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Best Savory Pesto Baked Turkey Meatballs for Easy Cozy Dinner

Savory Pesto Baked Turkey Meatballs - featured image

Juicy, flavorful turkey meatballs baked with basil pesto until golden and crispy. A simple, cozy dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (93/7)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) prepared basil pesto
  • 1/2 cup (60g) Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup (25g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the pan)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly brush with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, basil pesto, and egg. Mix gently with a fork or your hands until just combined.
  3. Add the Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Fold together until evenly distributed. The mixture will be slightly wet and sticky.
  4. Using a cookie scoop or heaping tablespoon, portion out the mixture and roll into smooth balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.
  5. Bake on the middle rack for 18-22 minutes, until cooked through and golden brown. An instant-read thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) in the center.
  6. Let the meatballs rest on the pan for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For an extra golden crust, broil for the last 1-2 minutes. Do not overmix the meat. Wet your hands to prevent sticking when rolling. Use a cookie scoop for uniform size.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatballs, pesto meatballs, baked meatballs, easy dinner, cozy dinner, healthy meatballs