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Easy Freezer-Friendly Turkey Taco Meatballs: Best Make-Ahead Dinner

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These Easy Freezer-Friendly Turkey Taco Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. Made with lean ground turkey and taco seasoning, they are a healthy, make-ahead dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) lean ground turkey (93/7 recommended)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) plain breadcrumbs (panko works great)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) milk (any kind, even unsweetened almond milk)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 (1-ounce) packet (or 3 tablespoons) taco seasoning (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1/4 cup (25g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (40g) finely chopped onion (yellow or white)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to create a panade.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, beaten egg, taco seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), minced garlic, chopped onion, soaked breadcrumb mixture, and olive oil. Gently mix with your hands or a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. A cookie scoop or lightly wet hands work well. You should get about 20-24 meatballs.
  5. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
  6. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
  7. Let the meatballs cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving or freezing.
  8. For freezing: Cool meatballs completely. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer without touching. Freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, squeeze out air, and label. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

For juicier meatballs, use 93% lean ground turkey. If using 99% lean, add an extra tablespoon of olive oil. The panade (soaked breadcrumbs) is key to keeping meatballs moist. Do not overmix the meat. For best browning, do not overcrowd the baking sheet. Flash freeze meatballs before storing to prevent clumping. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, in microwave in 30-second intervals, or in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey taco meatballs, freezer-friendly meatballs, make-ahead dinner, healthy meatballs, taco meatballs, ground turkey recipe, meal prep

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/easy-freezer-friendly-turkey-taco-meatballs-best-make-ahead-dinner/