Say goodbye to dry, bland turkey meatballs forever. This is the ultimate recipe for incredibly juicy and flavorful Greek Turkey Meatballs, packed with fresh herbs, feta cheese, and a hint of lemon. They are surprisingly easy to make and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
We’ve all been there—excited for a healthy turkey meatball dinner, only to be met with a tough, dry texture. This recipe is designed to fix that. The secret is in a few key ingredients that add moisture and a ton of authentic Greek flavor, making these a staple you’ll return to again and again.
Why You’ll Love These Greek Turkey Meatballs
Before we get to the how-to, let’s talk about why this recipe is a cut above the rest. These aren’t just your average meatballs; they are a taste of the Mediterranean in every single bite.
- Incredibly Juicy: We use grated onion and a touch of olive oil to ensure every meatball is tender and moist.
- Packed with Flavor: Salty feta, fresh dill, parsley, and bright lemon zest create a flavor combination that is truly irresistible.
- Healthy & Lean: Made with lean ground turkey, these meatballs are a fantastic source of protein and fit perfectly into a healthy lifestyle.
- Super Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer with tzatziki, over a fresh orzo salad, or in a pita for a satisfying lunch. They are delicious warm or cold!
The Key Ingredients for Authentic Greek Flavor
The magic of these Greek Turkey Meatballs comes from a simple set of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create that signature Mediterranean taste.
For the Meatballs
- Ground Turkey: We recommend using 93/7 lean ground turkey. It has enough fat to keep the meatballs moist without being greasy.
- Feta Cheese: Use a block of feta packed in brine and crumble it yourself for the best flavor and texture.
- Onion & Garlic: Grated onion adds moisture, while fresh garlic provides a punch of savory flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: A combination of fresh dill and parsley is essential for that authentic Greek taste.
- Binder: Panko breadcrumbs and one egg help bind the meatballs together perfectly.
- Lemon: We use both the zest and juice to add a bright, fresh citrus note that cuts through the richness.
For the Optional Tzatziki Sauce
While the meatballs are fantastic on their own, a creamy tzatziki sauce takes them to the next level. It’s a simple mix of Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh dill. It’s the perfect cooling contrast to the savory meatballs.
How to Make Greek Turkey Meatballs Step-by-Step
Making these meatballs is a straightforward process. We’ll bake them in the oven, which is not only easier than pan-frying but also results in a more evenly cooked, tender meatball. Let’s get started!
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, crumbled feta, grated onion, minced garlic, fresh dill, parsley, panko breadcrumbs, egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
- Form the Meatballs: Scoop and roll the mixture into uniform balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs. Place them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Pro Tips for the Juiciest Turkey Meatballs
Want to guarantee your Greek Turkey Meatballs are the best they can be? Follow these simple but effective tips from our kitchen.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Overworking the ground turkey can make the final meatballs tough and dense.
- Grate the Onion: Grating the onion on a box grater releases its juices, adding essential moisture directly into the meat mixture. It’s a game-changer!
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For evenly sized meatballs that cook at the same rate, use a medium cookie scoop to portion out the mixture.
Delicious Ways to Serve Your Meatballs
These meatballs are incredibly versatile. While they are amazing on their own, you can easily turn them into a full meal. Consider serving them over a refreshing cucumber and sweet pepper salad.
- As an Appetizer: Serve them on a platter with toothpicks and a side of homemade tzatziki for dipping.
- In a Bowl: Create a delicious grain bowl with lemon rice, a simple Greek chickpea salad, and a dollop of hummus.
- In a Pita: Stuff them into a warm pita pocket with lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of tzatziki for a hearty and portable lunch.
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating
These Greek Turkey Meatballs are perfect for meal prep. You can easily make a double batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze for a future meal.
How to Store
Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How to Freeze
To freeze, let the cooked meatballs cool completely. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 3 months. You can also freeze them uncooked using the same method.
How to Reheat
Reheat cooked meatballs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or gently in a saucepan with a splash of broth to keep them moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they freeze beautifully. Let the cooked meatballs cool completely, then flash-freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Yes, you can easily substitute ground chicken for a similar lean option. Ground beef would also work, but it will create a richer, more robust flavor that is less traditional for this specific recipe.
Absolutely! You can prepare the raw meatball mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can bake them completely and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
The key to moist turkey meatballs is to avoid overmixing the meat and to include ingredients that add moisture. In this recipe, we use grated onion and 93/7 lean ground turkey, which has enough fat to ensure they stay juicy and tender.
They are incredibly versatile! Serve them as an appetizer with tzatziki sauce, over lemon rice or orzo, in a pita sandwich, or on top of a fresh Greek salad for a complete and delicious meal.
Greek Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Greek Turkey Meatballs (Juicy & Flavorful!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, feta cheese, panko breadcrumbs, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, dill, egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).
- Serve warm with your favorite sides and a dollop of tzatziki sauce, if desired.
Notes
Tip 2: Do not overmix the meat mixture, as this can result in tough meatballs.
Tip 3: Use a cookie scoop for uniformly sized meatballs that will cook evenly.
If you tried this Greek Turkey Meatballs recipe or any other recipe on our blog, please leave a comment and let us know how it went! We love hearing from you. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!
