Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s both delicious and health-conscious? Introducing Pesto Parmesan Turkey Meatballs—your new go-to recipe that’s not only dairy and egg-free but also packed with flavor! These savory meatballs are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and they come together in just 40 minutes. With a delightful combination of ground turkey and aromatic pesto, this dish will have your taste buds dancing and your family asking for seconds. Don’t miss out on this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to impress!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, gluten-free breadcrumbs, pesto, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using clean hands or a spatula until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Ensure the mixture is evenly combined without overmixing, which can make the meatballs tough.
- Using slightly damp hands, form the mixture into uniform meatballs approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. This recipe should yield about 12-14 meatballs.
- Place the formed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which ensures the turkey is fully cooked.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.
- Serve hot with your choice of side dishes like roasted vegetables, zucchini noodles, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, be sure not to overmix the turkey mixture. This will keep your meatballs tender and juicy rather than tough.
- Uniform Size: Use slightly damp hands to form the meatballs; this prevents the mixture from sticking to your hands. Aim for uniform sizes (about
- 5 inches) to ensure even cooking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To guarantee that your meatballs are cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add other herbs and spices to the mixture, such as oregano or red pepper flakes, to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Serving Suggestions: These meatballs pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, zucchini noodles, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Consider serving them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg
