Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground turkey (or ground chicken)
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 shallot, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped basil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
To Serve
- Rice or quinoa
- Arugula or greens
- Basil vinaigrette
- Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together ground turkey, panko, cottage cheese, Parmesan, egg, minced shallot, garlic, parsley, basil, lemon zest, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes until fully combined.
- Form Meatballs: Using your hands or a spoon, mix thoroughly to create an even mixture. Scoop approximately two tablespoons of mixture using an ice cream or large cookie scoop, then roll into balls with your palms.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to ensure even cooking.
- Bake: Bake the meatballs for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Bake until the meatballs are cooked through and golden.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs over rice or quinoa with a side of arugula or mixed greens. Drizzle with fresh basil vinaigrette and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese. They can also be enjoyed with pasta, stuffed in a pita, or alongside roasted vegetables or potatoes.
Notes
- Ground chicken can be used as a substitute for ground turkey.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and browning.
- You can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon.
- These meatballs freeze well; bake first then freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months.
- Ensure internal temperature of meatballs reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat