Description
Quick, flavorful turkey meatballs glazed with a smoky BBQ sauce, perfect for busy weeknights. These meatballs are tender, packed with lean protein, and kid-approved.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) lean ground turkey (93/7)
- ½ cup (50g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup (120ml) smoky, tangy BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- Optional: 1 teaspoon hot sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs, about 16 meatballs total.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side, without cooking through.
- Reduce heat to low. Pour BBQ sauce over the meatballs and toss gently to coat. Add hot sauce if desired.
- Cover the skillet and simmer the meatballs in the sauce for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and glaze is thickened.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides such as rice, pasta, or salad.
Notes
If you want to skip browning, bake meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes and then glaze and simmer. To reheat leftovers, warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep moist. Raw meatballs freeze well; avoid freezing after glazing to prevent watery sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 28
Keywords: turkey meatballs, BBQ meatballs, smoky meatballs, quick dinner, weeknight meal, lean protein, kid-friendly, easy recipe