Ingredients
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½ onion, finely diced
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½ bell pepper, finely diced
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 pound ground turkey, dark or light meat
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½ teaspoon Italian herbs
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½ teaspoon kosher salt
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Cooking oil, for sautéing the vegetables
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Cooking spray or oil, for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
2. Cook the Vegetables
Heat a little cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften. Remove from the heat and let cool.
3. Mix the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the cooled vegetables, ground turkey, Italian herbs, and kosher salt. Mix until evenly combined, taking care not to overwork the meat.
4. Shape the Meatballs
Use a 1-tablespoon measure to portion the mixture into small meatballs. Lightly wet your hands with water to help prevent sticking. Arrange the meatballs in the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake Until Cooked Through
Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F at the center. Cooking time may vary depending on their size.
6. Serve Warm
Let the meatballs rest briefly before serving. Pair them with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or your family’s favorite vegetables.
Notes
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Cool the vegetables first: Hot vegetables can warm the raw turkey mixture and make it harder to handle.
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Keep the meatballs uniform: Using a 1-tablespoon measure helps them cook evenly and makes them easy for kids to eat.
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Don’t overmix: Combine the ingredients just until evenly distributed to help keep the meatballs tender.
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Wet your hands: A little water helps the mixture release more easily as you shape each meatball.
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Check the temperature: Ground turkey should reach 165°F internally for safe eating.
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Make extra: These bite-sized meatballs are useful for quick lunches, pasta dinners, and lunchboxes.
