Easy & Healthy Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs with Quinoa Bowls (Gluten-Free & Egg-Free!)

Craving a quick, healthy, and incredibly satisfying meal that ticks all the boxes? Look no further than these amazing **Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs**! Not only are they naturally gluten-free and egg-free, but they also serve as a fantastic addition to any lunch or dinner rotation. Designed with convenience in mind, these meatballs are perfect for meal prepping, allowing you to prepare them ahead of time and easily combine them with fluffy quinoa and an array of fresh vegetables for wholesome, filling grain bowls that will keep you energized throughout the week.

This beloved recipe first made its debut in April 2017 and has since been revisited and refreshed. We’ve updated it with brand new photos, clearer instructions, and helpful tips to ensure your cooking experience is even smoother. You’ll find an original photo at the very end of this post – a fun “before and after” comparison that highlights just how far this recipe has come!

Maintaining a consistent routine, especially during times of self-isolation or busy schedules, can be challenging. I’ve personally found that having a repertoire of easy-to-prep recipes on hand makes a world of difference. That’s why I revisited this gem from the Crumb Top Baking archives. These turkey meatballs, paired with wholesome quinoa, immediately stood out as the ideal candidate for a weekly meal prep staple – simple, versatile, and incredibly delicious. It was high time to give this archived recipe a fresh look and a new lease on life!

What makes these meatballs truly special is their simplicity and health-conscious design. They are crafted without the use of eggs or breadcrumbs, relying instead on a few basic, clean ingredients to achieve their perfect texture and flavor. Plus, you have the flexibility to cook them on the stovetop for a quick sear or bake them in the oven for a hands-off approach. Whichever method you choose, detailed instructions are provided in the recipe below to guide you every step of the way, ensuring a flawless batch of healthy turkey meatballs every time.

Essential Ingredients for Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

Let’s take a closer look at some of the key components that make these honey garlic turkey meatballs so flavorful and healthy, along with a few helpful tips and substitution ideas.

• Ground Turkey: For the best results in this recipe, I highly recommend using fresh, lean ground turkey. Its fine texture and mild flavor make it an excellent base for absorbing the delicious honey garlic seasoning. If you only have frozen ground turkey, simply plan ahead and let it thaw completely in the refrigerator for about 24 hours before use. Keep in mind that thawed frozen turkey might result in a slightly wetter mixture, but don’t worry – the meatballs should still form and cook beautifully. Can’t find ground turkey? Ground chicken is an excellent alternative and works just as wonderfully in this recipe.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is a cornerstone of flavor in these meatballs. I typically use four cloves, pressed or finely minced, to infuse a robust and aromatic punch. However, if fresh garlic isn’t readily available, a teaspoon of garlic powder can be used as a convenient substitute. For those who adore an extra garlicky kick, don’t hesitate to increase the number of fresh cloves or add a bit more garlic powder to suit your taste preference.
• Flaxseed Meal: This unsung hero plays a crucial role in binding the turkey mixture together, especially since this recipe thoughtfully omits traditional breadcrumbs and eggs. Flaxseed meal is a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with fiber and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, making it a staple in my pantry. Beyond its binding capabilities, it’s incredibly versatile and can be added to smoothies, pancakes, baked goods, or even used as a vegan egg replacement when mixed with water. If you only have whole flax seeds, you can easily create flax meal by grinding them in a coffee grinder or high-speed blender.
• Honey: The natural sweetness of honey balances the savory garlic and herbs, creating that irresistible honey garlic flavor profile. It also contributes to the beautiful caramelization of the meatballs as they cook.
• Dried Herbs (Oregano, Basil, Parsley): These aromatic herbs provide a depth of classic Italian-inspired flavor that complements the turkey and honey garlic perfectly. Feel free to adjust the quantities or even add other dried herbs like thyme or rosemary if you wish.

How to Make These Healthy Turkey Meatballs

Making these delicious and healthy turkey meatballs is incredibly straightforward. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps, ensuring perfect results whether you choose the stovetop or oven method.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients (ground turkey, minced garlic, chopped onion, flax meal, honey, dried herbs, salt, and pepper). Use a fork or, even better, your hands, to gently mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
• Once the mixture is ready, roll it into 16-18 evenly sized meatballs, each approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Consistency in size helps them cook uniformly.
• Now, choose your preferred cooking method: stovetop or oven. Both options yield fantastic results!

Stovetop Method for Perfectly Seared Meatballs

The stovetop method is fantastic for achieving a beautiful golden-brown crust on your meatballs.

• Pre-heat a sturdy cast iron skillet with 1/2 tablespoon of oil over medium-low heat. Cast iron is excellent for even heat distribution.
• Carefully arrange the rolled meatballs in a single layer in the hot skillet, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Cover the skillet with a lid. This helps to steam the meatballs and cook them through. Cook for 15 minutes.
• After 15 minutes, remove the lid, turn the meatballs over to brown the other side, and continue cooking for another 10 minutes, or until they are nicely browned and fully cooked through.

Oven Method for Hands-Off Cooking

If you prefer a more hands-off approach or are cooking a larger batch, the oven method is ideal.

• Pre-heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a roasting pan or a casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the prepared pan or dish. Cover it with foil or an oven-safe lid to help them cook evenly and retain moisture. Bake for 15 minutes.
• After 15 minutes, remove the cover, gently turn the meatballs over, and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they are browned on the outside and thoroughly cooked inside.

How to Cook Fluffy Quinoa for Your Grain Bowls

Perfectly cooked quinoa is the ideal base for these honey garlic turkey meatballs. Here’s how to prepare it so it’s light, fluffy, and flavorful:

• Toast the Quinoa: This step is often overlooked but adds a wonderful nutty depth of flavor to your quinoa. Add 1/2 tablespoon of oil to a large frying pan. Once warm, add the uncooked quinoa. Toast it over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until the quinoa starts to pop and becomes aromatic.
• Simmer to Perfection: Carefully add the broth and your chosen seasonings (bay leaves, dried parsley, dried thyme, salt, and garlic powder) to the toasted quinoa. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pan tightly with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. During this time, the quinoa will absorb all the liquid and become tender.
• Rest and Fluff: Even after the liquid is absorbed, the quinoa might still seem a little firm. This is where resting comes in. Remove the quinoa from the heat but keep it covered for another 5 minutes. This allows it to steam gently and finish cooking, resulting in a perfectly fluffy texture. Before serving, remove the bay leaves, fluff the quinoa with a fork, and it’s ready to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Meatballs

Here are answers to some common questions to help you master these delicious and healthy turkey meatballs:

• How do you keep turkey meatballs moist? Ground turkey naturally has a finer texture and higher moisture content compared to ground beef, so it generally requires less added moisture. To ensure your turkey meatballs remain wonderfully moist, there are a few key practices: avoid overworking the meat mixture (mix just until combined), minimize the amount of dry ingredients you add (our recipe balances this perfectly with flax meal), and crucially, be careful not to overcook them. Overcooking is the quickest way to dry out any meatball!
• How do you know when turkey meatballs are done? You’ll know your turkey meatballs are perfectly cooked when they are beautifully browned on the outside and cooked entirely through when you cut into one. For food safety, cooked ground turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend for accuracy!
• How long will turkey meatballs last in the refrigerator? These versatile honey garlic turkey meatballs are excellent for meal prepping! Once cooked and cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes them perfect for quick grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
• Can turkey meatballs be frozen? Absolutely! Freezing these meatballs is a fantastic way to extend their shelf life and have healthy meals ready at a moment’s notice. Allow them to cool completely in the refrigerator first. Then, arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, or for a quicker option, defrost them in the microwave.
• How do you reheat these meatballs? Reheating is simple! For individual servings, place the meatballs in a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave until warmed through. You can also gently warm them in a skillet on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth, or reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until hot.

Recipe Tips and Delicious Substitutions

To ensure your honey garlic turkey meatballs turn out perfectly every time, and to inspire creativity in your kitchen, consider these helpful tips and substitutions:

• Achieving the Perfect Brown: If you desire a deeper, more caramelized browning on your turkey meatballs, you can extend the cooking or baking time by a few minutes. However, exercise caution and monitor them closely, as overcooking can quickly lead to dry meatballs. The goal is a beautiful exterior without sacrificing interior moisture.
• Quinoa Varieties: While I used tricolor quinoa in this recipe for its visual appeal and slightly nuttier flavor, feel free to use any type of quinoa you have on hand. White, red, or black quinoa will all work equally well and absorb the flavors beautifully.
• Broth Options: For cooking the quinoa, I recommend using no-salt-added chicken broth to control the sodium content. However, if you prefer, no-salt-added vegetable broth or even plain water can be used as alternatives. If you opt for a broth that already contains salt, remember to reduce the amount of added salt to the quinoa mixture to avoid over-seasoning. For a truly gluten-free meal, always ensure that any store-bought broth you use is certified gluten-free.
• Vegetable Power-Ups: My favorite way to complete these turkey meatball and quinoa bowls is by adding finely chopped red bell pepper for crunch and color. But the beauty of grain bowls is their versatility! Incorporate any vegetables you love or have available. Diced tomatoes, tender zucchini, crisp cucumber, or leafy greens like spinach and arugula are all excellent choices that add nutrients and freshness.

What to Serve with Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

These incredibly versatile honey garlic turkey meatballs can be enjoyed in so many delicious ways. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions to inspire your next meal:

• Meatball Quinoa Bowls (My Favorite!): This is hands-down my preferred way to enjoy them! Simply serve the meatballs over a bed of fluffy quinoa, topped with your favorite fresh veggies like chopped red peppers. We absolutely adore them drizzled with this creamy jalapeño dip (I often thin it out slightly with a little water or lime juice to create a more dressing-like consistency). A few slices of creamy avocado also make a perfect addition.
• Pasta or Zucchini Noodle Delight: Whip up a batch of homemade marinara sauce or use your favorite store-bought version. Then, serve the meatballs with your choice of pasta for a comforting meal, or pair them with zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb option.
• Fresh & Flavorful Salads: Elevate your greens by adding these savory meatballs to fresh salads. They pair wonderfully with a base of spinach or arugula, combined with any other fresh vegetables you have on hand, and a light vinaigrette.
• Hearty Meatball Subs or Wraps: For a satisfying lunch or dinner, pile the honey garlic turkey meatballs onto soft rolls or warm tortillas. Add a touch of cheese, some fresh greens, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce for a homemade meatball sub or a quick, flavorful wrap.
• Healthy Homemade Pizza Topping: Get creative in the kitchen and slice these meatballs in half to use as a delicious topping for your healthy homemade pizza. This is a personal favorite in my household and adds an incredible flavor dimension to pizza night!

More Delicious Ground Turkey Recipes to Try

If you loved these honey garlic turkey meatballs, you’ll be thrilled to discover more delicious and healthy ways to incorporate ground turkey into your meals. Explore these other fantastic recipes:

• Stuffed Collard Greens (with Ground Turkey)
• Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole with Ground Turkey
• Turkey Jalapeño Burgers
• Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
• Taco Cups with Ground Turkey
• Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

If you give these wonderful honey garlic turkey meatball and quinoa bowls a try, I would absolutely love to hear your thoughts! Please share your experience and any feedback in the comments section below. Your insights are always appreciated!

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