Olivia Carter
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional beef meatballs, look no further than turkey meatballs cooked in a skillet. Turkey is a lean protein that is packed with flavor, especially when combined with the right seasonings and cooked in a skillet. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or you simply love the taste of turkey, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
To make turkey meatballs in a skillet, you’ll need ground turkey, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, onion, parsley, and a variety of seasonings to enhance the flavor. The combination of garlic and onion adds a lovely depth of flavor, while the breadcrumbs and eggs help bind the ingredients together. Paired with a skillet, these meatballs cook quickly and evenly, resulting in juicy, flavorful bites.
One of the advantages of cooking turkey meatballs in a skillet is the ability to control the level of browning. By adjusting the heat and cooking time, you can achieve perfectly browned meatballs with a crispy exterior and a tender interior. You can also customize the size of the meatballs to your preference, whether you prefer bite-sized mini meatballs or larger ones.
Once the turkey meatballs are cooked to perfection, you can serve them in a variety of ways. They can be served over pasta or rice, as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, or simply enjoyed on their own with a side of vegetables. The versatility of turkey meatballs makes them a fantastic option for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Preparation:
Before you start cooking your turkey meatballs, it is important to gather all the necessary ingredients and tools. Here is a list of what you will need:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Meat thermometer
Once you have everything ready, follow these steps to prepare the turkey meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a plate or baking sheet.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them.
- Cook the meatballs for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally to brown all sides evenly. Use a spatula to gently flip the meatballs.
- Check the internal temperature of the meatballs using a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Once the meatballs are cooked through, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the turkey meatballs hot as a main dish or as an appetizer with your favorite sauce or dip.
Now you are ready to enjoy delicious homemade turkey meatballs cooked to perfection in a skillet!
Ingredients:
For the meatballs:
- 500g ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the sauce:
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional garnish:
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking Instructions:
To cook turkey meatballs in a skillet, follow these simple steps:
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and egg. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the turkey mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a plate or tray, ready for cooking.
- Preheat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Carefully place the meatballs in the preheated skillet, leaving some space between each one. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until browned on one side.
- Flip and Cook: Gently flip each meatball using tongs or a spatula. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until browned on the other side and cooked through.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure the meatballs are fully cooked, insert a meat thermometer into one of the meatballs. It should register at least 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from Skillet: Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the turkey meatballs hot as an appetizer, alongside pasta, or in a sandwich. They can be enjoyed plain or with your favorite sauce or dip.
These turkey meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Experiment with various seasonings and serve them with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat instead of turkey?
Yes, you can definitely use a different type of meat instead of turkey. Ground chicken or ground beef are popular alternatives. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of meat you use. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
