Juicy oven-baked turkey meatballs made with lean turkey, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley, ready in 30 minutes — high-protein, freezer-friendly, and perfect for meal prep.
This recipe has quickly become a family favorite. It has been tried and tested and on our menu at least twice a month for the past 10 years.
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Jump to:
- Meal Prep with Baked Turkey Meatballs
- ⭐️ READER REVIEWS
- Why You'll Love These Baked Turkey Meatballs
- Healthy Meal Prep Ideas:
- My Healthy Meal Prep Baked Turkey Meatball recipe:
- How to Store
- How to Reheat
- Can You Freeze Turkey Meatballs?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- ⭐ Reader Review
- Healthy Meal Prep Baked Turkey Meatballs
- Looking for more amazing easy-baked meatball recipes?
Meal Prep with Baked Turkey Meatballs
I'm just becoming a junior meal prepper, and meatballs are one of my favorite ways to eat protein. I love that you can pack in so much yummy flavor… Plus, they’re so cute with their little bite-sized selves.
You can adjust them to whatever your diet preferences are: gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, low-carb… the possibilities are endless. They are super versatile in the never-ending quest for healthy lunches, dinners and snacks.
You could use ground turkey, chicken, pork, beef lamb, or a combination of them… whatever suits your needs or desires.
I have a bunch of amazing baked meatball recipes on the blog already… buffalo chicken meatballs, Vegan meatballs, Italian meatballs - so many flavor bombs to choose from. After you try this recipe you should check those out!
⭐️ READER REVIEWS
Readers Love These Baked Turkey Meatballs
⭐️ Rita: “This is an awesome recipe that I have made several times and will continue. They freeze well and make a great dinner entrée. A nice healthy, lean, tasty, low-carb piece of protein that is extremely versatile.”
⭐️ Jen: “These are SO good! I made them in the morning for dinner later that night, but everyone ended up snacking on them during the day and they never even made it into the pasta!”
There are clearly some great testimonials on these amazing baked turkey meatballs. Let's recap why they're so popular...
Why You'll Love These Baked Turkey Meatballs
- They’re so versatile - perfect for soups, chilis, salads, energy bowls, pasta, pitas, subs… the list goes on and on. You could even serve them as appetizers with a tasty marinara or a cheese sauce. Mmmm.
- These little guys are really delicious and pure comfort food – It’s hard to stop eating them. They are super moist and tender.
- These turkey meatballs are quite healthy - their gluten-free, low-carb, low-calorie, and low-fat becasue we're using low-fat ground turkey. Plus, they're baked not fried.
- They're quick and easy - they bake in the oven for just 15 minutes. Whaaa!?? Crazy talk – right!??
- And since the recipe makes 45 they're excellent for meal prepping.
- These turkey meatballs are freezer-friendly and reheat beautifully. You can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. They can be the base for so many delicious healthy freezer meals!
As mentioned these meatballs are a great way to meal prep dinner or lunches for the week. Here's some meal prep ideas to get you started...
Healthy Meal Prep Ideas:
- They’re delicious over veggie noodles or with pasta and red sauce.
- They make a great sub sandwich - just add your favorite veggies and sauce, and voila! Subway on a whole ‘natha level.
- Add them to your favorite chili instead of ground meat.
- Stir them into some hot broth with veggies and spices for a delicious hearty soup.
- Swap them out for the protein in your favorite energy bowl or salad creation.
- Serve your meatballs with a creamy Penne Alla Vodka, or swap your favorite alfredo sauce.
- Cook up your favorite dried pasta, or for a low-carb option, add your meatballs to zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a tasty low-carb meal.
- Serve these meatballs over creamy polenta for a rustic, hearty dinner.
- They are a stealthy healthy game day appetizer. Make your favorite sauce place the meatballs on a plate with toothpicks and enjoy as an appetizer. I recommend these sauces for big flavor... tomato cream sauce, french onion sauce, and salisbury steak meatballs.
This turkey meatball recipe is definitely winning all the way around!
Let’s talk about how to make them, shall we?
My Healthy Meal Prep Baked Turkey Meatball recipe:
First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Next, add all of your ingredients to a large mixing bowl and stir until everything is mixed together well.
Pro Tip! This recipe calls for turkey meat that is 93% lean. I do not recommend using anything leaner for this recipe, or your meatballs may be dry.
Using a 1½ inch scoop, roll 45 meatballs onto 2 parchment-lined baking sheet pans
Bake for 15- 20 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees when placed in the center of a meatball..
Now they're ready to eat! It's up to you to decide what you’ll do with these baked turkey meatballs...
Whatever it is I’m certain it will be delicious!
How to Store
Store cooked turkey meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How to Reheat
- Microwave: Heat in 30‑second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or sauce.
- Oven: Warm at 350°F until heated through. About 10-12 minutes.
Can You Freeze Turkey Meatballs?
Yes! These meatballs freeze exceptionally well. Allow them to cool completely. Then freeze fully cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, transfer them to a freezer bag. They’re best when used within 2-3 months.
You can also freeze the meatballs before they are cooked. Place the formed meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze and transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months.
For meal prepping lunches for the week use some PBA free Tupperware containers or order some of these glass or plastic meal prep containers from our friends over at Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep turkey meatballs from drying out?
Don’t overmix, and avoid overbaking.
How do I keep turkey meatballs from falling apart?
Use two eggs and almond meal/flour (breadcrumbs) as binders, and avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Chilling the mixture for 10 minutes before scooping and rolling can also help them hold their shape.
Is it better to cook meatballs on the stove or in the oven?
Baking meatballs in the oven is easier, healthier, and more consistent for meal prep, while stovetop cooking adds browning but requires more hands-on time.
Are baked turkey meatballs healthy?
Yes! They’re high‑protein, lower in fat than beef meatballs, and baked instead of fried.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely—make them up to 4 days in advance or freeze them for later.
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works well with the same cooking time.
These healthy meal prep baked turkey meatballs are proof that nutritious food can still be flavorful, satisfying, and easy. Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week or stocking your freezer with healthy staples, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
I’d love to know what creative meal prep ideas you come up with for these turkey meatballs… let me know!
⭐ Reader Review
“These turkey meatballs are hands down the best I’ve ever made for meal prep. They stay moist all week and freeze perfectly. This recipe is on repeat in my house!” — Jessica
Healthy Meal Prep Baked Turkey Meatballs
These Healthy Meal Prep Baked Turkey Meatballs are going to be an amazing addition to your healthy eating rotation! Loaded with protein and super-lean, this big batch meatball recipe can feed the family for days.
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond meal (or bread crumbs if preferred)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons salt and pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ⅔ cup finely chopped parsley
- 8 large size garlic cloves, minced
- 2 pounds 93% lean ground turkey (I do not recommend using anything leaner for this recipe, or your meatballs may be dry!)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- To make the meatballs, add the almond flour, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to a large mixing bowl and stir together.
- Beat the eggs and stir them into the bowl.
- Stir in your parsley, onion and garlic.
- Now add your turkey and mix together just enough to get everything evenly distributed.
- Use a 1 ½-inch scoop to scoop the meatballs (be sure the meat mixture is firmly pressed into the scoop). Place them evenly spaced on a parchment lined sheet pan. (You can also spray some cooking spray on your hands and roll them if you prefer. It takes a little longer so I don't bother.)
- Bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes. Serve warm as part of your entree.
- To freeze, allow the meatballs to cool completely. Then freeze in one large freezer bag or divide into portions in smaller freezer bags.
Notes
This recipe calls for 93% lean ground turkey meat. I have tested this recipe many times and found that turkey leaner than 93% will produce dry meatballs! So be sure to use ground turkey that is 93% lean or less.
If you're unable to find it in the store, you can easily make your own almond meal
Nutrition Information
Yield
45Serving Size
1 MeatballAmount Per Serving Calories 46Total Fat 2gSaturated Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 19mgSodium 134mgCarbohydrates 1gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 6g
Rita
This is an awesome recipe that I have made several times and will continue. They freeze well! Makes a great dinner entree. A nice healthy, lean, tasty, low carb piece of protein. Extremely versatile!
Holly Sander
Yes - Rita! That is exactly how I feel about these meatballs. Thanks so much for your kind words - I am grateful! PS: If you like spinach and feta cheese check out my Spinach Feta Chicken Meatball recipe.
Melissa
What would the measurements be for 1lb turkey? Cut everything in half?
Holly Sander
Hi Melissa! You are correct - for 1lb of turkey cut everything in half.
Alexandra
Can you substitute the turkey with ground chicken?
Holly Sander
Hi Alexandra! Yes - sometimes ground chicken seems more moist or softer than ground turkey. If they aren't staying together when you form them add a little more almond meal/almond flour.