These Healthy Turkey Zucchini Meatballs are a tasty twist on a classic! Packed with lean turkey and fresh zucchini, they’re juicy and full of flavor.
What’s even better? You can bake them instead of frying, making clean-up a breeze. I love serving them with pasta or on a sub for an awesome lunch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lean Ground Turkey: This is the star ingredient! It’s a great source of protein and lower in fat than beef. If you’re looking for alternatives, ground chicken or even plant-based meat can work too, just adjust the cooking times as needed.
Zucchini: Grated zucchini not only adds moisture but also sneaks in some veggies! If zucchini isn’t available, you can substitute with finely grated carrots or even yellow squash for a similar texture.
Parmesan Cheese: This gives a nice flavor boost! For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast or omit it entirely. Keep in mind that it might slightly change the taste, but the meatballs will still be delicious!
Breadcrumbs: They help bind the mixture. You can use whole wheat or gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed. Alternatively, crushed oats or ground almonds also make great substitutes.
Egg: The egg acts as a binder. If you’re avoiding eggs, a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) can work well instead!
How Do I Keep My Meatballs from Being Soggy?
Getting the right texture in meatballs is key, and zucchini can add moisture if not handled properly. Here are tips to ensure they hold together nicely:
- Grate the zucchini and then squeeze it with a clean towel to remove as much excess moisture as possible.
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture; this can make the meatballs dense.
- Ensure your oven is preheated. Starting in a hot oven helps give them a good sear.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Overcooking can make them dry, while undercooking can leave them soggy!
Healthy Turkey Zucchini Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 medium zucchini, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs or whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Cooking spray or 1 tablespoon olive oil for greasing
Time Needed
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to bake, so you can have delicious, healthy turkey zucchini meatballs ready to serve in about an hour!
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish with some cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground turkey, grated zucchini (remember to squeeze out the excess moisture!), Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly until well combined. It’s important not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough!
3. Form the Meatballs
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into about 20 evenly sized meatballs. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet or into the greased baking dish.
4. Bake the Meatballs
Pop the meatballs into the preheated oven and let them bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and slightly browned on the outside. You want them to be delicious and juicy!
5. Heat the Marinara Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, warm the marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat. This will make for a lovely sauce to toss the meatballs in later.
6. Combine Meatballs and Sauce
Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully transfer them to the skillet with the marinara sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce, then let them cook together for an additional 5 minutes. This step helps the meatballs absorb some of the delicious sauce!
7. Garnish and Serve
Before serving, garnish your meatballs with some extra chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy them with pasta, zucchini noodles, or as a tasty snack on their own. Enjoy your healthy meal!
FAQ for Healthy Turkey Zucchini Meatballs
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and will work just as well, although the flavor may be slightly different. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary slightly depending on the meat used.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Breadcrumbs?
No problem! You can use oats (regular or gluten-free), crushed crackers, or even ground almonds as a substitute for breadcrumbs. Just keep the texture in mind, and adjust the amount as needed!
How Do I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They also freeze well! To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Meatball Mixture?
Definitely! You can mix in finely grated carrots, bell peppers, or onions for added flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from these veggies to keep the meatballs from becoming soggy!
