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Savory Beef and Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy meatball, perfectly seasoned and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re team beef or team turkey, these meatballs are sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, they are incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. A great prep idea is to roll the meatballs, bake or sauté them, let them cool, and then freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for quick meals later. Just reheat in marinara sauce for a delicious spaghetti dish or hearty subs.
Discover a keto-friendly version of meatballs with zoodles.
These savory meatballs are not just a treat for dinner; they can be a fantastic addition to your meal prep routine. They’re perfect for batch cooking, so you can enjoy them throughout the week without the hassle of starting from scratch each time.
Serve with a sweet potato hash for a hearty breakfast option.
Easy Beef and Turkey Meatballs
Savory Beef and Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Course: Freezer-Friendly RecipesCuisine: Italian-Inspired, Comfort FoodDifficulty: Easy4-6
servings15
minutes25
minutes250
kcalThese meatballs are tender, flavorful, and ideal for any occasion. Made with a blend of ground beef and turkey, they are seasoned to perfection and can be paired with various sauces or served as a snack.
They’re hearty enough to satisfy a hungry crowd yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner, making them a go-to recipe for any busy household.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground turkey
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Marinara sauce for serving (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined.
- Form the Meatballs: Scoop out the mixture and roll into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Bake or Sauté: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through, or sauté in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
- Cool and Freeze: Let the meatballs cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, freeze them on the sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for future use.
- Reheat: To serve, reheat meatballs in marinara sauce over medium heat until warmed through. Serve with spaghetti, in subs, or as an appetizer.
Notes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
Calories: 250kcal per serving
Key Prep Tips
- Combine Gently: Mix the beef, turkey, and seasonings gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can make the meatballs dense.
- Uniform Sizing: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to roll evenly sized meatballs for consistent cooking.
- Sear for Flavor: Sear the meatballs in a skillet before baking or simmering to lock in flavor and create a golden crust.
- Cool Before Freezing: Let meatballs cool completely before freezing to maintain their texture and flavor.
Suggested Variations
- Herb Boost: Add fresh parsley, basil, or oregano for a burst of flavor.
- Cheese Addition: Mix in grated Parmesan or stuff with small cubes of mozzarella for a cheesy center.
- Spice It Up: Include red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or chili powder for a spicy twist.
- Dietary Adjustments: Use almond flour or oats instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
Freezing Instructions
- Before Cooking: Freeze raw meatballs on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Cook directly from frozen when needed.
- After Cooking: Place fully cooked meatballs in an airtight container or bag. Reheat in sauce or in the oven until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
- Over Pasta: Serve with marinara sauce over spaghetti for a classic meal.
- As an Appetizer: Pair with a dipping sauce like barbecue, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli.
- In Sandwiches: Add to a sub roll with marinara and melted cheese for a hearty meatball sub.
- Beverages: Pair with red wine, sparkling water, or iced tea.
- Presentation: Arrange meatballs on a platter, topped with fresh herbs and grated cheese for a polished look.