Description
Savory pesto baked turkey meatballs bring Mediterranean flavors to classic comfort cuisine. Juicy herbs and parmesan cheese elevate these protein-packed morsels that will delight palates seeking a lighter, more nutritious dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground turkey
- 1 large egg
Cheese and Sauce:
- ⅔ cup (160 milliliters) mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) pesto
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
- Activate the oven to a precise 400°F, creating an ideal cooking environment for the meatballs.
- Combine ground turkey with egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried basil in a spacious mixing bowl, using hands to thoroughly integrate all components and ensure uniform flavor distribution.
- Create a flavorful foundation by spreading a thin layer of pesto across the bottom of a 10×10 baking dish, which will prevent sticking and infuse the meatballs with herbal essence.
- Craft uniform meatballs by scooping approximately two tablespoons of meat mixture and rolling into perfect spheres, aiming for about 16 consistent portions.
- Strategically position the meatballs within the pesto-lined baking dish, ensuring even spacing for consistent cooking.
- Generously cascade the remaining pesto over the meatballs, meticulously coating each sphere to maximize flavor absorption.
- Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, allowing the aromatic herbs and turkey to meld together beautifully.
- Conclude the cooking process by sprinkling mozzarella cheese across the meatballs and returning to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling layer.
- Allow the dish to rest momentarily after removing from the oven, permitting flavors to harmonize before serving.
Notes
- Keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days, making meal prep a breeze for busy families.
- Freezing works best before adding cheese; store in airtight containers for future quick dinners.
- Pairs perfectly with pasta, zucchini noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious pesto sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg