These Healthy Turkey Zucchini Meatballs are a tasty twist on a classic! Made with lean turkey and packed with shredded zucchini, they’re juicy and full of flavor.
They’re perfect for a quick dinner and make great leftovers, too! I love them with spaghetti or just on their own. You won’t even miss the extra calories! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: Lean ground turkey is the star here, providing protein without too much fat. If you prefer a different meat, ground chicken or even beef can work well. Just keep in mind that turkey is a bit milder in flavor!
Zucchini: Zucchini adds moistness and helps the meatballs stay tender. If you don’t have zucchini, grated carrots or finely chopped spinach could be great substitutes. They also boost the nutrition factor!
Breadcrumbs: I like whole wheat for a healthier option, but if you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also pulse oats in a blender for a quick alternative.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice flavor. If you’re keeping it dairy-free, nutritional yeast is a tasty substitute that gives a cheesy vibe.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds brightness to the meatballs. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried parsley works, but use about a third of the amount since it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Make Sure My Meatballs are Tender and Juicy?
Keeping meatballs tender is all about mixing and baking them right. Here are important steps to follow to ensure they come out perfect:
- Mixing: Mix the ingredients gently until just combined. Overmixing makes them tough.
- Squeeze the Zucchini: After grating, squeeze out as much moisture from the zucchini as you can. This helps avoid soggy meatballs.
- Shape Evenly: Form equal-sized meatballs (about 1 1/2 inches) so they cook evenly.
- Brush with Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil helps keep the meatballs from drying out as they bake.
- Check doneness: Bake until they’re golden and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll serve up meatballs that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking!
Healthy Turkey Zucchini Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground turkey (lean)
- 1 medium zucchini, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or gluten-free if preferred)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- Marinara sauce (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes of cooking time, so you can enjoy a delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes! Perfect for a busy evening dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, add the ground turkey, grated zucchini (make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Combine all the ingredients gently using your hands or a spoon. Be careful not to overmix; this helps keep the meatballs tender.
3. Form the Meatballs:
Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs. Arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each meatball for cooking.
4. Add Olive Oil:
Lightly brush or drizzle a little olive oil over the meatballs. This little step helps them stay moist while they bake.
5. Bake Them Up:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned. Always check that they are fully cooked by making sure their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Optional Saucy Finish:
If you like a saucy meatball, you can simmer the baked meatballs in warmed marinara sauce for about 5 minutes. It adds delicious flavor!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your meatballs hot with a side of spaghetti, zucchini noodles, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your healthy and delicious turkey zucchini meatballs!
FAQ for Healthy Turkey Zucchini Meatballs
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute for ground turkey and will provide a similar flavor and texture. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary slightly based on the fat content.
How Do I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or warm them on the stove until heated through.
Can I Freeze These Meatballs?
Yes! These meatballs freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Mixture?
Definitely! Finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach would be excellent additions for extra nutrition and flavor. Just remember to squeeze out any excess moisture to keep the mixture from becoming too wet.
