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Home » Recipes » Entrees

Skillet Turkey Meatballs

Published: Oct 1, 2022 · Modified: Aug 2, 2023 by Bowl Me Over · 28 Comments

Jump to Recipe

Skillet Turkey Meatballs - tender and moist this is a meal your whole family will enjoy and will quickly become your favorite meatball recipe! Leaner than the traditional, these tender meatballs they are packed with flavor, fork tender and delicious!

Next be sure and try the grilled turkey burger recipe - it's SO GOOD!

Meatball cut in half held by fork surrounded by a plate of saucy meatballs.
Skillet Turkey Meatballs
Jump to:
  • Why you'll love this recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Equipment
  • FAQ's
  • Variations
  • Tips
  • Related recipes
  • Serving suggestions
  • Easy Turkey Meatball Recipe

Why you'll love this recipe

✔️ Baked in the oven, rather than fried, they are broiled to perfection!

✔️ This meal is perfect for a lazy Saturday night but delicious enough for company!

✔️ This easy recipe sneaks in some extra vegetables and it's delicious!

Ingredients to make meatball recipes, with print overlay.

Ingredients

For the exact measurements for the classic turkey meatballs, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

  • lean ground turkey - though you can certainly substitute ground chicken, sausage or even ground beef.
  • frozen spinach - a great budget friendly ingredient!
  • yellow onion - you could also use white or red onions.
  • parmesan cheese or feta cheese, both are amazing.
  • egg
  • bread crumbs - homemade or store bought, panko breadcrumbs.
  • salt, pepper, chili powder
Step by step instructions to make recipe, with print overlay.

Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions for the skillet meatballs. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!

  1. Combine turkey and all of the above ingredients in a large bowl, mixing them well but being careful not to over-mix (that will make the meatballs tough).
  2. Using a small cookie scoop, portion out the meatball mixture and shape them into balls. Spray baking sheet with non-stick coating or line with parchment paper. Place on baking sheet in a single layer.
  3. Place the homemade meatballs under the broiler for about twelve minutes until golden brown.
  4. Remove from the oven and change the temperature to 350 degrees.
  5. Add approximately ⅓ of the pasta sauce to the bottom of a large skillet. Add the meatballs to the pan, top with the remaining pasta sauce and sprinkle with cheese.
  6. Cover with foil and bake in the oven for 30 minutes. Serve garnished with fresh parsley, enjoy!

Equipment

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.   

  • baking sheet
  • cast iron skillet

FAQ's

How do you keep meatballs from falling apart?

When meatballs don't stick together it's usually because of the binder. Too much or too little breadcrumbs. Eggs also help them stick together.

How do you know when turkey meatballs are done?

The best way to know if the meatballs are done is to use an instant read thermometer. Turkey should have an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

Why are my meatballs rubbery?

If the meatballs are rubbery or tough it's because they've been over-mixed.

Is it better to fry or bake meatballs?

You can actually do either. I prefer to broil them because they get a golden crust. They stand up in sauce well and hold their shape.

Can you cook raw meatballs in sauce?

I don't recommend cooking the meatballs raw in sauce. They won't stick together.

Saucy meatballs in skillet.

Bathed in sauce, topped with cheese and broiled in the oven until golden! This with some delicious air fryer garlic bread and serve with your favorite red wine!

Then topped with more sauce and some salty parmesan cheese.

Yummy and easy these meatballs are SO DELICIOUS!

Variations

  • Substitute the ground turkey for ground chicken or ground lamb and make lamb meatballs!
  • Next time you make these, stuff them with mozzarella cheese. Wouldn't that be fantastic? Turn this into a cheesy turkey meatball skillet dinner - yum!

Tips

Using a fork to mix and combine the ingredients will help keep the meatballs tender!

If the meatballs are rubbery or tough it's because they've been over-mixed.

Line the baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Meatballs in skillet covered with red sauce.
Easy Turkey Meatball Recipe

Related recipes

Be sure to try this recipe for Asian Pork Meatballs soon! These are super easy to make and perfect for a simple dinner and a tasty appetizer as well!

A few more skillet recipes on the blog are Chicken and Potatoes - super yummy! And if you haven't made it yet, be sure and try Chicken and Zucchini - I love this meal!!

Serving suggestions

I made an extra batch of Mom's Sunday Gravy Sauce to enjoy with this meal. I poured about some in the bottom of the pan then nestled the meatballs into it.

  • You can top off a bowl of spaghetti.
  • Stuff them into some great sourdough bread topped off with cheese for a meatball sandwich.
  • Serve with your favorite sauce for the perfect appetizer.
  • Pair with pan-fried vegetables and ham and potato casserole and you have one amazing meal!
  • Enjoy smothered in Mom's Sunday Gravy topped with cheese, what a delicious dinner!

For a complete list of side dishes on the blog follow this link.

This easy Turkey Meatball Recipe has so much flavor, everyone will loves them!

Don't forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products! 🛍️

If you love this recipe please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating! 

Baked Turkey Spinach Meatballs in skillet topped with red sauce and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
5 from 12 votes

Easy Turkey Meatball Recipe

This quick dinner is the kind of recipe everyone needs on hand! It's an easy recipe and great on top of spaghetti, in a hoagie roll or over brown or white rice and even over cauliflower rice!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time45 minutes mins
Total Time55 minutes mins
Course: Lunch or Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 185kcal
Author: Deb Clark
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 10 oz. frozen spinach thawed
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese divided
  • ½ cup onion diced
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • ¼ cup bread crumbs
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 quart Mom's Sunday Gravy or your favorite Marinara Sauce

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

  • Preheat broiler
  • Combine the above ingredients, mixing them well but being careful not to over-mix.
  • Using a small ice-cream scoop portion them out and shape them into balls and place on a pan sprayed with non-stick coating.
  • Broil for 10-12 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked thru. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
  • Remove from the oven and change the temperature to 350 degrees.
  • Add approximately ⅓ of the pasta sauce to the bottom of a large skillet. Add the meatballs to the pan, top with the remaining pasta sauce and sprinkle with cheese.
  • Cover with foil and bake in the oven for 30 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 185kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 545mg | Potassium: 276mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 240IU | Vitamin C: 1.2mg | Calcium: 215mg | Iron: 1.1mg
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About Bowl Me Over

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at [email protected] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Healing Tomato

    December 01, 2017 at 3:42 pm

    5 stars
    This looks like the perfect meal for the whole family. Deb, you really know how to feed the soul! Looks so good.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 02, 2017 at 7:28 am

      ? I do enjoy feeding a crowd!! Thank you Rini!!

      Reply
  2. Dannii

    November 28, 2017 at 3:13 am

    5 stars
    Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food and we often use turkey too. I am craving meatballs now!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 28, 2017 at 7:32 am

      One order coming up Dannii!! 😀

      Reply
  3. Anna

    November 28, 2017 at 2:19 am

    5 stars
    Perfect, easy, comforting recipe! Ideal for mid-week dinner! Thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 28, 2017 at 7:32 am

      You’re welcome Anna - these are so delicious, I hope you give them a try!

      Reply
  4. Lucy @ Supergoldenbakes

    November 28, 2017 at 2:04 am

    5 stars
    The spinach and the cheese push these meatballs into the dangerously addictive category for me. And thanks for all those ideas on how to serve them. I'm favouring the cocktail sticks right now since it's party season.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 28, 2017 at 7:34 am

      Oh yes, perfect for a party - serves a crowd and so easy too! Thanks Lucy!

      Reply
  5. Brian Jones

    November 27, 2017 at 10:26 pm

    5 stars
    They sound superb, your cooking method is very similar to mine, cooking in the oven allows them to almost poach in the sauce and stay lovely and moist.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 28, 2017 at 7:35 am

      Oven baking makes such a difference - so true Brian - enjoy!

      Reply
  6. Marie

    November 27, 2017 at 10:20 pm

    5 stars
    These meatballs look amazing! Love the addition of spinach and cheese. I need to add this to my list of recipes to try next!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 28, 2017 at 7:37 am

      Great, I know you’ll really enjoy them Marie - these meatballs are the BEST!!

      Reply
  7. Sandi

    November 23, 2017 at 1:33 pm

    5 stars
    I bet this would be a great way to sneak some veggies into my kids :-). They love meatballs and this recipe looks so good. Thank you so much for this recipe 🙂

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 26, 2017 at 6:55 pm

      What they don't know won't hurt them right? 😀 Seriously though I bet they will really love these meatballs!

      Reply
  8. Madi

    November 21, 2017 at 11:40 am

    5 stars
    These meatballs would be awesome for Thanksgiving! I need to make them!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 21, 2017 at 11:56 am

      They are so yummy, enjoy Madi!!!

      Reply
  9. Michele @ Bacon Fatte

    November 20, 2017 at 11:58 pm

    These turkey meatballs look so good... LOVE the spinach and cheese additions. Yum!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 21, 2017 at 7:18 am

      These are so yummy, I hope you give them a try. Thanks so much Michele!

      Reply
  10. Jennifer A Stewart

    November 20, 2017 at 11:52 am

    5 stars
    Perfect for Sunday Supper or as an appetizer for all the holiday parties! Plus some extra veggies inside!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 20, 2017 at 6:46 pm

      Thank you Jennifer, great for all of the above! 😀

      Reply
  11. Lori Vachon

    November 20, 2017 at 10:47 am

    I'm definitely trying these soon, I love spinach in meatballs!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 20, 2017 at 11:40 am

      Enjoy Lori - these are a real favorite in our home!!

      Reply
  12. Sandra

    November 20, 2017 at 8:34 am

    5 stars
    These meatballs look delicious and versiatile! My husband would love a meatball sub out of these and I'll enjoy them over veggies!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 20, 2017 at 9:08 am

      Wonderful, enjoy Sandra and thank you for stopping by!

      Reply
  13. Anglea

    November 19, 2017 at 6:53 am

    Loving these meatballs! I cant wait to try them... I really like the idea of adding spinach to the meatballs! Thanks for another fabulous recipe!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 19, 2017 at 11:17 am

      Wonderful - I think you and your whole family will enjoy these Angela! Love these meatballs!

      Reply
  14. Liza

    November 18, 2017 at 12:20 am

    5 stars
    Oh, these are BEAUTIFUL! I mean... I love my turkey meatballs... But with the spinach AND with cheese - that's beyond yummy! It's supreme! 🙂

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 18, 2017 at 1:10 pm

      Thank you so much Liza! These are so amazing, I hope you give them a try!!

      Reply

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