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

Olio e Più Opens New East Village Location

A longtime Greenwich Village favorite is bringing its Italian charm to the East Village.

The Shift of Fine Dining on Lake Garda: Two Takes from Two Shores

What happens when fine dining stops trying so hard? Two Lake Garda chefs offer a glimpse into the future of luxury hospitality.

June 10, 2026

Regional Italian: Back to Sicily with Victoria Granof

Behind a simple cookie made with wine and wild fennel lies a story of migration, memory, and one woman's lifelong search for Sicily.

June 10, 2026

Biscotti al Vino by Victoria Granof

This classic Sicilian cookie transforms a handful of pantry staples into a lightly sweet biscuit traditionally enjoyed with a glass of red wine.

June 9, 2026

Elia Pellegrini on the Future of Aia Vecchia in Tuscany

A fourth-generation family member reflects on soccer, succession, and the first new wine releases from Aia Vecchia in more than 20 years.

June 9, 2026

Pici, Passion, and the Power of Reinvention in Florence

A spontaneous lunch invitation in Florence led to handmade pici, new friendships, and a reminder that life's biggest transformations often begin around the table.

June 9, 2026
See all posts