Turkey meatballs are a staple for anyone looking for a lighter alternative to beef, but who says you have to stick with traditional flavors? Today, let’s give your taste buds a twist with this scrumptious recipe for Pesto Baked Turkey Meatballs. It combines the herby goodness of pesto with the lean, tender texture of ground turkey, topped off with gooey mozzarella cheese. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Ground Turkey: 1.5 lb
- Egg: 1, to bind the ingredients
- Seasonings: 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp dried basil for that aromatic flavor
- Pesto: 1 cup, for that vibrant, herby moisture
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2/3 cup, for creamy topping
Directions to Deliciousness:
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400°F to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried basil. Using your hands, make sure the mixture is well combined to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of about 1/4 cup of pesto on the bottom of a 10×10 square baking dish. This not only prevents sticking but also infuses the meatballs with pesto from all sides.
- Form the Meatballs: Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture for each meatball and roll them into balls. You should get about 16 meatballs.
- Arrange in Dish: Place the meatballs in the prepared baking dish.
- Add More Pesto: Drizzle the remaining 3/4 cup of pesto over the meatballs, ensuring each one is nicely coated.
- Bake: Pop them in the oven for 25 minutes. The aroma of baking pesto will start to fill your kitchen!
- Add Cheese and Bake Again: After 25 minutes, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the meatballs and return to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the dish cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
Preparation and Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: Serves up to 4 people
This recipe for Pesto Baked Turkey Meatballs is not only a joy to make but also a treat to eat. The combination of juicy turkey meatballs with the rich flavor of pesto and melted mozzarella is sure to bring a touch of gourmet to your home cooking. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. So why not try this delightful twist on a classic tonight?
Pesto Baked Turkey Meatballs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
These Pesto Baked Turkey Meatballs are a heavenly combination of juicy turkey and rich, flavorful pesto, all topped off with gooey mozzarella cheese. Ideal for those seeking a comforting yet simple meal, this dish brings a delightful twist to your regular meatball routine with the infusion of classic Italian flavors.Whether served over a bed of steaming noodles or alongside a crisp salad, these meatballs make a wholesome meal that satisfies both the heart and the palate. They are perfect for any night of the week and promise a dinner that is as nutritious as it is delicious.
Ingredients
1.5 lb ground turkey
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried basil
1 cup of pesto
2/3 cup mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried basil.
Use your hands to combine this mixture thoroughly.
Spread a thin layer of 1/4 cup pesto along the bottom of a 10×10 square baking dish.
Form 16 meatballs by taking 2 tbsp of the turkey mixture for each.
Arrange the meatballs in the baking dish.
Pour the remaining 3/4 cup of pesto over the meatballs, ensuring each is covered.
Bake for 25 minutes.
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Allow to cool slightly and serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes