These turkey meatballs are simple to make with only 5 ingredients are super versatile and also freeze well!
I do enjoy cooking, but I don’t prefer to spend all day or all weekend cooking in my kitchen, especially on days like this past weekend when it was 58 degrees and SUNNY.
Yes, we live in Michigan, and you just don’t want to be stuck inside doing anything when you have the chance to enjoy the little bit of sunshine that Michigan has to offer.
Sorry folks, it’s been a VERY long winter, can you tell?!
With that said, I love when I can make one meal and turn it into two or even three. Last month’s Recipe Redux challenge was exactly that – cook once, eat twice. So I made my favorite chicken tenders and added the leftovers to a kale salad to get this Crispy Chicken Kale Salad.
A win-win in my book!
This past week I decided to make these simple turkey meatballs that are not only easy, but can be used in plenty of different ways.
Just mix all five ingredients together and form them into balls.
Then add them to a large skillet over medium heat and cook for 10-12 minutes.
Since my kids typically enjoy foods that aren’t mixed together with several other ingredients, they enjoyed the meatballs plain. Whereas my husband and I enjoyed them as meatball sandwiches (recipe coming soon!). And the best part is I had about 12 meatballs left over that I mixed with pasta sauce and stuck in the fridge.
The next day all I had to do was cook some pasta noodles and add the meatballs and sauce to the pasta – so simple and delicious! And since we didn’t eat all of the remaining 12 meatballs I froze the rest to use another time. Yes, 3 meals in 1, my kind of food prep!
Different ways to Eat Meatballs
- Top noodles with meatballs and sauce for pasta night
- Add meatballs to your favorite stroganoff recipe
- Add meatballs to sub buns and top with pasta sauce and cheese
- Chop up the meatballs and add them to homemade pizza
- Serve them as appetizers with your favorite sauce
You’ll notice I used whole wheat Panko crumbs with this recipe since I love to add in whole grains whenever possible to recipes, but feel free to use Italian Bread Crumbs instead if you prefer.
Simple Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lbs lean ground turkey OR ground beef
- 1 cup whole wheat Panko crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Combine all five ingredients and mix well.
- Form mixture into meatballs.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add meatballs. Turn often.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes or until meat reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
This Simple Turkey Meatballs post first appeared on Chocolate Slopes.
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Karli @ Peas of Cake
Monday 13th of April 2015
Thanks! Pinning this!
Kristy Hegner
Tuesday 14th of April 2015
Enjoy Karli :)
Elizabeth @ Enjoy Every Bite
Monday 13th of April 2015
These look so yummy! My husband doesn't like pasta but I think those sandwiches would be a hit! Pinning!
Kristy Hegner
Monday 13th of April 2015
Hope you both enjoy Elizabeth - let me know what you think :)
Emily @SinfulNutrition
Monday 13th of April 2015
I am having the hardest time finding organic ground turkey around these parts! But when I do, these will be the first thing I make! :)
Kristy Hegner
Monday 13th of April 2015
Good luck! Hope you enjoy :)
Katie @ Mom to Mom Nutrition
Monday 13th of April 2015
Those meatball subs look DELICIOUS! I love how versatile your recipes are... where do you find whole wheat panko breadcrumbs?!
Kristy Hegner
Monday 13th of April 2015
Thanks Katie :) I buy the whole wheat Panko crumbs at Ninos and Meijers :)