Herb-Infused Lean Turkey Meatballs
These Herb-Infused Lean Turkey Meatballs are a delicious and nutritious option for lunch or snacks. Packed with lean protein and flavor from the combination of turkey mince, vibrant pesto, and aromatic herbs, these meatballs are not only healthy but also satisfying. Baked to perfection, they make a perfect partner for whole grain pasta or brown rice, and can be served with your favorite tomato or garlic sauce. Enjoy guilt-free indulgence that the whole family will love!
N/A
Servings
100
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
turkey mincemeat
500 g (raw)
large egg
1 (beaten)
shredded parmesan cheese
20 g (grated)
wholemeal breadcrumbs
30 g (plain)
pesto sauce
50 g (mixed (Olive, Mixed Peppers, and Sundried Tomato))
salt
1 pinch (to taste)
pepper
1 pinch (to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease an oven tray with olive oil.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the turkey mincemeat, egg, shredded parmesan cheese, wholemeal breadcrumbs, pesto sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3
Gently mix the ingredients together using your hands or a spatula until everything is evenly incorporated and the mixture is bound together.
4
Shape the turkey mixture into small meatballs, approximately the size of a golf ball, and place them on the prepared tray. You should yield around 24 meatballs.
5
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, flipping them halfway for even cooking.
6
Serve the meatballs over your choice of whole grain pasta or brown rice. They pair excellently with a rich tomato sauce, a light cream sauce, or simply tossed with sautéed vegetables.
7
Tip: Feel free to customize the recipe by using different types of breadcrumbs (such as gluten-free or panko) or substituting the pesto with plain sundried tomato pesto for a unique flavor twist.
Nutrition Information
3
Fat
7.5
Carbs
12.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein source in these meatballs?
The main protein source is 500g of lean turkey mincemeat.
How many meatballs does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 24 golf-ball-sized meatballs.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 180°C (350°F).
How long do the turkey meatballs need to bake?
They should bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
What type of pesto is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe suggests a mixed pesto consisting of olive, mixed peppers, and sundried tomato.
Are these meatballs fried?
No, these meatballs are baked in the oven for a healthier, lower-fat result.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
How much protein is in a serving of these meatballs?
There are 12.5 grams of protein per serving.
What binding agents are used in the mixture?
The mixture is bound together using a large beaten egg and 30g of wholemeal breadcrumbs.
Can I use a different type of breadcrumb?
Yes, you can customize the recipe by using gluten-free or panko breadcrumbs instead of wholemeal.
What is the fat content of these meatballs?
These meatballs are lean, containing only 3 grams of fat per serving.
Should I flip the meatballs during cooking?
Yes, flipping them halfway through the baking process ensures even cooking and browning.
What are some serving suggestions for this dish?
They pair excellently with whole grain pasta, brown rice, or a rich tomato sauce.
Is there cheese in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 20g of shredded parmesan cheese.
What size should I shape the meatballs?
The turkey mixture should be shaped into small balls, approximately the size of a golf ball.
How much pesto is required?
You will need 50g of pesto sauce for this recipe.
Can I substitute the pesto?
Yes, you can substitute the mixed pesto with plain sundried tomato pesto for a different flavor profile.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 7.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I prepare the oven tray?
Lightly grease an oven tray with olive oil before placing the meatballs on it.
Are these meatballs suitable for meal prep?
Yes, they are a nutritious and delicious option for lunch or snacks.
What seasonings are used?
The meatballs are seasoned with a pinch of salt and a pinch of pepper to taste.
Is this recipe considered family-friendly?
Yes, it is designed to be a guilt-free indulgence that the whole family will love.
What kind of sauce works best with these meatballs?
They go well with tomato sauce, garlic sauce, or a light cream sauce.
Can I serve these meatballs with vegetables?
Yes, they can be tossed with sautéed vegetables for a healthy meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 7 main ingredients.
What makes these meatballs 'herb-infused'?
The infusion of flavor comes from the vibrant pesto sauce which contains aromatic herbs and ingredients.
Are these meatballs high in protein?
Yes, they are categorized as protein-rich with 12.5g of protein per serving.
What kind of turkey meat should I buy?
The recipe specifically calls for 500g of turkey mincemeat.
Can I use this recipe for snacks?
Yes, these lean turkey meatballs make an excellent and satisfying snack.
What type of breadcrumbs provides the healthiest option?
The recipe uses wholemeal breadcrumbs to maintain a healthy profile.