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Pesto Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe

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4 from 9 reviews

These Pesto Baked Turkey Meatballs are a flavorful and healthy twist on traditional meatballs, combining lean ground turkey with aromatic pesto and melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection, they make a quick and delicious dinner option that pairs beautifully with noodles or vegetables.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (16 meatballs)

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 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

Pesto Sauce and Cheese

  • 1 cup pesto (divided: 1/4 cup + 3/4 cup)
  • 2/3 cup mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried basil. Use your hands to thoroughly mix all ingredients until evenly combined.
  3. Prepare Baking Dish: Spread 1/4 cup of pesto evenly along the bottom of a 10×10 inch square baking dish to add flavor and keep the meatballs moist while baking.
  4. Form Meatballs: Using 2 tablespoons of the turkey mixture, form 16 evenly sized meatballs. This ensures consistent cooking throughout.
  5. Arrange Meatballs: Place all 16 meatballs into the prepared baking dish, arranging them evenly over the pesto layer.
  6. Add Pesto Topping: Pour the remaining 3/4 cup of pesto over the meatballs, making sure each meatball is well coated for enhanced flavor and moisture.
  7. Bake Meatballs: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 25 minutes, allowing them to cook through and develop a light crust.
  8. Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the 2/3 cup mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Cool and Serve: Let the meatballs cool slightly before serving. They are perfect served alongside noodles or vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Ground turkey can be substituted with lean ground chicken if desired.
  • Use fresh basil instead of dried for a brighter flavor, adjusting quantity to taste.
  • Serve with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
  • Make sure not to overcrowd the baking dish to ensure even cooking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/pesto-baked-turkey-meatballs-recipe/