Healthy Turkey Meatballs Recipe Without Breadcrumbs Recipe
This Healthy Turkey Meatballs recipe is a flavorful, low-carb dish made without breadcrumbs, combining lean ground turkey with aromatic garlic, fresh basil, and shredded zucchini. These meatballs are pan-cooked to perfection and can be served with a variety of sides, making them a versatile and nutritious meal option for those seeking a wholesome, gluten-free, and low-calorie dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 meatballs 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 8 oz (220 g) ground turkey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp zucchini, shredded
- 2 tbsp mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp green pesto
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, minced garlic, chopped basil, shredded zucchini, shredded mozzarella cheese, green pesto, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into walnut-sized meatballs for even cooking and perfect bite-sized portions.
- Cook meatballs: Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat and lightly grease with a small amount of cooking fat such as olive oil. Place the meatballs in the pan and cover with a lid to retain moisture and cook evenly.
- Flip meatballs: After about 4-5 minutes, carefully flip each meatball to cook the opposite side, ensuring even browning and thorough cooking. You may also cook the sides by gently rolling the meatballs as needed.
- Serve: Once cooked through and golden brown on all sides, remove the meatballs and serve hot. Pair with a fresh salad, cauliflower rice, or a tomato garlic sauce for a low-carb meal, or enjoy alongside couscous for a nutritious, non-low-carb option.
Notes
- Using shredded zucchini adds moisture and helps bind the meatballs without breadcrumbs, keeping them tender.
- Make sure not to overmix the turkey mixture to avoid tough meatballs.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the mozzarella and pesto or substitute with vegan alternatives.
- Cook the meatballs on medium heat to prevent burning while ensuring they cook through inside.
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs (approx. 120g)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: healthy turkey meatballs, low carb meatballs, gluten free meatballs, turkey recipes, breadcrumb free meatballs, low calorie dinner, easy turkey meatballs
