Savory Baked Turkey Meatballs with Almond Crust
These Savory Baked Turkey Meatballs are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional meatballs, perfect for anyone following a Paleo lifestyle or low-carb diet. Made with lean ground turkey and seasoned with a medley of herbs and spices, each meatball is moist and packed with flavor. The almond meal crust adds a satisfying crunch, making them not only nutritious but also incredibly satisfying. Serve these meatballs alongside your favorite roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a wholesome meal the whole family will love. Easy to prepare and bake, this recipe requires no frying, making cleanup a breeze!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground turkey
1 lb (raw)
egg
1 (beaten)
dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons (dried)
dried parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons (dried)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (dry)
onion powder
1 teaspoon (dry)
red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
almond meal
1/4 cup (for rolling)
sea salt
1 pinch (to taste)
black pepper
1 teaspoon (ground)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, dried oregano, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and sea salt.
3
Using your hands, mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
4
Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 2.5 inches in diameter. This should yield approximately 15 meatballs.
5
Roll each meatball in almond meal to create a light crust.
6
Place the coated meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8
Allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your choice of vegetables or salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Baked Turkey Meatballs with Almond Crust?
They are a healthy, paleo-friendly, and low-carb alternative to traditional meatballs made with lean ground turkey and an almond meal coating.
Is this recipe Paleo-friendly?
Yes, this recipe uses almond meal instead of breadcrumbs and contains no dairy or grains, making it suitable for a Paleo lifestyle.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by using almond meal as a crust rather than wheat-based breadcrumbs, these meatballs are naturally gluten-free.
How many meatballs does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 15 meatballs when shaped to about 2.5 inches in diameter.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) for baking these meatballs.
How long do the turkey meatballs need to bake?
The meatballs should bake for 20-25 minutes until browned and cooked through.
What is the safe internal temperature for turkey meatballs?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure the turkey is fully cooked.
Do I need to fry these meatballs?
No, these meatballs are baked in the oven, which makes them healthier and simplifies cleanup.
What provides the crunch in this recipe?
The almond meal crust provides a satisfying crunch and texture to the exterior of the meatballs.
What ingredients are used for seasoning?
The seasoning includes dried oregano, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper.
How do I prepare the baking sheet?
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the meatballs from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
How large should I make the meatballs?
The mixture should be shaped into meatballs that are about 2.5 inches in diameter.
Is there egg in this recipe?
Yes, one beaten egg is used as a binder to help the ground turkey and spices hold their shape.
What is the best way to coat the meatballs in almond meal?
Roll each shaped meatball in a bowl containing 1/4 cup of almond meal until a light crust is formed.
Can I serve these with salad?
Absolutely, these meatballs pair perfectly with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal.
Should I let the meatballs rest after baking?
Yes, it is recommended to allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes before serving to help them stay moist.
Are these meatballs spicy?
They have a mild kick due to the 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, but the heat is balanced by the other herbs and spices.
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Yes, ground chicken is a suitable substitute for ground turkey in this recipe and will yield similar results.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, it is considered low-carb as it uses almond meal instead of high-carb fillers like flour or breadcrumbs.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients including the meat, binder, coating, and various seasonings.
Can I prepare this recipe in under 30 minutes?
Yes, the prep time is quick and the bake time is only 20-25 minutes, making it a fast dinner option.
What type of turkey should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of raw ground turkey.
What purpose does the onion powder serve?
Onion powder adds a concentrated savory flavor to the meat mixture without adding the moisture of fresh onions.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for even distribution of flavor throughout the meatball.
Is sea salt necessary?
Sea salt is recommended for seasoning to taste, though regular table salt can be used as a substitute.
What kind of parsley should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried parsley.
How should I mix the ingredients?
It is best to use your hands to mix the ingredients in a large bowl until they are thoroughly combined.
Why use parchment paper?
Parchment paper prevents sticking and ensures the almond meal crust remains intact on the meatballs during baking.
Can these meatballs be meal-prepped?
Yes, they are easy to prepare in advance and store well, making them an excellent choice for healthy meal prepping.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While not specifically defined by weight, the recipe makes about 15 meatballs which typically serves 3 to 4 people.