Go Back

Easy Mediterranean Baked Turkey Meatballs

These juicy Mediterranean Baked Turkey Meatballs blend lean ground turkey with aromatic spices for a healthier twist on classic meatballs. Packed with flavor from cumin, cinnamon, and fresh herbs, they're perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Servings 6 servings
Calories 215 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or non-stick cooking spray
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Meat thermometer
  • Small bowl

Ingredients
  

Meat

  • 1 pound Ground turkey [450 g]

Produce

  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup Shallots minced [about 1 medium shallot, 40 g]
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley finely chopped [15 g]
  • Zest of 1 Lemon

Baking & Spices

  • 1/4 cup Dried breadcrumbs [30 g]
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper

Oils & Vinegars

  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil [15 ml]

Dairy

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt for the optional sauce

Condiments

  • 1 clove Garlic minced, for the optional sauce
  • Juice of 1/2 Lemon for the optional sauce
  • to taste Salt and black pepper for the optional sauce

Instructions
 

Prepare the Meatballs

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, minced garlic, minced shallots, chopped parsley, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, black pepper, and lemon zest.
  • Add the egg and olive oil to the bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
  • Add the ground turkey to the mixture. Using your hands, gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
  • Form the mixture into 30 meatballs, each about 1-inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each meatball.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
  • Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Quick Yogurt Sauce (Optional)

  • In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  • Serve immediately alongside the Mediterranean Baked Turkey Meatballs, or refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

Enjoy these meatballs in Mediterranean bowls with rice, salad, and hummus, or as a protein in various dishes. Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Keyword Easy Dinner, Quick Recipe, Turkey Meatballs