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Delicious cheesy baked turkey meatballs in a serving dish, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Easy Cheesy Baked Turkey Meatballs

Delicious and comforting turkey meatballs enriched with garlic, fresh herbs, and cheese, perfect for quick family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatball Base
  • 2 lbs Ground turkey A lean protein that keeps the meatballs moist; ground chicken can also work.
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh basil, chopped Adds a layer of freshness; dried basil will suffice but use less.
  • 2 Eggs Eggs Binds the mixture; a flax egg can serve as a good vegan alternative.
  • 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs Helps hold meatballs together; gluten-free options work beautifully.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Offers a savory kick; nutritional yeast can substitute for a dairy-free version.
Flavoring Ingredients
  • 1 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil Used for sautéing shallots, adding depth of flavor; avocado oil makes for a great alternative.
  • 3 cloves Fresh garlic, chopped or minced For aromatic richness; jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch.
  • 2 chopped Shallots Adds a mild sweetness; regular onions can substitute.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped Brightens the dish; dried parsley can work but lacks vibrancy.
  • 1 tsp Fresh ground pepper Adds subtle heat; regular pepper is also fine.
  • 1 tsp Sea salt Enhances all other flavors; kosher salt is another option.
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano A classic seasoning for meatballs; dried Italian herbs mix can be used instead.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the chopped shallots, cooking until slightly soft (about 5 minutes). Add garlic during the last minute and toss before removing from heat.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients while the shallots and garlic cool off slightly.
  4. Once cooled, gently mix in the shallots and garlic. Use a spatula initially to avoid overmixing, which can cause tough meatballs.
  5. Form meatballs with your hands using a large tablespoon to help, rolling them quickly.
  6. Space them evenly on the baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t touching but are close enough.
Baking
  1. Bake for 23-25 minutes, until cooked through. Remove from the oven and toss in your favorite sauce or add to your desired dish.

Notes

Avoid overmixing the meat to prevent dense meatballs. Letting the shallots cool slightly is crucial for the meat mixture's consistency. Consider adding crushed red pepper for extra heat and doubling the batch to freeze for quick meals later.