Pesto Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Pesto baked turkey meatballs are a flavorful and healthy twist on a classic favorite. These juicy meatballs are coated in vibrant pesto and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner. They pair wonderfully with pasta or fresh vegetables for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb ground turkey
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1 cup pesto (divided)
• 2/3 cup mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried basil.
3. Step 3: Use your hands to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until well combined.
4. Step 4: Take 1/4 cup of the pesto and spread a thin layer along the bottom of a 10×10 inch square baking dish.
5. Step 5: Form 16 meatballs by scooping about 2 tablespoons of the turkey mixture for each meatball.
6. Step 6: Arrange the meatballs evenly in the prepared baking dish.
7. Step 7: Pour the remaining 3/4 cup of pesto over the meatballs, making sure each one is well coated.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
9. Step 9: Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the meatballs, and return to the oven for another 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Step 10: Let the meatballs cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them with noodles, rice, or your choice of vegetables.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding finely chopped fresh parsley or grated Parmesan to the meatball mixture.
• Swap the turkey for ground chicken or beef if preferred.
• Use homemade pesto or your favorite store-bought version to save time.
• Serve with spaghetti or zucchini noodles for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and assemble the dish up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake when ready to serve.

Is ground turkey healthy for meatballs?

Ground turkey is a lean, high-protein option that makes these meatballs healthier than traditional beef versions while still keeping them juicy and flavorful when combined with pesto and cheese.

Pesto Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 54 reviews

These Pesto Baked Turkey Meatballs are a delicious and healthy twist on a classic favorite. Made with lean ground turkey and infused with flavorful pesto, garlic, and herbs, these meatballs are baked to perfection and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect as a main dish served over noodles or veggies, they’re a simple, family-friendly recipe that’s packed with flavor and easy to prepare.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 meatballs (serves 4) 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatball Mixture

• 1.5 lb ground turkey
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried basil

Pesto and Topping

• 1 cup pesto (divided: 1/4 cup for baking dish, 3/4 cup for topping)
• 2/3 cup mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried basil. Mix together thoroughly using your hands to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
3. Prepare Baking Dish: Spread 1/4 cup of pesto in a thin layer along the bottom of a 10×10 inch square baking dish. This will add flavor and prevent sticking.
4. Form Meatballs: Using about 2 tablespoons of the turkey mixture, form 16 evenly sized meatballs by rolling between your palms.
5. Arrange Meatballs in Dish: Place all 16 meatballs in the pesto-lined baking dish, evenly spaced.
6. Add Remaining Pesto: Pour the remaining 3/4 cup of pesto over the meatballs, ensuring each is well coated with the sauce.
7. Bake Meatballs: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Add Cheese and Continue Baking: Remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the meatballs to cool slightly before serving. They pair wonderfully with noodles or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

• Ground turkey can be substituted with ground chicken or lean beef if preferred.
• For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
• Fresh basil can be used instead of dried basil for a brighter flavor.
• Serve with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad to make it a complete meal.
• Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.

Keywords: pesto turkey meatballs, baked meatballs, healthy turkey recipe, easy dinner, Italian meatballs, mozzarella topping