Table of Contents
Looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional meatballs? These gluten free turkey meatballs are just what you need! Packed with flavor and easy to make, they’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
I first discovered this recipe when I was trying to find a healthier option for my family. We love meatballs, but I wanted something that was gluten free and lower in fat. After a few tries, I perfected this recipe, and now it’s a staple in our household.
Get ready to cook up a storm with these gluten free turkey meatballs!
What to Expect
- Time: Approximately 40 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Before You Begin
Before you start, make sure you have all your ingredients ready. Finely dicing the onion and whisking the egg beforehand will make the process smoother. Also, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to save time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground turkey breast | 1 pound |
| Finely diced white onion | ⅓ cup |
| Fresh herbs of choice (basil and parsley) | 3 tablespoon |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Onion powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoon |
| Red pepper flakes | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Parmesan or cashew parmesan | ⅓ cup |
| Gluten free breadcrumbs | ⅓ cup |
| Egg whisked | 1 |
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Finely dice the onion and add to a large mixing bowl with all ingredients aside from the egg.
- Mix well with a spoon.
- Whisk up the egg in a small dish and add to the bowl with the turkey.
- Mix together until well combined.
- Use a 1.5 tablespoon scoop and roll into balls.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You should end up with 16 meatballs.
- Bake for 22-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Check the inside of one and make sure it is cooked all the way through.
- Remove from the oven and transfer to a skillet with tomato sauce of choice.
- If you’re going to be freezing these, freeze without sauce.
- Serve with spaghetti, with zucchini noodles or enjoy as is!
Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
For the best results, make sure your meatballs are evenly sized so they cook uniformly. If you’re not serving them immediately, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
For another delicious gluten-free recipe, check out this Gluten Free Sausage Balls Recipe.
Print
Gluten Free Turkey Meatballs
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 16 meatballs 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Gluten-Free Turkey Meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with Italian herbs, proving that healthy comfort food doesn’t have to be dry or bland. By using gluten-free breadcrumbs (or almond flour) as a binder, they remain perfectly light and flavorful. Baked to golden perfection, they are excellent tossed in marinara sauce over zucchini noodles, served in a sub, or eaten straight off the pan.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ground turkey (93% lean is best)
½ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (or superfine almond flour for grain-free)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
¼ cup finely diced white onion (or 1 tsp onion powder)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil (helps keep them moist)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, omit for dairy-free)
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or spray lightly with olive oil.
2. Combine Aromatics & Binder: In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg, gluten-free breadcrumbs (or almond flour), parsley, onion, garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, pepper, and Parmesan (if using). Stir well until mixed.
3. Add Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the bowl. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined. Do not overwork the meat, or the meatballs will become tough.
4. Shape: Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of the mixture at a time and roll into smooth balls (wetting your hands slightly prevents sticking). You should get about 15–18 meatballs.
5. Bake: Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them so they don’t touch. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
6. Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving with your favorite pasta sauce or dipping sauce.
Notes
Don’t Overmix: The key to tender turkey meatballs is handling the meat gently. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated.
Moisture Trick: Ground turkey is leaner than beef, so adding the tablespoon of olive oil inside the mixture ensures they stay juicy.
Pan-Fry Option: If you prefer a crispier exterior, you can pan-fry these in olive oil over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, turning frequently.
Freezing: These freeze perfectly. Bake them, cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat directly in sauce.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 55
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 95
- Fat: 3
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 25
Your Burning Questions Answered!
- Can I use a different type of meat?
- Yes, you can use ground chicken, turkey, or beef.
- Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can prepare them and store in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to cook.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
They go great with spaghetti, zucchini noodles, or even on their own!
Dig In & Enjoy!
These gluten free turkey meatballs are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving them with pasta, in a sandwich, or as an appetizer, they’re sure to be a hit. Enjoy!
For more delicious ideas, follow me on Pinterest.