Looking for a simple and tasty dinner idea? These Homemade Turkey Meatballs (albondigas de pavo) are juicy, packed with flavor, and come together in no time.
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They’re lighter than beef meatballs but still full of bold spices and fresh herbs.
Whether you serve them with salsa, in a sandwich, or as a party appetizer, they’re a hit every time!
Table of Contents
🍗 Ingredients
- ground turkey (93% lean)
- bread crumbs (or panko, saltine crackers, or rice)
- onion, finely chopped
- fresh cilantro, minced
- egg
- garlic, minced
- dried oregano
- ground cumin
- Salt & pepper
They are made similar to Albondigas al Chipotle and Caldo de Albondigas but with ground turkey instead.
If you want to add some spice, add ½ teaspoon of ground dried chile de arbol or ground cayenne.
👩🏼🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey and all the rest of the ingredients. Gently mix everything using clean hands or a spoon. Don’t overwork the mixture, or the meatballs can turn out tough. - Shape the Meatballs
Form the mixture into small, round meatballs—about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. You’ll end up with around 18–20 meatballs, depending on how big you make them.
🔥 Cooking Methods
- Oven Method:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Place the meatballs on the tray in a single layer. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). - Stovetop Method:
Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, until browned and fully cooked inside.
🙋🏻♀️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes! After baking, let the meatballs cool completely. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
You can use panko, rice, or rolled oats as a substitute. For a gluten-free version, try crushed rice crackers or gluten-free bread crumbs.
Nope! You can also fry them on the stove. Just make sure the internal temp hits 165°F (74°C) so they’re fully cooked.
🍴 More Dinners You’ll Love
- Chicken Tinga Tostadas
- Slow Cooker Guajillo Beef Tacos
- Carne Deshebrada (Shredded Beef)
- Mexican Picadillo
Homemade Turkey Meatballs (albondigas de pavo) are an easy and delicious option for busy nights or weekend meal prep. They’re flavorful, healthy, and totally family-approved.
Try serving them with Chipotle Salsa or Arroz Mexicano (Mexican Rice) for a full meal!
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Albondigas de Pavo (or Turkey Meatballs)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey 93% lean
- ½ cup bread crumbs (or panko, rice, or saltine crackers)
- ¼ cup onion finely chopped
- 2 tablespoon fresh cilantro finely minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey and all the ingredients.
- Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients gently until just combined.
- Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
- Once the mixture is well combined, form the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- You should get around 18-20 meatballs, depending on your preferred size.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
- Stovetop Method (Frying): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, turning occasionally until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Oven Method (Baking): Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, and arrange the meatballs in a single layer. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Once the meatballs are cooked through, serve with chipotle salsa, as an appetizer, or with marinara sauce.
Notes
Yes! After baking, let the meatballs cool completely. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot. How to add spice: If you want to add some spice, add ½ teaspoon of ground dried chile de arbol or ground cayenne.
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