These are the easiest homemade healthy ground turkey meatballs you will ever make. I pack in tons of flavor to an otherwise bland ingredient, ground turkey, to make the tastiest paleo zucchini meatballs. You can serve this easy turkey meatball recipe as a quick snack, appetizer, and my personal favorite, with gluten-free spaghetti.
How to Make Paleo Turkey Zucchini Meatballs Recipe
What are Turkey Meatballs?
Turkey meatballs are a leaner version of traditional beef meatballs. However, simply because they are a healthier version doesn't mean they aren't packed with flavor. These simple homemade tender meatballs are filled with flavorful herbs and spices to turn any basic meatball into a deliciously seasoned turkey meatball. These easy ground turkey meatballs are a great source of iron and vitamin D.
What are the Health Benefits of Ground Turkey?
I like to cut back on my intake of red meat whenever I can. Paleo turkey zucchini meatballs are a healthy alternative for those looking for an easy, fast and tasty way to get in their protein without sacrificing any flavor. Turkey is a lean meat with less saturated fat than typical ground beef. It also is a rich source of protein, vitamin B6, zinc, and tryptophan.
Always look for packages that say 90% lean ground chicken or turkey, because typically packaged poultry is made from dark meat, and skin is added in. Generally, the thighs and legs (dark meat) tend to be more flavorful, but higher in fat. This is why I try to look for ground breast meat instead.
How to make Perfect Cooked Turkey Meatballs?
Simply follow my easy, simple, and quick ground turkey meatball recipe below for the steps to make the Paleo meatballs made with zucchini.
Try the BEST Easy Turkey Meatballs Recipe!
When I say this is the best and easy turkey meatball recipe, I am not lying. The flavor profile of these are full and robust. Typically turkey meatballs tend to be bland in flavor, but I managed to pack in tons of flavor and keep them juicy too. I hope you try these healthy paleo turkey meatballs this week.
Homemade Paleo Turkey Zucchini Meatballs Recipe
Serves 4.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic, finely chopped
- One white onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded zucchini
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- One tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
DIRECTIONS
- If you haven't already shredded a cup of zucchini, do that first. Place the zucchini in a bowl and squeeze out any excess water from the zucchini first.
- In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, coconut flour, paprika, Italian seasoning, onion, egg, garlic, and salt and pepper. Mix well and form into 1-inch sized meatballs. Make sure you roll them into a ball, rather than simply grab a handful into a ball.
- Next, heat the coconut oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Once the oil has melted, add the meatballs.
- Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
NUTRITONAL VALUE OF TURKEY MEATBALL RECIPE:
(Per 1 Serving).
- Calories: 268
- Protein: 27. 3 grams
- Carbohydrates: 9.3 grams
- Fat: 14.9 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 4. 1 grams
- Total Sugars: 2.8 grams
Tips for Making the Best Turkey Meatballs
The first tip for how to make the best turkey meatballs is to not form the balls too big or they won't cook evenly. Form them into 1-inch sized balls. Also, brown them first before adding them separately to any dish you use them in. This allows for a deeper layered flavor to any dish you prepare. Another tip is to squeeze out the excess water from the grated zucchini.
There are so many ways to use these meatballs. Add them when you make your traditional spaghetti and meatball recipe. You can use them in a soup, like I did below. You can glaze them with any of your favorite sauces, such as an Asian glaze. The possibilities are endless.
Can you Freeze Turkey Meatballs?
Yes, simply place them in the freezer on a tray. Once they are frozen, transfer them to an airtight container and store for up to 6 months.
Can Meatballs Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, up to 5 days before you plan on serving them. Simply store in an airtight container and reheat for 12-15 minutes in an oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to Make Simple Turkey Meatballs More Flavorful?
The secret to making meatballs more flavorful is the combination of the spices and herbs you use. Experiment with different flavor profiles that appeal to you. I personally love the flavor profile of the recipe I created above. The spice combination I used is the perfect flavorful mixture to turn bland meatballs into a flavor bomb of deliciousness.
How Do You Make Turkey Meatballs That Don’t Fall Apart?
To ensure your meatballs don't fall apart when you cook them, make sure you roll them into a ball, rather than simply grab a handful into a ball. The addition of the zucchini helps keep the meatballs moist, so there's no need to worry about packing the balls too tight as you roll them into one inch sized balls.
How to Bake Turkey Meatballs in the Oven?
You can also choose to make this easy turkey meatball recipe in the oven. Baking them is simple. Mix the ingredients for your meatballs with ground turkey and shape into one inch sized balls onto a baking sheet. Simply bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes in the oven.
Enjoy This Healthy Paleo Turkey Meatballs Recipe Tonight!
So, if you make this simple Paleo ground turkey meatballs recipe, let me know in the comment section below. I would also love to hear what you think, or take a photo and tag me @Eat_Your_Nutrition on Instagram. I love seeing your photos. #EatYourNutrition #LauraVillanueva
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