Dinner · Hidden veggies

Veggie-Loaded Turkey Meatballs

Tender baked turkey meatballs with zucchini and carrot grated right in. Great with pasta, in subs, or straight from the lunchbox.

Prep15 min
Cook18 min
Total33 min
Makes4 (about 24 meatballs)
What's hiding: Zucchini + Carrot

Turkey meatballs have a reputation for being dry. Grated zucchini and carrot fix that. They keep every meatball juicy and tender, and they melt right in.

These bake on one sheet pan in under 20 minutes and freeze beautifully, so it's worth making a double batch.

Recipe

Veggie-Loaded Turkey Meatballs

Prep15 min
Cook18 min
Makes4 (about 24 meatballs)

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • ½ cup finely grated zucchini, squeezed dry
  • ½ cup finely grated carrot
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg, large
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. Squeeze the grated zucchini in a clean towel to remove as much water as possible.
  3. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix with your hands until just combined.
  4. Roll into 1¼-inch balls (about 24) and space them on the sheet.
  5. Bake 15 to 18 minutes, until cooked through (165°F / 74°C in the center).

Contains DairyContains EggContains Gluten

Tips for success

  • Wet your hands lightly while rolling and the mixture won't stick.
  • Simmer the baked meatballs in marinara for 5 minutes for extra-tender meatballs.
  • Freeze baked meatballs on the tray, then bag them. Reheat straight from frozen in sauce.

Questions

Can I use ground beef?

Yes. Cook beef meatballs to 160°F (71°C).

Can I make them gluten-free?

Swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or quick oats (certified gluten-free).

Want 20 more?

The 4-Week Sneaky Food Plan

Make 4 veggie-packed sauces on the weekend, then cook 20 easy dinners. Shopping lists included.

Join the launch list
Free printable

12 veggies & where to hide them

Get the fridge cheat sheet plus 3 sneaky wins for this week.

Sneaky Veggie Cheat Sheet

More sneaky recipes