Gluten-Free Turkey Meatballs

Gluten-Free Turkey Meatballs

Julia

These tender, juicy turkey meatballs are a gluten-free twist on a classic comfort food that doesn't sacrifice flavor or texture. Made with ground turkey, gluten-free breadcrumbs, and a blend of Italian herbs and spices, these meatballs are lighter than traditional beef versions but equally satisfying. The secret to keeping them moist is a combination of grated onion, fresh parsley, and a touch of milk, which creates a tender texture that rivals any restaurant-quality meatball.

Simmered in a rich, homemade tomato sauce infused with garlic, basil, and oregano, these meatballs absorb all the savory flavors while maintaining their shape and integrity. The sauce is naturally gluten-free, made from crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and aromatic vegetables that create a robust base perfect for coating gluten-free pasta. Whether you're following a gluten-free diet by choice or necessity, this dish proves that dietary restrictions don't mean compromising on taste.

Served over your favorite gluten-free pasta—whether penne, spaghetti, or fusilli—this meal is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests. The meatballs can be made ahead and frozen, making this recipe both convenient and versatile. Each bite delivers the comforting flavors of Italian-American cuisine while being completely safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Julia

Julia

Recipe Author: Gluten-Free & Specialty Diet Chef

Nutrition

55 minutes
None servings
485 calories
Fat 14.00g
Carbs 52.00g
Protein 38.00g

Ingredients

2 lbsground turkey
3/4 cupgluten-free breadcrumbs
2 Nonelarge eggs, beaten
1/4 cupwhole milk
1/2 cupyellow onion, finely grated
1/4 cupfresh parsley, chopped
4 clovesgarlic, minced
1 1/2 tspsalt
1/2 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
1 tspdried oregano
1 tspdried basil
2 tbspolive oil
28 ozcrushed tomatoes, canned
2 tbsptomato paste
1 tspgranulated sugar
1/4 tspred pepper flakes (optional)
1 lbgluten-free pasta
1/2 cupParmesan cheese, grated (optional)
1/4 cupfresh basil, chopped for garnish (optional)

Equipment

wooden spoon or spatula
large mixing bowl
meat thermometer
measuring cups and spoons
colander
grater
knife and cutting board
large skillet or Dutch oven
plate or baking sheet
large pot for pasta

Clean Eating

Ideal for clean eating with whole, minimally processed ingredients like fresh ground turkey, herbs, fresh vegetables, and homemade tomato sauce. The recipe avoids artificial additives and focuses on simple, recognizable whole food components.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is perfectly designed for a gluten-free diet, using gluten-free breadcrumbs and naturally gluten-free ingredients like ground turkey, eggs, and herbs. The recipe explicitly avoids wheat and gluten-containing products while maintaining full flavor and texture.

Low-Carb Diet

Suitable for low-carb diets with its protein-focused meatballs and low-carb vegetable base. The recipe contains minimal carbohydrates, primarily from the gluten-free breadcrumbs and tomato sauce.

Mediterranean Diet

Aligns with Mediterranean Diet principles by using olive oil, incorporating lean turkey protein, fresh herbs, tomatoes, and emphasizing whole food ingredients. The recipe prioritizes vegetables and uses herbs for flavoring instead of excessive salt.

Instructions

1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free breadcrumbs and milk. Stir together and let sit for 5 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the liquid and soften.

5 min
2

Add the ground turkey, beaten eggs, grated onion, chopped parsley, half of the minced garlic (2 cloves), 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

3 min
3

Form the mixture into 24 meatballs, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, using your hands. Place them on a large plate or baking sheet.

8 min
4

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add half of the meatballs, making sure not to crowd the pan.

2 min
5
18 min

Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning them every 2 minutes, until they develop a golden-brown crust, about 6-8 minutes total. They don't need to be cooked through at this stage. Transfer to a clean plate and repeat with the remaining meatballs.

6
1 min

In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

7

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

1 min
8
20 min

Bring the sauce to a simmer, then gently nestle all the browned meatballs back into the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).

9
12 min

While the meatballs are simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gluten-free pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.

10

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat.

1 min
11

Serve the meatballs and sauce over the cooked gluten-free pasta. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.

2 min

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