Loaded Veggie Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
Loaded Veggie Turkey Meatballs are a delicious and healthy twist on classic meatballs, packed with nutritious vegetables for added flavor and texture. They make a perfect meal or appetizer that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small zucchini, grated
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, grated zucchini, grated carrot, chopped onion, egg, and breadcrumbs. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Step 2: Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Step 3: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and no longer pink inside.
Tips & Variations
- For extra moisture, add a tablespoon of olive oil or finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the mix.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you want a gluten-free version.
- Serve with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
Storage
Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave until heated through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs by placing them on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Finely grated or chopped vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms can be added to boost nutrition and flavor.
PrintLoaded Veggie Turkey Meatballs Recipe
These Loaded Veggie Turkey Meatballs are a delicious and nutritious twist on classic meatballs, packed with ground turkey and finely chopped vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and onion. Perfectly seasoned and baked to perfection, they make a healthy and satisfying meal option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 18 meatballs 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup finely grated zucchini (about 1 small zucchini)
- 1/2 cup finely grated carrots (about 1 medium carrot)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and finely grate the zucchini and carrots. Finely chop the onion to ensure it mixes well with the meat.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, grated zucchini, grated carrots, chopped onion, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Mix everything thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Form meatballs: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into uniform meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish.
- Bake until cooked through: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the meatballs are cooked through and slightly golden on the outside.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. These meatballs pair great with pasta, salad, or as a protein-rich snack.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- You can add your favorite herbs such as parsley, basil, or oregano to enhance the flavor.
- Make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- Feel free to use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked meatballs.
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Keywords: turkey meatballs, vegetable meatballs, healthy meatballs, baked meatballs, low fat meatballs, ground turkey recipe, zucchini meatballs, carrot meatballs
