Skip to Content
Recipes

Why You Should Use Turkey to Make Meatballs

Our Low Country Bella shares her recipe for Turkey Meatballs and why she will never go back to the traditional blend of meats.

A Turkey Meatball from Low Country Bella.

A Turkey Meatball from Low Country Bella.

Years ago, for some reason, I decided to make meatballs out of ground turkey instead of ground beef, veal, and pork. Why? I don't know, I was probably on some health kick. Wow. Am I so glad I did.

These are so much lighter than a traditional meatball, and yes, they are healthier, but the overall flavor in my mind is just better. This is probably because the aromatics aren't overwhelmed by the traditional, heavier meats, so the flavor profile in each bite is increased.

My family loves these turkey meatballs, too, so this is the only way I make them now. I hope you give them a try!

Turkey Meatballs

Turkey Meatballs

Recipe by Low Country Bella
0.0 from 0 votes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. 1 ground turkey (preferably not all white meat)

  • 1 1 egg

  • 1 cup 1 seasoned Panko bread crumbs

  • 4 4 garlic cloves

  • 1 handful 1 parsley

  • 1 1/4inch slice 1 red onion

  • 1 Tbsp. 1 olive oil

  • 1 splash 1 red wine

  • 1 Tsp. 1 each of salt & pepper

  • cooking spray

Directions

  • Heat oven to 375.  
  • Line two baking sheets with foil.
  • Finely chop the garlic, onion and parsley and put in a large bowl.  
  • Add the egg, olive oil, salt and pepper.  
  • Mix with a spoon, then add the bread crumbs.  
  • Mix until combined then add the ground turkey.  
  • Using your hands knead everything until fully mixed.  
  • Spray the cooking oil on your hands.   
  • Make golf ball size meatballs, placing each on the foil-lined sheets.  
  • Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through baking. 
  • Remove and simmer with your favorite sauce to finish. 

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @appetitomagazine on Instagram and hashtag it with #italianfoodanddrink

Like this recipe?

Follow @Appetitomagazine on Pinterest

Follow us on Facebook!

Follow us on Facebook

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Appetito

How Illy Espresso Became the Secret Behind the Classic Espresso Martini

From its origins in 1980s London to today’s cocktail menus around the world, the espresso martini owes much of its success to the quality of the espresso at its core.

March 13, 2026

Appetito Travels: Finding a Little Italy in Newport Beach, California

A sun filled coastal escape blends beach walks, a Mediterranean resort and Italian flavors in Newport Beach and Laguna Beach.

March 12, 2026

Vinny DelGiudice’s Crispy Pork Chop Milanese with Spring Salad

Golden, crispy pork chops meet a bright spring salad in this simple Milanese recipe from Vinny DelGiudice that proves classic Italian cooking doesn’t need to be complicated.

March 12, 2026

Creamy Seafood Carbonara with Prawns and Calamari

Chef Paul Watters shares a creamy seafood carbonara made with prawns, calamari, Parmesan and fresh herbs tossed with silky pasta.

March 11, 2026

Emilia D’Albero Wins Best Cheesemonger at Mondial du Fromage

Emilia D’Albero talks about serving Stilton-infused mascarpone whipped cream in her great-grandmother’s espresso cups, a perfect day off, and why you should make friends with your local cheesemonger.

March 11, 2026

Nino Coniglio on Lucky Charlie and Coal Oven Pizza in Bushwick

The Williamsburg Pizza founder shares the philosophy behind his restaurants, from Italian American tradition to late-night dining in Bushwick.

March 10, 2026
See all posts