These baked turkey zucchini meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with simple homemade flavor. Made with ground turkey, shredded zucchini, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, herbs, and a little marinara sauce, they are a lighter and delicious option for dinner, meal prep, or family meals.
The zucchini keeps the meatballs moist while adding extra texture and nutrition. Serve them with marinara sauce, pasta, rice, salad, or warm bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 medium zucchini, shredded
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons marinara sauce, plus more for serving
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Olive oil spray or a little olive oil, for baking
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
Shred the zucchini using a box grater.
Place the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible.
This step is important because too much liquid can make the meatballs too soft.
Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground turkey, shredded zucchini, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley.
Mix gently until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs dense.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches wide.
Place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake
Lightly spray the meatballs with olive oil spray or drizzle with a small amount of olive oil.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden on the outside and fully cooked inside.
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Warm the Sauce
While the meatballs bake, warm extra marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.
Once the meatballs are cooked, you can spoon the sauce into a serving bowl and place the meatballs on top, or gently simmer the baked meatballs in the sauce for 3–5 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serve warm with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, salad, or crusty bread.
Helpful Tips
Squeeze the zucchini well before adding it to the meat mixture. This helps the meatballs hold their shape.
Do not overmix the meatball mixture. Mix only until the ingredients are combined.
Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs so they bake at the same speed.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or minced garlic.
If the mixture feels too wet, add 1–2 extra tablespoons of breadcrumbs.
Variations
Chicken Zucchini Meatballs
Use ground chicken instead of ground turkey.
Cheesy Meatballs
Add small cubes of mozzarella inside each meatball before baking.
Spicy Turkey Meatballs
Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a little hot sauce to the mixture.
Low-Carb Version
Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork-free keto crackers.
Extra Herb Flavor
Add fresh basil, oregano, or thyme for a brighter flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave, oven, or in a skillet with marinara sauce until warm.
To freeze, let the cooked meatballs cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Ideas
These turkey zucchini meatballs are delicious served with:
- Spaghetti or tagliatelle
- Marinara sauce
- Garlic bread
- Steamed vegetables
- Rice or cauliflower rice
- Roasted potatoes
- A simple green salad
Final Thoughts
Baked turkey zucchini meatballs are easy, wholesome, and full of flavor. They are lighter than traditional meatballs but still juicy and satisfying.
This is a great recipe for busy weeknights, healthy meal prep, or a family dinner that everyone can enjoy.
