Turkey Zucchini Meatballs

Turkey zucchini meatballs always remind me of a night when I wanted to make something cozy and satisfying but still a bit lighter so I looked in my fridge and saw a lonely zucchini waiting to be used and decided to grate it into some lean ground turkey. As I mixed everything together and rolled the meatballs, I knew they were going to be extra juicy and tender. When I pulled them out of the oven and coated them in a bright, flavorful sauce, I couldn’t wait to dig in and they turned out even better than I imagined.

Since then these turkey zucchini meatballs have become one of my favorite weeknight dinners when I want comfort food that’s still healthy and full of flavor so they’re perfect for meal prepping, serving with pasta or zoodles, or just enjoying on their own and I can’t wait for you to give them a try and love them as much as I do.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Ground turkey – Lean, tender, and full of protein.
• Zucchini – Adds moisture and sneaks in extra veggies.
• Egg – Helps bind everything together.
• Panko breadcrumbs – Keep the meatballs light and tender.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds savory richness.
• Garlic – Brings delicious depth of flavor.
• Onion – Finely grated for sweetness and moisture.
• Italian seasoning – Gives a classic, herby taste.
• Salt and black pepper – To perfectly season the meatballs.
• Marinara sauce – For simmering and serving.
• Fresh parsley or green onions – For a bright, fresh garnish.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl – To combine all the ingredients.
• Box grater – To grate the zucchini and onion finely.
• Baking sheet – For roasting the meatballs evenly.
• Parchment paper – Makes cleanup easy and prevents sticking.
• Spoon or scoop – To form uniform meatballs.
• Large skillet or saucepan – For heating the sauce and finishing the meatballs.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the zucchini

I start by grating the zucchini and then squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This helps keep the meatballs from getting soggy.

Step 2: Mix the meatball ingredients

In a large bowl, I combine ground turkey, grated zucchini, egg, panko, Parmesan, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. I mix everything gently until just combined.

Step 3: Form the meatballs

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, I shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake

I bake the meatballs at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Step 5: Simmer in sauce

While the meatballs bake, I warm marinara sauce in a large skillet. Once the meatballs are done, I transfer them to the skillet and let them simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to soak up extra flavor.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

I top with fresh parsley or green onions and a little extra Parmesan if I’m feeling fancy.

Tips

If you want to make them extra special, I recommend adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mix for a gentle kick. You can also swap panko for almond flour to make them lower in carbs. They’re perfect served over pasta, zucchini noodles, or even on a toasted bun as a meatball sub.

Ways to Serve

I love serving turkey zucchini meatballs with spaghetti for a cozy dinner or with a big green salad for something lighter. They also make great meal prep lunches and taste even better the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze turkey zucchini meatballs?

Yes! Let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Can I make them dairy-free?

You can skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.

How do I keep meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure to squeeze the zucchini well and don’t skip the egg and breadcrumbs they help bind everything together.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give these turkey zucchini meatballs a try! They’re juicy, flavorful, and the perfect mix of comforting and healthy. Let me know how yours turn out and share your favorite ways to enjoy them below! Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next cozy dinner or meal prep plan.

Happy Cooking!

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