These Homemade Turkey Meatballs are healthy, tender, and flavorful. They’re incredibly easy to make and the combination of fresh and dried herbs gives them a ton of a flavor.
Turkey meatballs are a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional beef meatballs. They have a milder flavor that makes them appealing for kids and adults alike. When baking turkey meatballs, using an oven temperature of 350°F is ideal to cook the meatballs evenly without drying them out. But how long should you bake turkey meatballs at 350°F to ensure they turn out perfectly?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide details on recommended bake times for turkey meatballs at 350°F based on meatball size We’ll also share tips for ensuring your turkey meatballs turn out tender and juicy, as well as how to tell when they are done Read on for everything you need to know about getting the best results when baking turkey meatballs at 350°F.
Recommended Bake Times for Turkey Meatballs at 350°F
The baking time needed for turkey meatballs depends on their size. Smaller meatballs will cook faster than larger ones. Here are general guidelines for how long to bake turkey meatballs at 350°F based on their size:
- 1-inch diameter meatballs: Bake for 15-20 minutes
- 1.5-inch diameter meatballs: Bake for 20-25 minutes
- 2-inch diameter meatballs: Bake for 25-30 minutes
These times are just estimates. Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F, which is the safe minimum temperature for cooked ground turkey.
If you are new to making turkey meatballs, start by making 1-inch or 1.5-inch meatballs which will require less bake time. As you get the hang of forming meatballs evenly, you can try larger 2-inch meatballs.
Tips for Perfectly Baked Turkey Meatballs
Follow these tips for turkey meatballs that turn out tender and juicy:
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Don’t overmix the meatball mixture: Overmixing can make the meatballs dense and tough. Gently mix just until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Make evenly sized meatballs: This promotes even cooking. Aim for similar sizes as you roll the meatballs. Using a cookie scoop can help portion the meat evenly.
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Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to check for doneness. Insert it into the center of a meatball to check the internal temp.
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Don’t crowd the baking sheet: Overcrowding can cause meatballs to steam instead of bake properly. Leave at least 1-inch between meatballs. Use multiple sheets if needed.
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Let meatballs rest before serving: This allows juices to redistribute for max tenderness. Rest for 5-10 minutes after baking.
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Store leftovers properly: Let cool completely before storing meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
How to Tell When Turkey Meatballs Are Done
Relying on visual cues alone doesn’t guarantee turkey meatballs are cooked through. Use these methods to confirm they are fully cooked:
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Use a meat thermometer: Insert it into the center of a meatball. It should read 165°F.
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Check for firmness: Meatballs should feel firm throughout when gently pressed.
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Cut to inspect: Slice a meatball in half. It should not have any pink coloration inside.
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Track bake time: Refer to the size-based baking times provided earlier. But always verify with a thermometer before removing from oven.
If undercooked, return meatballs to the oven for 5-10 more minutes until thermometer shows 165°F or use other doneness tests to confirm.
Let’s Bake Turkey Meatballs Step-by-Step
Ready to bake up a batch of savory turkey meatballs? Follow these simple steps:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1⁄4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried Italian herb blend
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1⁄4 tsp black pepper
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
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In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Gently mix just until incorporated.
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Form mixture into 1-1.5 inch balls. Place on prepared baking sheet spaced 1-inch apart.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes until thermometer inserted in center of meatball reads 165°F.
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Let meatballs rest 5 minutes before serving with your favorite sauce and pasta or on subs.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in fridge up to 4 days.
And that’s it! With these simple instructions, you’ll pull tender, flavorful turkey meatballs from the oven every time.
Serving Suggestions for Turkey Meatballs
Baked turkey meatballs are so versatile. Here are some tasty ways to serve them:
- Over pasta with marinara or pesto sauce
- In subs or meatball sandwiches
- In soups or stews
- On top of salads or veggie bowls
- As an appetizer with a dipping sauce
- Added to kabobs or skewers
Get creative with the seasonings and sauces you pair them with!
Common Questions about Baking Turkey Meatballs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking turkey meatballs in the oven:
What oven temperature should I use?
350°F is ideal, producing evenly baked meatballs without drying them out. You can also use 325°F for slightly longer or 375°F for quicker cooking.
Can I bake turkey meatballs without breadcrumbs?
Yes, but the breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs. If omitting them, replace with quick oats or panko crumbs.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover baked meatballs?
Microwave, oven, or sauté in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, 5-10 minutes. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Can I freeze cooked turkey meatballs?
Absolutely! Let cool completely then transfer to freezer bags or containers. Frozen meatballs keep 3-4 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.
What if my meatballs aren’t brown enough?
No worries if they don’t brown much. Focus on ensuring they reach a safe internal temperature. But you can broil for 2-3 minutes to brown tops if desired.
Get the Perfect Texture with Proper Bake Times
Baking turkey meatballs at 350°F ensures you achieve the right internal temperature for safety and ideal texture. Follow the size-based guidelines provided to determine the proper bake time. But always use a meat thermometer to verify doneness for tender, juicy results.
With the tips and instructions in this guide, you can look forward to incredible turkey meatballs any night of the week. Get the whole family involved shaping the meatballs for added fun. Then serve them up for a nutritious, budget-friendly meal. Enjoy your tasty turkey meatballs!
Turkey Meatballs Baked Tips & FAQs
Be sure not to overcook the turkey meatballs. They’ll end up dry.
If you can, don’t leave out the onions. The onions help add moisture to the fat-free ground turkey.
When making 2 tablespoon size balls, turkey meatballs need to bake for 20-23 minutes at 350°F.
Turkey is high in protein and contains Vitamin B and selenium. It’s an excellent source of lean protein.
By having the right wet to dry ratio, the meatballs will hold together. It’s important to have the right ratio so it adheres without being too dry or too wet.
How to store Turkey Meatballs
Turkey meatballs need to be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator and 6 months in the freezer.