These Mediterranean Baked Turkey Meatballs bring together lean ground turkey, warm aromatic spices, and fresh herbs for a flavorful, protein-packed meal that’s anything but boring. Seasoned with cumin, allspice, cinnamon, and a touch of cayenne, these tender meatballs bake to golden perfection — perfect for easy dinners, meal prep, or Mediterranean-inspired rice bowls.
Why You’ll Love These Turkey Meatballs
There’s something special about homemade meatballs — they’re comforting, versatile, and always a hit with the family. This recipe gives traditional meatballs a Mediterranean twist, pairing juicy baked turkey with rich, earthy spices. Whether you serve them over rice with hummus, tucked into a pita, or as a party appetizer with tahini sauce, they’ll be gone in no time!
Plus, they’re great for meal prep — make a double batch, freeze some, and you’ve got a healthy, flavorful protein ready for quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey (93/7 fat content) – adds juiciness and flavor
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs – helps bind the meatballs and keep them tender
- 1 egg – holds everything together
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – for that savory kick
- ¼ cup minced shallots – or substitute red or sweet onion
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped – adds freshness and color
- ¾ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp allspice
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- ¾ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- 1–2 Tbsp olive oil – for moisture and richness
How to Make Mediterranean Baked Turkey Meatballs
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, shallots, parsley, olive oil, and all the spices. Add the ground turkey and gently mix everything together — just until combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs using wet hands or a small cookie scoop. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the meatballs are lightly golden.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve warm over a bed of rice or quinoa, with roasted veggies and hummus for a balanced Mediterranean meal.
Serving Ideas
- Rice Bowl: Pair with brown rice, chickpeas, cucumber salad, and a drizzle of tahini or tzatziki.
- Appetizer: Make smaller meatballs and serve with toothpicks and a creamy dipping sauce.
- Pita Wrap: Add greens, tomatoes, feta, and yogurt sauce for a quick lunch.
- Salad Topper: Slice and serve over an arugula or Greek salad for a light, protein-rich meal.
Variations
- Protein Swap: Try ground beef, lamb, chicken, or pork. Adjust breadcrumbs as needed for moisture.
- Spice it Up: Add paprika, za’atar, or sumac for new flavor dimensions.
- Fresh Herbs: Mix in mint, oregano, or basil for added freshness.
- Cooking Options: Pan-fry or air fry at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes, turning halfway through.
Storage and Freezing Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Let meatballs cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a bag or container. Keeps up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep them juicy.
Expert Tips
- Don’t overmix — it keeps your meatballs tender.
- Use slightly higher-fat turkey (93/7) to prevent dryness.
- A cookie scoop ensures evenly sized meatballs for consistent baking.
- Pair with a creamy dill or tahini sauce for extra flavor.
Mediterranean Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 30 meatballs
These tender, spiced turkey meatballs bake up juicy and flavorful — perfect for rice bowls, salads, or appetizers.
Calories (per serving): ~160 kcal