you can add a little more breadcrumbs to help bind the ingredients together. If it’s too dry, add a little milk or more grated zucchini.

3. Use Lean Ground Turkey: Opt for 93% lean or leaner ground turkey for this recipe. It provides a good balance of moisture and protein without excess fat. If you want extra flavor, you can also use turkey thigh meat, though it’s slightly higher in fat.

4. Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the meatball mixture, such as finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or even grated carrots. These will add more nutrients and flavors to the meatballs.

5. Customize the Seasonings: Experiment with different herbs and spices to tailor the flavor to your preferences. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of cumin can add unique flavor profiles to the meatballs.

6. Serve with Whole Grains: These turkey zucchini meatballs go perfectly with whole grains such as quinoa, farro, or brown rice, which add fiber and make for a more filling meal.

7. Make it Gluten-Free: To make these meatballs gluten-free, simply swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or use ground almonds as a binder.

8. Freezing Meatballs: For meal prep, you can freeze uncooked meatballs. Once shaped, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. You can bake them directly from frozen when ready to cook, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

These Flavorful Oven Baked Turkey Zucchini Meatballs are a healthy, delicious, and versatile dish that will make mealtime easier and more enjoyable. With lean turkey, nutrient-packed zucchini, and flavorful herbs and spices, these meatballs are perfect for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing taste. Whether you make them for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a party appetizer, these meatballs are sure to be a hit. Try them with your favorite sides or dipping sauces, and enjoy a tasty, wholesome meal!

Yield: 20

Flavorful Oven Baked Turkey Zucchini Meatballs Recipe

Print

Meatballs are a beloved dish around the world due to their versatility and comfort factor. Whether served with pasta, on a sandwich, or as an appetizer, meatballs are incredibly easy to make and can be tailored to suit different tastes. Oven Baked Turkey Zucchini Meatballs are a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs made with ground beef, as they feature lean turkey meat combined with the nutritional benefits of zucchini.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey (preferably lean)
• 1 medium zucchini, grated (about 1 cup)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
• Optional: Marinara sauce, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
2. Prepare Zucchini: Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out the excess moisture. This step is crucial to prevent soggy meatballs.
3. Make Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, grated zucchini, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the meatballs may become tough.
4. Form Meatballs: Scoop out about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll it into a ball with your hands. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1-2 inches apart. You should get around 18-20 meatballs.
5. Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
6. Serve: Once baked, let the meatballs cool for a few minutes. Serve them with marinara sauce for dipping, over pasta, or as part of a healthy bowl with veggies and quinoa.

Notes

• Ground Turkey Options: You can use ground chicken or lean beef in place of turkey if preferred.
• Moisture in Zucchini: Be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the zucchini, as excess moisture can cause the meatballs to fall apart.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour in place of regular breadcrumbs to make these meatballs gluten-free.
• Flavor Boost: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little spice, or experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.