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Lemon Herb Meatballs Recipe

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4.1 from 5 reviews

Delicious and zesty Lemon Herb Meatballs made with ground turkey, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon zest. These meatballs are baked to perfection, offering a healthy, flavorful meal perfect served with rice, quinoa, or greens with a fresh basil vinaigrette.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (about 16 meatballs)

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to ensure even cooking.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat