Pesto Baked Turkey Meatballs
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
504 kcal
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Course
Dinner
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Cuisine
Italian-American Fussion
Pesto Baked Turkey Meatballs
Description
The Pesto Baked Turkey Meatballs recipe brings together lean ground turkey seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried basil, mingled with an egg to bind the mixture. Half of the pesto is spread in the baking dish before shaping and arranging the meatballs. Baking at 400°F ensures the turkey cooks evenly while the pesto infuses flavor. After 25 minutes, shredded mozzarella is added on top, melting into a creamy finish during the last 5 minutes of baking. The result is tender meatballs coated in herbaceous, garlicky pesto with a mild cheesy crust.
The meatballs’ moderate size and baking method help maintain moisture while providing a light herb flavor from the pesto and basil. The melted mozzarella adds richness without overpowering the turkey, complementing the natural mild taste of the meat and seasonings.
Serve these meatballs hot with noodles tossed in extra pesto or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. The pesto sauce around the meatballs adds a saucy element that pairs well with pasta or bread for a satisfying texture contrast.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb ground turkey
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp basil dried
- 1 cup pesto
- 2/3 cup mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F
- In a large mixing bowl combine ground turkey, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried basil
- Use your hands to combine this mixture thoroughly
- Take 1/4 cup of the pesto and spread a thin layer along the bottom of a 10x10 square baking dish
- Form 16 meatball by taking 2 tbsp of the turkey meatball mixture for each meatball
- Arrange the 16 meatballs in the baking dish
- Pour the remaining 3/4 cup of pesto over the meatballs ensuring each one is covered
- Bake in the oven for 25 minutes
- Then remove from the oven, add the mozzarella cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese melts
- Allow to cool slightly and serve with noodles or veggies!
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 504 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 4g | |
| Calories | 504kcal | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Protein | 49g | 98% |
| Fat | 31g | 48% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0.03g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 154mg | 51% |
| Sodium | 1381mg | 58% |
| Potassium | 542mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 1480IU | 30% |
| Vitamin C | 0.01mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 210mg | 21% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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