Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Meatballs Flavorful and Easy

by
Ground turkey is the main ingredient in these meatballs. You need one pound. It is lean and healthy. This meat gives a nice texture and absorbs flavors well. Choose ground turkey with some fat for moist meatballs. You will need half a cup of sun-dried tomatoes. Chop them finely. These tomatoes add a rich, tangy flavor. They bring a sweet and savory taste to the meatballs. Look for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for extra flavor. Use a quarter cup of breadcrumbs. Whole wheat breadcrumbs work best. They help bind the meatballs. Also, add a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese gives a salty taste and adds creaminess. For flavor, use two cloves of minced garlic. It adds a strong aroma. Fresh basil is also key; use a quarter cup, chopped. This herb brings a fresh taste. Add half a teaspoon of dried oregano, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. These spices balance the flavors. You need one large egg to hold everything together. It helps the meatballs keep their shape. Lastly, use one tablespoon of olive oil for cooking. This oil helps brown the meatballs nicely. Don’t forget marinara sauce for serving! First, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps the meatballs cook well. While the oven heats, prepare your baking sheet. You can line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This step keeps the meatballs from sticking. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey with sun-dried tomatoes. Add the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Next, mix in the minced garlic and chopped basil. Then, sprinkle in the oregano, salt, and black pepper. Finally, crack the large egg into the bowl. Use your hands to mix everything gently. Make sure it’s just combined; you don’t want to overmix. Now, take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture. Roll it into a ball with your hands. Place the formed meatball on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this step until all the mixture is used. You should end up with a nice tray of meatballs ready to bake. Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs. You can also spray them lightly with cooking spray. This will help them brown nicely. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes. They are done when they turn golden brown and are cooked through. To serve, place the meatballs in a dish. Pour marinara sauce over them. You can also garnish with extra basil or grated Parmesan if you want. Enjoy these tasty sun-dried tomato turkey meatballs with your favorite side dishes! To get the best texture in your meatballs, do not overmix. When you combine the ground turkey, sun-dried tomatoes, and other ingredients, mix just until they come together. Overmixing can lead to dense meatballs. Aim for a light, fluffy feel. If your mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs. This small change helps keep the meatballs light and airy. For extra flavor, use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes. Their rich taste makes a big difference. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth. Fresh basil is key, adding a bright punch. If you want a kick, consider adding red pepper flakes. These choices elevate your meatballs, making them truly stand out. To keep your meatballs moist, watch the cooking time. Bake them at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, but check them early. If they start to brown too quickly, lower the heat a bit. Drizzling olive oil on top helps too. This adds richness and prevents dryness. Always let them rest for a few minutes after baking. This step allows juices to redistribute, making each bite juicy and flavorful. {{image_2}} You can switch ground turkey for other meats. Ground chicken works well and keeps it light. Ground beef gives a richer flavor. If you want a plant-based option, try lentils or chickpeas. Both can create hearty meatballs. Basil and oregano shine in this dish. You can swap basil for fresh parsley or thyme. Both add a nice touch. If you want a kick, add some red pepper flakes. You can also toss in some chopped spinach for extra color and nutrients. Marinara sauce is classic for these meatballs. You can also serve them with pesto for a twist. Try a creamy garlic sauce for richer flavor. If you prefer a lighter touch, serve with a squeeze of lemon. Each sauce gives a new taste to your meal. After you enjoy your sun-dried tomato turkey meatballs, store the leftovers right away. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and safe to eat later. Your meatballs can stay in the fridge for about three to four days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them instead. Freezing is a great way to save your meatballs for another day. First, let the meatballs cool completely. Then, arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about one to two hours until they are firm. After that, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date. Frozen meatballs can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat your meatballs again, reheating is easy. You have a few options. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until they are warm. If you prefer the microwave, place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate. Heat them for one minute, then check. If they need more time, heat in short bursts. Enjoy your meatballs with marinara sauce for a tasty meal! Yes, you can use ground beef. It adds a richer flavor. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Ground beef may take a bit longer to cook than turkey. The meatballs are done when they are golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. This ensures they are safe to eat. These meatballs go well with many sides. Consider spaghetti or zucchini noodles for a lighter meal. You can also serve them with a fresh salad or crusty bread. Marinara sauce is a great topping too! Cooked meatballs last about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down before putting them away. This helps keep them fresh longer. We explored how to make delicious sun-dried tomato turkey meatballs. You learned about key ingredients like ground turkey and herbs. We also discussed steps for mixing, forming, and baking the meatballs. Plus, we shared tips for perfect texture and flavor. Consider trying different proteins or sauces for variety. Store any leftovers properly, and reheat them well. This simple dish can delight at meals and gatherings. Now, enjoy crafting your own flavorful meatballs!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Looking for a quick and tasty meal? You’ll love these Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Meatballs! They pack a burst of flavor with easy-to-find ingredients. I’ll walk you through each step, from mixing to serving. With tips to make them juicy and delicious, you’ll have a hit on your hands. Let’s dive in and make a meal that everyone will enjoy!

Jump to Recipe

Ingredients

Ground Turkey

Ground turkey is the main ingredient in these meatballs. You need one pound. It is lean and healthy. This meat gives a nice texture and absorbs flavors well. Choose ground turkey with some fat for moist meatballs.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

You will need half a cup of sun-dried tomatoes. Chop them finely. These tomatoes add a rich, tangy flavor. They bring a sweet and savory taste to the meatballs. Look for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for extra flavor.

Breadcrumbs and Cheese

Use a quarter cup of breadcrumbs. Whole wheat breadcrumbs work best. They help bind the meatballs. Also, add a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese gives a salty taste and adds creaminess.

Spices and Herbs

For flavor, use two cloves of minced garlic. It adds a strong aroma. Fresh basil is also key; use a quarter cup, chopped. This herb brings a fresh taste. Add half a teaspoon of dried oregano, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. These spices balance the flavors.

Additional Ingredients

You need one large egg to hold everything together. It helps the meatballs keep their shape. Lastly, use one tablespoon of olive oil for cooking. This oil helps brown the meatballs nicely. Don’t forget marinara sauce for serving!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Oven and Baking Sheet

First, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps the meatballs cook well. While the oven heats, prepare your baking sheet. You can line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This step keeps the meatballs from sticking.

Mixing the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey with sun-dried tomatoes. Add the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Next, mix in the minced garlic and chopped basil. Then, sprinkle in the oregano, salt, and black pepper. Finally, crack the large egg into the bowl. Use your hands to mix everything gently. Make sure it’s just combined; you don’t want to overmix.

Forming the Meatballs

Now, take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture. Roll it into a ball with your hands. Place the formed meatball on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this step until all the mixture is used. You should end up with a nice tray of meatballs ready to bake.

Baking the Meatballs

Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs. You can also spray them lightly with cooking spray. This will help them brown nicely. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes. They are done when they turn golden brown and are cooked through.

Serving Suggestions

To serve, place the meatballs in a dish. Pour marinara sauce over them. You can also garnish with extra basil or grated Parmesan if you want. Enjoy these tasty sun-dried tomato turkey meatballs with your favorite side dishes!

Tips & Tricks

Ensuring Perfect Texture

To get the best texture in your meatballs, do not overmix. When you combine the ground turkey, sun-dried tomatoes, and other ingredients, mix just until they come together. Overmixing can lead to dense meatballs. Aim for a light, fluffy feel. If your mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs. This small change helps keep the meatballs light and airy.

Flavor Enhancements

For extra flavor, use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes. Their rich taste makes a big difference. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth. Fresh basil is key, adding a bright punch. If you want a kick, consider adding red pepper flakes. These choices elevate your meatballs, making them truly stand out.

Cooking Tips for Moist Meatballs

To keep your meatballs moist, watch the cooking time. Bake them at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, but check them early. If they start to brown too quickly, lower the heat a bit. Drizzling olive oil on top helps too. This adds richness and prevents dryness. Always let them rest for a few minutes after baking. This step allows juices to redistribute, making each bite juicy and flavorful.

Variations

Alternative Proteins

You can switch ground turkey for other meats. Ground chicken works well and keeps it light. Ground beef gives a richer flavor. If you want a plant-based option, try lentils or chickpeas. Both can create hearty meatballs.

Herb Swaps and Additions

Basil and oregano shine in this dish. You can swap basil for fresh parsley or thyme. Both add a nice touch. If you want a kick, add some red pepper flakes. You can also toss in some chopped spinach for extra color and nutrients.

Different Serving Sauces

Marinara sauce is classic for these meatballs. You can also serve them with pesto for a twist. Try a creamy garlic sauce for richer flavor. If you prefer a lighter touch, serve with a squeeze of lemon. Each sauce gives a new taste to your meal.

Storage Info

Refrigerating Leftovers

After you enjoy your sun-dried tomato turkey meatballs, store the leftovers right away. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and safe to eat later. Your meatballs can stay in the fridge for about three to four days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them instead.

Freezing Meatballs

Freezing is a great way to save your meatballs for another day. First, let the meatballs cool completely. Then, arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about one to two hours until they are firm. After that, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date. Frozen meatballs can last up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating Tips

When you want to eat your meatballs again, reheating is easy. You have a few options. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until they are warm. If you prefer the microwave, place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate. Heat them for one minute, then check. If they need more time, heat in short bursts. Enjoy your meatballs with marinara sauce for a tasty meal!

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes, you can use ground beef. It adds a richer flavor. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Ground beef may take a bit longer to cook than turkey.

How do I know when the meatballs are cooked?

The meatballs are done when they are golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. This ensures they are safe to eat.

What can I serve with sun-dried tomato turkey meatballs?

These meatballs go well with many sides. Consider spaghetti or zucchini noodles for a lighter meal. You can also serve them with a fresh salad or crusty bread. Marinara sauce is a great topping too!

How long do meatballs last in the fridge?

Cooked meatballs last about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down before putting them away. This helps keep them fresh longer.

We explored how to make delicious sun-dried tomato turkey meatballs. You learned about key ingredients like ground turkey and herbs. We also discussed steps for mixing, forming, and baking the meatballs. Plus, we shared tips for perfect texture and flavor. Consider trying different proteins or sauces for variety. Store any leftovers properly, and reheat them well. This simple dish can delight at meals and gatherings. Now, enjoy crafting your own flavorful meatballs!

Ground turkey is the main ingredient in these meatballs. You need one pound. It is lean and healthy. This meat gives a nice texture and absorbs flavors well. Choose ground turkey with some fat for moist meatballs. You will need half a cup of sun-dried tomatoes. Chop them finely. These tomatoes add a rich, tangy flavor. They bring a sweet and savory taste to the meatballs. Look for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for extra flavor. Use a quarter cup of breadcrumbs. Whole wheat breadcrumbs work best. They help bind the meatballs. Also, add a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese gives a salty taste and adds creaminess. For flavor, use two cloves of minced garlic. It adds a strong aroma. Fresh basil is also key; use a quarter cup, chopped. This herb brings a fresh taste. Add half a teaspoon of dried oregano, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. These spices balance the flavors. You need one large egg to hold everything together. It helps the meatballs keep their shape. Lastly, use one tablespoon of olive oil for cooking. This oil helps brown the meatballs nicely. Don’t forget marinara sauce for serving! First, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps the meatballs cook well. While the oven heats, prepare your baking sheet. You can line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This step keeps the meatballs from sticking. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey with sun-dried tomatoes. Add the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Next, mix in the minced garlic and chopped basil. Then, sprinkle in the oregano, salt, and black pepper. Finally, crack the large egg into the bowl. Use your hands to mix everything gently. Make sure it’s just combined; you don’t want to overmix. Now, take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture. Roll it into a ball with your hands. Place the formed meatball on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this step until all the mixture is used. You should end up with a nice tray of meatballs ready to bake. Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs. You can also spray them lightly with cooking spray. This will help them brown nicely. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes. They are done when they turn golden brown and are cooked through. To serve, place the meatballs in a dish. Pour marinara sauce over them. You can also garnish with extra basil or grated Parmesan if you want. Enjoy these tasty sun-dried tomato turkey meatballs with your favorite side dishes! To get the best texture in your meatballs, do not overmix. When you combine the ground turkey, sun-dried tomatoes, and other ingredients, mix just until they come together. Overmixing can lead to dense meatballs. Aim for a light, fluffy feel. If your mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs. This small change helps keep the meatballs light and airy. For extra flavor, use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes. Their rich taste makes a big difference. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth. Fresh basil is key, adding a bright punch. If you want a kick, consider adding red pepper flakes. These choices elevate your meatballs, making them truly stand out. To keep your meatballs moist, watch the cooking time. Bake them at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, but check them early. If they start to brown too quickly, lower the heat a bit. Drizzling olive oil on top helps too. This adds richness and prevents dryness. Always let them rest for a few minutes after baking. This step allows juices to redistribute, making each bite juicy and flavorful. {{image_2}} You can switch ground turkey for other meats. Ground chicken works well and keeps it light. Ground beef gives a richer flavor. If you want a plant-based option, try lentils or chickpeas. Both can create hearty meatballs. Basil and oregano shine in this dish. You can swap basil for fresh parsley or thyme. Both add a nice touch. If you want a kick, add some red pepper flakes. You can also toss in some chopped spinach for extra color and nutrients. Marinara sauce is classic for these meatballs. You can also serve them with pesto for a twist. Try a creamy garlic sauce for richer flavor. If you prefer a lighter touch, serve with a squeeze of lemon. Each sauce gives a new taste to your meal. After you enjoy your sun-dried tomato turkey meatballs, store the leftovers right away. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and safe to eat later. Your meatballs can stay in the fridge for about three to four days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them instead. Freezing is a great way to save your meatballs for another day. First, let the meatballs cool completely. Then, arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about one to two hours until they are firm. After that, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date. Frozen meatballs can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat your meatballs again, reheating is easy. You have a few options. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until they are warm. If you prefer the microwave, place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate. Heat them for one minute, then check. If they need more time, heat in short bursts. Enjoy your meatballs with marinara sauce for a tasty meal! Yes, you can use ground beef. It adds a richer flavor. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Ground beef may take a bit longer to cook than turkey. The meatballs are done when they are golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. This ensures they are safe to eat. These meatballs go well with many sides. Consider spaghetti or zucchini noodles for a lighter meal. You can also serve them with a fresh salad or crusty bread. Marinara sauce is a great topping too! Cooked meatballs last about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down before putting them away. This helps keep them fresh longer. We explored how to make delicious sun-dried tomato turkey meatballs. You learned about key ingredients like ground turkey and herbs. We also discussed steps for mixing, forming, and baking the meatballs. Plus, we shared tips for perfect texture and flavor. Consider trying different proteins or sauces for variety. Store any leftovers properly, and reheat them well. This simple dish can delight at meals and gatherings. Now, enjoy crafting your own flavorful meatballs!

Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Meatballs

Indulge in the deliciousness of sun-dried tomato turkey meatballs! This easy recipe combines ground turkey with flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs for a dish everyone will love. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, these juicy meatballs bake to golden perfection in just 25 minutes. Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and elevate your meals today! Click through to explore the full recipe and get cooking!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb ground turkey

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped

1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 large egg

1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

Marinara sauce (for serving)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

    In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, sun-dried tomatoes, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and egg.

      Using your hands, mix the ingredients until they are just combined; be careful not to overmix.

        Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Place the meatball on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this step until all the mixture is formed into meatballs.

          Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs or spray them lightly with cooking spray to ensure they brown nicely.

            Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown.

              Serve the meatballs in a dish topped with marinara sauce, and garnish with extra basil or grated Parmesan if desired.

                Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 40 min | Servings: 4

                  WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?