Lemon Herb Turkey Meatballs Recipe
These Lemon Herb Meatballs are a vibrant, flavorful dish made with ground turkey, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon. Baked to perfection, they offer a healthy and delicious protein option that pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or greens. A light basil vinaigrette and Parmesan cheese complete this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground turkey (or ground chicken)
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 shallot, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped basil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
To Serve
- Rice or quinoa
- Arugula or mixed greens
- Basil vinaigrette
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Mix the meatball ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced shallot, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped basil, lemon zest, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the meatballs. Using your hands or a spoon, scoop about two tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a smooth ball. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to ensure even cooking.
- Bake the meatballs. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning. The meatballs should be cooked through with no pink inside.
- Prepare to serve. Serve the warm meatballs over cooked rice or quinoa, alongside a handful of arugula or greens. Drizzle with basil vinaigrette and sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese for an added burst of flavor.
- Optional serving suggestions. These meatballs also pair excellently with pasta, stuffed pita bread, roasted potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a comforting and versatile meal.
Notes
- Ground turkey can be substituted with ground chicken if preferred.
- Be careful not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- If you like a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes slightly.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor impact, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch (reduce quantity by half).
- Meatballs can be made ahead and frozen before baking; bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/lemon-herb-turkey-meatballs-recipe/
