Turkey Meatball Recipe (with Pesto!)
User Reviews
5
Turkey Meatball Recipe (with Pesto!)
Description
Turkey Meatball Recipe (with Pesto!) uses 2 pounds of ground turkey breast mixed with bread crumbs, pesto, Parmesan cheese, lightly beaten eggs, minced garlic, salt, and cracked black pepper to create the mixture. The ingredients are handled gently and just combined before shaping into uniformly sized balls using a small cookie scoop to ensure even cooking. The meatballs bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, confirming doneness. Baking allows the turkey meatballs to cook through without excess moisture loss or toughness.
The pesto incorporated into the meatballs gives a fresh, herbaceous flavor, adding complexity beyond plain turkey meatballs. Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor and helps bind the mixture along with the breadcrumbs and eggs. The garlic adds a subtle savory note. Careful mixing and portioning prevent rubbery or falling-apart meatballs.
These meatballs are designed to be served tossed in your preferred tomato-based pasta sauce alongside your favorite pasta shape. Additional Parmesan sprinkled on top complements the dish.
Achieving consistent size and texture is key. Using a cookie scoop facilitates even cooking, and a test meatball helps verify the binder ratio before cooking the entire batch.
Ingredients
- 2 pound ground turkey breast
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper cracked
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 2 egg lightly beaten, large
- 1 clove garlic minced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl, and mix gently until just combined.
- Roll mixture into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake the meatballs at 375 degrees F for about 20-25 minutes.
- Test the center with a thermometer, and ensure they are cooked (should be 165 degrees F)
- Add to your favorite tomato based pasta sauce, and your favorite shaped pasta and top with a little extra parmesan.
- Devour.
Notes
- Use a small cookie scoop to form meatballs of uniform size for consistent cooking.
- Mix ingredients gently and just until combined to avoid rubbery meatballs.
- Cook a test meatball first to ensure the binder (egg and breadcrumbs) is adequate to prevent falling apart.
- Check internal temperature of meatballs; they should reach 165 degrees F to ensure doneness.
- Add extra garlic or onion powder if you prefer stronger flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 36meatballs
Amount Per Serving
Calories 61 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 61kcal | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 2g | 3% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 24mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 118mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 84mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 95IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 0.1mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 24mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.4mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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