Mediterranean Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Mediterranean Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Looking for a hearty meal that’s rich in flavor but healthy and light? These Mediterranean Turkey Meatballs are a perfect blend of aromatic herbs, zesty ingredients, and lean protein. Serve them with tzatziki, a fresh salad, or a warm plate of quinoa for a complete meal. They’re great for meal prep, freezing, or adding a Mediterranean twist to your dinner routine.

Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

1 lb ground turkey

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup chopped red onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 large egg

Olive oil for cooking

Tzatziki sauce (for serving)

Instructions:

Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped red onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, cumin, chili flakes, and a generous amount of salt and pepper. Crack in the beaten egg and mix until evenly combined.

Form the meatballs: Shape the mixture into golf ball–sized meatballs (about 1–1.5 inch in diameter).

Cook the meatballs: Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer (without overcrowding) and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning frequently until all sides are nicely browned.

Simmer until fully cooked: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for an additional 10–12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Serve: Serve warm with tzatziki sauce, a side salad, quinoa, or flatbread.

Tips:

Don’t overmix — Gently combine ingredients until just evenly distributed. This helps keep the meatballs tender instead of tough.

Moisture balance — If mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs; if it’s too dry, add a small splash of milk or water.

Browning — Sear the meatballs in a medium-hot skillet first to lock in flavor and texture before finishing them with a brief simmer.

Baking option — If you prefer less oil, you can Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes instead of pan-frying.

Variations:

Protein swap — Use ground chicken or a mixture of ground lamb and beef for a rich flavor.

Add veggies — Fold in chopped spinach, zucchini, or olives for additional texture and nutrients.

Cheese-stuffed — Insert a small cube of fetta or mozzarella into each meatball for a melty surprise.

Sauce variation — Serve with tomato sauce, tahini, or a creamy yogurt-cucumber tzatziki for a different flavor profile.

Gluten-free option — Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almonds.

Q&A:

Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes! After cooking, let them cool completely and transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet or oven.

Are these meatballs meal-prep friendly?
Yes — you can prepare them in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Pair them with a grain or salad for convenient meal prepping.

What can I serve them with?
Mediterranean Turkey Meatballs are great with tzatziki sauce, flatbread, quinoa, or a fresh Mediterranean salad.

Are they gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, simply substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almonds.

Nutrition (per serving — 4 meatballs)