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Easy Turkey Taco Meatballs: Best Crowd-Pleasing Recipe

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Juicy, flavorful turkey taco meatballs baked to perfection on a wire rack. This easy, crowd-pleasing recipe comes together in under 40 minutes and is perfect for parties, game day, or a fun weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900g) ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
  • 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (one standard packet or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian; panko for lighter texture)
  • 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1/2 cup finely diced onion (about 1 small onion)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and spray lightly with non-stick spray.
  2. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Chop cilantro if using.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk the egg and milk together until combined. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and cilantro; stir.
  4. Sprinkle taco seasoning and breadcrumbs over the wet mixture. Stir until breadcrumbs are fully moistened. Let sit for 1 minute.
  5. Add shredded cheddar and ground turkey. Using clean hands, gently mix until just combined—do not overmix.
  6. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs (about 2 tablespoons each). Place on prepared wire rack, leaving space between each.
  7. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and meatballs are golden brown.
  8. Let meatballs rest on the rack for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, use 93% lean ground turkey. Do not overmix the meatball mixture. Chilling the mixture for 15 minutes before rolling helps if it feels too wet. Meatballs can be formed up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated. To freeze, arrange cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey taco meatballs, easy meatballs, party appetizer, game day food, baked meatballs, ground turkey recipe

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/easy-turkey-taco-meatballs-best-crowd-pleasing-recipe/