This Oven Baked Turkey and Rice Meatballs comes together in about 30 minutes and is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Trust me, these meatballs are not only loaded with tons of flavor, but they’re also a super fun way to get the kids involved in cooking.
Ingredients for Oven Baked Turkey and Rice Meatballs
Let’s dive into what you’ll need to whip up these tasty meatballs! Here’s a quick breakdown of the ingredients you might already have in your kitchen:
- 1 pound ground turkey: Lean and healthy! Feel free to swap in ground chicken if you like.
- 1 cup cooked rice: Any rice works, brown, white, or even leftover rice from takeout night.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Use plain or seasoned; either will do just fine.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a nice rich flavor; however, you could leave it out or swap it for a different cheese.
- 1 egg: This binds everything together.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add more!
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: A great base for flavor! You could also use finely chopped onions if you prefer.
- Salt and pepper: Just a couple pinches of each to taste.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): For a little pop of color and freshness!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). You want it nice and hot to get those meatballs crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.
Mix It All Up: In a large bowl (like, the biggest one you have, trust me), combine the ground turkey, cooked rice, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. You can mix with your hands or a spoon, just make sure everything is well incorporated.
Shape Those Meatballs: Now comes the fun part! Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. They should be about the size of a golf ball. Or smaller if you prefer bite-sized goodness! Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step is crucial for easy cleanup, because who wants to scrub the baking sheet, right?
Bake: Slide the meatballs into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You want them cooked through and just golden brown on top, oh, the smell will be heavenly!
Garnish and Serve: Once they’re done, serve them warm, and feel free to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for that gourmet touch.
If you loved these delicious oven baked turkey and rice meatballs, be sure to check out my Garlic Parmesan Rice, my Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice, or my Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo!
What Makes This Recipe Special
Quick & Easy
The secret to a delicious weeknight meal is simplicity. These oven baked turkey and rice meatballs come together in under 30 minutes! Seriously, how amazing is that? You can spend more time around the dinner table and less time sweating it out in the kitchen.
One Pot/Sheet Pan
Minimal cleanup required! I mean, we only really use one bowl for mixing and one baking sheet, no pots or pans to scrub afterward. Lots of love and zero hassle? Sign me up!
Customizable
This recipe is super flexible. Swap out the cooked rice for quinoa, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice if you want something lower in carbs. Toss in some grated zucchini, bell peppers, or even some spices you have hanging around.
Comfort Food
Load these meatballs with tons of flavor! You can add some herbs like basil or oregano. They’ll fill your kitchen with an amazing aroma that will entice everyone to the table. And when you finally take that first bite? Absolute bliss.
Serving Suggestions
What should you serve with these fabulous meatballs? Here are some ideas:
- Pasta: A classic marinara or even a creamy alfredo would work wonders.
- Salad: Pair them with a fresh garden salad to balance things out.
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve them over rice or fluffy quinoa for a wholesome meal.
- Wraps: Put them in pita or another wrap with some tzatziki and veggies for lunch the next day!
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Trust me, they won’t last long because they’re that good!
- Freezer Friendly: Yes! Store these meatballs in a freezer-friendly bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating or cook them right from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You could also throw them in the microwave if you’re in a hurry, just cover them with a paper towel to retain moisture.
I’ll be honest, this recipe saved me on more than one occasion! Whether I’m facing a busy week or just tired from a long day, these oven baked turkey and rice meatballs are my secret weapon. They’re easy, versatile, and totally delicious.
So, gather your ingredients and make these for dinner tonight! I can’t wait to hear what you think. And hey, if you get creative with the ingredients, let me know how it turns out! Cooking should be fun, relaxing, and a little adventurous, right?
Thanks for spending this time with me in the kitchen! I hope you enjoy these oven baked turkey and rice meatballs as much as I do. Remember to fill your plate, grab a seat, and enjoy a good meal with those you love.
Be sure to save this recipe for the next time you need a quick family dinner or an easy meal-prep option! Happy cooking! And for more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.
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Easy Oven Baked Turkey and Rice Meatballs
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Poultry
Description
These delicious oven-baked turkey and rice meatballs are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, cooked rice, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and golden brown on top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Feel free to customize these meatballs with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg