This turkey pesto meatballs recipe mixes lean ground turkey with basil pesto, parmesan, and breadcrumbs, then bakes them until golden for an easy, healthy turkey meatballs dinner. This baked pesto meatball recipe takes about 30 minutes and pairs well with pasta, zucchini noodles, or a simple side salad.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Main dish
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Pesto Meatballs
- These healthy turkey meatballs are baked, not fried, keeping them lighter without losing flavor.
- The basil pesto folds so much flavor into the meatballs that you barely need extra seasoning.
- This easy turkey meatballs recipe comes together with one bowl and one pan.
- Freezes well, so it’s a great meal-prep option for busy weeks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 5 lbs ground turkey
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce, for serving
- Cooked pasta or zucchini noodles, for serving
How to Make Turkey Pesto Meatballs
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, pesto, breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until cooked through and golden.
- Warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan, then add the baked meatballs, tossing to coat.
- Serve over pasta or zucchini noodles.
Tips for the Best Turkey Pesto Meatballs
- Don’t overmix the turkey mixture for this pesto meatball recipe, or the meatballs can turn dense.
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs that cook at the same rate.
- Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after baking before tossing in sauce.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup and less sticking.
Variations to Try
- Use ground chicken instead of turkey for a similar lighter option.
- Add mozzarella pearls inside each meatball for a cheesy surprise center.
- Swap marinara for a creamy pesto sauce for extra richness.
How to Store It
Store in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze baked meatballs for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep turkey meatballs from drying out?
Adding pesto and using a panade of breadcrumbs and egg helps keep these turkey pesto meatballs moist, since ground turkey is leaner than beef.
Can I make turkey pesto meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can form and bake the meatballs ahead, then refrigerate or freeze them and reheat in sauce when ready to serve.
What can I serve with pesto turkey meatballs?
They work well over pasta, zucchini noodles, rice, or even in a meatball sub sandwich.
Can I fry these instead of baking?
Baking is recommended for this easy turkey meatballs recipe since it’s hands-off and keeps the meatballs from falling apart in the pan.