Juicy Turkey Meatballs - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

FAQs

Are Turkey Meatballs good for a diet? ›

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it's made with lean ground turkey. This means that the meatballs are packed with nutritious protein and are much lower in fat than other types of meatballs. Plus, the addition of garlic, onions, and fresh herbs gives the meatballs a flavorful Mediterranean twist.

14 g of Protein - only 150 calories and decent ingredients

My family loves them, they're high in protein and reasonably low in calories and fat.

Massage your meat

Get your hands into your mixing bowl and combine the ingredients for your meatballs using your fingers. The heat from your hands will help release the proteins in the meat which will in turn help the mixture stick together when it cooks. Don't overmix, just a few minutes will do.

Per serving (4, 1-inch meatballs or 2, 2-inch meatballs): 177.6 calories; 6.3g total fat (1.4g saturated, 0.4g polyunsaturated, 0.4g monounsaturated); 249.6mg sodium; 86mg cholesterol; 7.5g carbohydrate; 0.4g fiber; 0.6g sugars; 23.3g protein; 29.2mg potassium.

Lean meat: It can help keep the metabolism high. Lean meats include skinless chicken breast, the white meat part of the turkey, and lean cuts of beef. Leafy greens, green tea, and bright vegetables can help reduce swelling and turn off fat-storage genes.

Meatballs are also a great choice if you're looking for simple and tasty ways to lose weight and eat healthy. You can make Italian meatballs, Asian inspired meatballs, barbecue meatballs and so much more. It's all about what herbs and spices you decide to put in the meat mixture.

Ground beef and turkey are both nutritious meats that provide protein, fat, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Turkey is generally lower in saturated fat than beef. As such, it may be a better choice for heart health. Fat-free turkey is also the lowest calorie option if you're interested in weight loss.

Instead of frying, I have a really easy recipe that I use to make baked meatballs. As you may already know, baking is a lighter and healthier cooking process than frying because in baking you miss all the fat and calories of the frying oil. You also have less cleanup – yay.

Meatballs are often high in sodium and fat, but they are also a good source of protein. Choose meatballs made with leaner meats or eat them in moderation.

Milk: Adds moisture and tenderizes the meat, making our meatballs juicy and tender once cooked. Egg: Adds more moisture and helps the mixture firm up once cooked. Parmesan: My secret ingredient for the best meatballs! Parmigiano-Reggiano adds flavor and salt to our mixture.

Why are my turkey meatballs mushy? ›

Commercially ground turkey also has a finer texture than beef or pork, which is why it cooks up mushy. The fine consistency also means the meat has a harder time holding on to moisture.

When it comes to adding liquid to meatball mixtures, milk is often used for its versatility, depth of flavor, and richness. Without the use of milk, you may be faced with a plate of dry meatballs. Milk adds a certain level of moisture that helps produce perfectly tender meatballs.

If you have high cholesterol, you should talk with your doctor about what you eat, including meat. There are good, lean choices. For example, you can consider chicken or turkey breasts without skin; pork tenderloin; or beef round, sirloin, or tenderloin. Avoid highly processed meats (bacon, ham, lunchmeat, etc.).

In general, those foods include those high in fat, salt and calories. So herewith, a sampling of the most blood-pressure-unfriendly foods to avoid over the Thanksgiving holiday. Red Meat: Stick to the turkey — the non-deep-fried turkey, that is — because a big 'ol steak registers high in fat, salt and calories.

If you're eating for a healthy heart, lean ground turkey—which is lower in saturated fat—is the better pick for you.

Lean Meats

Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Chicken, turkey and other protein-packed lean meats take more energy for your body to break down than carbohydrate or fat-rich foods, therefore, burning slightly more calories during the digestive process. Tip: Trim off any visible fat from meat and poultry, including the skin.

Turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps keep you full for longer periods and provides energy throughout the day. It's also low in fat and calories, which makes it a great option if you're watching your weight or trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The bottom line

Turkey is generally lower in saturated fat than beef. As such, it may be a better choice for heart health. Fat-free turkey is also the lowest calorie option if you're interested in weight loss.

White meat turkey has fewer calories and slightly more protein, especially in the turkey breast. White meat protein sources also lack moisture due to a lack of fat.