Turkey Ricotta Herb Meatballs

Published:  08/26/2018

These meatballs are tender and full of flavor and are made without breadcrumbs.  Serve them with a red sauce, a barbecue sauce, toss into soups or as a protein addition to a bowl.

Dive into Comfort with Healthy High Protein Turkey Ricotta Meatballs!

Calling all comfort food lovers and health-conscious cooks! Are you ready to ditch the greasy meatballs and embrace a delicious, guilt-free alternative? Look no further than these incredible Turkey Ricotta Meatballs. Packed with juicy, lean ground turkey and creamy ricotta cheese, these bite-sized gems are bursting with flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. But the secret ingredient? Hidden veggies! We've snuck in some creamy ricotta and herbs for added moisture, nutrients, and a flavor that elevates the whole dish.

This recipe isn't just about deliciousness, it's about making healthy choices that satisfy. Forget about feeling weighed down after a hearty meal – these turkey meatballs are perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even a fancy appetizer. And they freeze well!

So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience a healthy twist on a classic comfort food favorite!

Turkey Ricotta Meatball Recipe

This makes 20 meatballs. A good serving size is 3 meatballs. 

  • 1 Tbs. olive oil to grease baking sheet with
  • 2 pounds ground turkey, 93% lean
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp Kosher salt
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 cup fresh Italian parsley leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 ½ cups skim milk ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup  grated Parmesan cheese
     

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Drizzle 1 Tbsp. olive oil on the baking sheet and use your hand to rub the oil over the entire surface of the sheet. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Combine ground turkey with the other ingredients in a bowl. Using a 1/4 cup scoop, form mixture into about 20 meatballs and transfer the meatballs to the prepared baking sheet as you form them. Put into the oven and bake about 18-20 minutes. Do not allow to over-bake or they will be dry. Take the temperature of one meatball and remove from oven when the temp reaches 164. (A digital thermometer is key for cooking perfectly done meat)

If you want to add the meatballs to your favorite sauce, use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer the meatballs to the simmering sauce. Cook the meatballs for 3 minutes in the sauce and serve over freshly cooked pasta.

To freeze: Follow cooking directions, then allow meatballs to cool to room temperature. Place on a baking sheet, making sure they don't touch one another, and place in the freezer for an hour. Next, transfer hardened meatballs to an airtight container, and store in the freezer. Thaw meatballs in the refrigerator, then bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or until heated.

Get creative with serving options! Toss them over whole-wheat pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles with your favorite red sauce and a fresh salad for a complete meal. Alternatively, add them to soups for a protein boost. Feeling Tex-Mex? Warm them up with BBQ sauce, beans, and corn for a fun twist. Bonus: freeze some meatballs for a quick and easy protein fix later!

Nutrition Facts per 3.25 meatballs:

Nutrition Facts

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Categories:   Food 

Tags:   #recipes

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