Jump to Recipe Print RecipeIn the middle of a hectic week, the thought of whipping up a homemade dinner often feels daunting. However, I’ve discovered a delightful solution: Quick & Easy Pesto Turkey Meatballs with Mozzarella & Marinara. This recipe not only transforms that stress into a flavorful feast but also requires just 10 minutes of active prep! Perfect for busy nights, these protein-packed, one-pan wonders come together in under 40 minutes and bring the warmth of Italian cuisine straight to your table. Imagine serving up tender, juicy meatballs smothered in rich marinara, topped with melting mozzarella—a comforting meal that will impress your loved ones without keeping you in the kitchen all evening. Are you ready to transform your dinner routine? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe! Why Make Pesto Turkey Meatballs? Flavor Explosion: These meatballs are brimming with a delightful mix of basil pesto and melted mozzarella that enhances every bite. Time-Saving Delight: With only 10 minutes of prep, this one-pan meal is perfect for those hectic weeknights! Protein-Packed Goodness: Lean turkey ensures each serving is nutrient-rich, satisfying your hunger while keeping it light. Versatile Pairing Options: Serve them over spaghetti, in sub sandwiches, or alongside garlic bread for a crowd-pleasing dinner that everyone will love. Why not explore more comfort food with Turkey Stroganoff Comforting or try a fresh twist on dinner with Salmon Pesto Butter? You’re bound to delight your taste buds! Pesto Turkey Meatballs Ingredients This recipe will have you savoring every bite! For the Meatballs Ground Turkey – The main protein source; feel free to swap it for ground chicken for a similar texture. Basil Pesto – Adds a flavor punch and moisture; both homemade and store-bought options work beautifully. Panko Breadcrumbs – Provides a crunchy texture; regular breadcrumbs can be substituted without sacrificing quality. Parmesan Cheese – Richens the flavor; shredded mozzarella can be used for a slightly different taste. Egg – Acts as a binder; if you’re avoiding eggs, a flax egg or chia egg is a great go-to alternative. Dried Basil & Dried Oregano – Enhances flavor; fresh herbs can be great substitutes, just adjust the quantities! Garlic Powder – Offers depth of flavor; don’t hesitate to use fresh minced garlic for a bolder taste. Salt & Black Pepper – Essential seasonings to bring all flavors together. For Cooking Marinara Sauce – The perfect complement for the meatballs; choose your favorite brand or whip up a quick homemade version. Mozzarella Balls – Melts magnificently over the meatballs for that comforting creaminess; shredded mozzarella is also a tasty option. Dive into creating these flavorful Pesto Turkey Meatballs and enjoy a plateful of warmth and goodness! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pesto Turkey Meatballs Step 1: Prepare Meatball Mixture In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, basil pesto, panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed. This mixture will create the flavorful base for your Pesto Turkey Meatballs, so it’s essential to blend it until just combined but not overworked. Step 2: Shape Meatballs Once the mixture is ready, scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the meatball mixture and roll it into a ball using your hands. Continue shaping the mixture into approximately 12 meatballs, placing them on a plate as you go. Aim for uniform size to ensure even cooking, and remember that these Pesto Turkey Meatballs will puff up slightly as they cook. Step 3: Sear Meatballs Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. When the oil is hot and shimmering, gently add the shaped meatballs to the skillet. Sear the meatballs for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they’re browned and nicely caramelized. This process enhances flavor and will give the Pesto Turkey Meatballs a beautiful color. Step 4: Simmer in Marinara After searing, carefully pour marinara sauce over the meatballs in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low, allowing the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes. Flip the meatballs halfway through cooking to ensure they’re evenly coated in the delicious sauce, infusing them with flavor. Step 5: Add Mozzarella & Bake Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the meatballs have simmered, remove the lid and scatter mozzarella balls over the top of the meatballs. Drizzle with the remaining pesto, then carefully transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a delicious layer of ooey-gooey goodness atop your Pesto Turkey Meatballs. Step 6: Serve Once the cheese is perfectly melted, remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Serve your flavorful Pesto Turkey Meatballs with your choice of pasta, crusty bread, or alongside fresh vegetables for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Enjoy the comfort and joy of this delightful one-pan dish! Expert Tips for Pesto Turkey Meatballs Choose the Right Turkey: Avoid leaner turkey; a 93/7 ratio will keep the meatballs moist and flavorful. Too lean can lead to dry meatballs. Uniform Size Matters: Shape all meatballs to the same size for even cooking; inconsistency can result in some being overcooked while others remain undercooked. Careful Baking Time: Ovens vary in temperature; check the meatballs at the 8-minute mark to prevent overcooking the cheese on your Pesto Turkey Meatballs. Moisture Is Key: If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of water or extra pesto. This ensures the meatballs maintain their juicy tenderness throughout. Experiment with Herbs: Don’t hesitate to add fresh herbs or adjust dried herb quantities to personalize your meatballs. Even small tweaks can elevate flavors significantly! Pesto Turkey Meatballs Variations Feel free to get creative and personalize these meatballs to suit your taste and dietary preferences! Ground Chicken: Swap turkey for ground chicken in equal amounts for a similar flavor and texture, perfect for poultry lovers. Vegetable Boost: Add finely chopped spinach or grated zucchini to the meatball mixture for extra nutrition and moisture. Cheese Swap: Replace parmesan with feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist that complements the pesto beautifully. Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs: Use whole wheat panko breadcrumbs instead of regular to boost fiber content while keeping the texture delightful. Spicy Kick: Stir in some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes into your meatball mixture for a spicy zing to elevate those flavors. Gluten-Free: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for a gluten-free version that taste just as amazing. Herb Infusion: Fresh herb variations, such as cilantro or parsley, can be added for a burst of freshness that brings an exciting taste. Italian Sausage Mix: Combine half ground turkey and half Italian sausage for a richer, more robust flavor that will surely impress everyone at the dinner table. If you’re inspired by the comforting flavors of these meatballs, check out Turkey Stroganoff Comforting or try a delicious seafood option with Salmon Pesto Butter. Happy cooking! How to Store and Freeze Pesto Turkey Meatballs Fridge: Store leftover Pesto Turkey Meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure they’re completely cooled before refrigerating to maintain freshness. Freezer: Freeze meatballs before cooking by placing them on a baking sheet to harden, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before searing. Reheating: Reheat thawed meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of marinara sauce to keep them moist and flavorful. Meal Prep: Consider preparing extra batches to have Pesto Turkey Meatballs ready for quick weeknight dinners any time you need a satisfying, protein-packed meal! Make Ahead Options These Pesto Turkey Meatballs with Mozzarella & Marinara are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the meatball mixture and shape them up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. For longer storage, the unbaked meatballs can be frozen for up to 3 months—just defrost overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. To maintain their quality, ensure they’re tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to serve, simply pan-sear, simmer in marinara, add mozzarella, and bake for that delightful finish. Enjoy the convenience of a homemade meal without the hassle! What to Serve with Pesto Turkey Meatballs Transform your delicious meatballs into a complete meal that delights every palate and sets the scene for family gatherings. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Smooth and buttery, these mashed potatoes soak up marinara sauce beautifully, making each bite comforting and satisfying. Crusty Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up the rich marinara, this toasted delight adds a delightful crunch that complements the tender meatballs. Simple Arugula Salad: A fresh, peppery salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances the savory flavors of the meatballs, adding a refreshing contrast. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots roasted to perfection provide sweetness and a vibrant color to your plate. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio: A light pasta dish with olive oil, garlic, and chili flakes lets your meatballs shine as the star of the meal. Italian Red Wine: A glass of Chianti enhances the flavors wonderfully, providing a rich depth that harmonizes with the Italian herbs in the meatballs. Tiramisu: Indulge your sweet tooth with this coffee-flavored dessert, perfectly capping off a comforting meal with its creamy texture and rich flavors. Pesto Turkey Meatballs Recipe FAQs What type of ground turkey should I use for the best flavor? Absolutely! For the juiciest results, I recommend using ground turkey with a 93/7 lean-to-fat ratio. This blend keeps the meatballs moist and flavorful. Going for a leaner option might lead to dry meatballs, so opt for that perfect balance! How long can I store leftover Pesto Turkey Meatballs in the fridge? Very good question! Leftover Pesto Turkey Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before placing them in the fridge; this will help maintain their freshness! Can Pesto Turkey Meatballs be frozen? How do I do that? Absolutely! To freeze your Pesto Turkey Meatballs, first shape them and arrange them on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer until the meatballs are firm, about 1-2 hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge before searing. What should I do if my meatballs are too dry? If your Pesto Turkey Meatballs end up dry, don’t fret! You can add a splash of marinara sauce when reheating or further enrich the meatball mixture next time by incorporating a bit more pesto or a tablespoon of water. Mixing gently helps keep them tender, so avoid overworking the meat when shaping! Are there any dietary considerations for Pesto Turkey Meatballs? Very important inquiry! If you’re accommodating allergies or dietary restrictions, remember that this recipe contains gluten due to panko breadcrumbs and may contain dairy from the cheese. To make it gluten-free, swap with gluten-free breadcrumbs, and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a dairy-free option. Always check your pesto, as some may contain nuts or allergens, and look for alternatives if needed. Savory Pesto Turkey Meatballs in Just 40 Minutes These Pesto Turkey Meatballs are a quick and flavorful dinner option perfect for busy weeknights, combining turkey, basil pesto, and mozzarella. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 4 meatballsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Meatballs1 lb Ground Turkey or ground chicken1/2 cup Basil Pesto homemade or store-bought1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese shredded1 large Egg or flax/chia egg for egg-free option1 teaspoon Dried Basil or fresh herbs1 teaspoon Dried Oregano or fresh herbs1 teaspoon Garlic Powder or fresh minced garlic1 teaspoon Salt1 teaspoon Black PepperFor Cooking2 cups Marinara Sauce your favorite brand1 cup Mozzarella Balls or shredded mozzarella Equipment Large mixing bowlLarge SkilletOven Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Pesto Turkey MeatballsIn a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, basil pesto, panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Shape the mixture into approximately 12 meatballs.Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. When hot, gently add the meatballs and sear for about 5 minutes on each side.Carefully pour marinara sauce over the meatballs in the skillet. Cover and simmer on low for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the lid and scatter mozzarella balls over the meatballs. Bake for 10 minutes.Serve the meatballs with pasta, bread, or vegetables. Enjoy! Nutrition Serving: 1meatballCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg NotesChoose the right turkey and ensure uniform meatball sizes for even cooking. Add moisture if dry and feel free to experiment with herbs. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
