An easy recipe for gluten-free turkey meatballs. These homemade gluten-free turkey meatballs are made in just 30 minutes and are freezer-friendly. 

Gluten-Free Turkey Meatballs

Leaner than beef, these gluten-free turkey meatballs are flavorful and incredibly moist. These gluten-free turkey meatballs are seasoned with a combination of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and dried herbs. The perfect combination of seasonings to make the classic Italian meatball with ground turkey.

If you’re craving gluten-free spaghetti and meatballs but want to make it with a lean protein option, look no further than this quick and easy recipe for gluten-free turkey meatballs! These homemade gluten-free turkey meatballs are easy to make ahead of time or freeze for later. You can see just how easy this gluten-free turkey meatball recipe is to make in the detailed recipe step photos.

Ingredients in Gluten-Free Turkey Meatballs

• Ground Turkey: The main ingredient in these gluten-free meatballs. It can be substituted with other ground meats (like chicken, beef, pork, or Italian sausage). 
• Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: A filler ingredient in meatballs that helps absorb the fat from the meat as it cooks, which helps ensure the meatballs get crispy without drying out. 
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds fat and savory flavor to the meatball mixture.
• Egg: Binds the meatball mixture together so it will not fall apart. Only a small amount is needed. 
• Cooking Oil: Used to sear the meatballs so they get a crispy, brown crust. 
• Salt: Primarily adds flavor but also helps draw out the moisture in the meat so it more easily binds together with other ingredients in the mixture.
• Garlic and Onion Powder: Adds savory flavor to the meatball mixture. 
• Dried Basil: Adds flavor and contrast to the meatball mixture. Dried herbs can be substituted with finely chopped fresh herbs. 
• Dried Oregano: Adds flavor and contrast to the meatball mixture. Dried herbs can be substituted with finely chopped fresh herbs. 
• Pepper: For seasoning purposes only.  

How To Make Gluten-Free Turkey Meatballs

• Combine the gluten-free breadcrumbs, garlic powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl. Then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. (Photos 1 & 2)
• Add the ground turkey to a large bowl, then add the seasoned breadcrumb mixture and the egg. Combine the ingredients until it is evenly mixed. Take care not to overmix, which will produce tough meatballs. (Photos 3 &4)
• Shape the meat mixture into meatballs, about 1-1.5 tablespoons each. You should get around 20 meatballs. (Photo 5)
• Heat 1 teaspoon of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot and the oil is shimmering, add half of the meatballs. Cook the meatballs for 5 to 7 minutes per batch (an internal thermometer should read 165 degrees for 15 seconds). Transfer the cooked meatballs to a clean plate. For the second batch of gluten-free meatballs add the second tablespoon of cooking oil to the skillet and cook the meatballs in the same way. (Photos 5& 6)

Tips For Making The Best Gluten-Free Turkey Meatballs

• Take care not to over-mix the ground turkey meatball mixture, or it could produce tough meatballs. 
• A greased spring-loaded cookie scoop is a great way to ensure all your meatballs are roughly the same size. 
• If you find your meatballs are really soft, chilling the meatballs in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes before browning them in the skillet will help give the breadcrumbs in the mixture plenty of time to hydrate and bind with the other ingredients in the meatball mixture. This ensures the meatballs will hold their shape. 

Gluten-Free Bread Crumbs

There are several brands of gluten-free breadcrumbs on the market. I like the 4C gluten-free breadcrumbs. I buy the 4C gluten-free bread crumbs at Walmart.

What Spaghetti Sauces Are Gluten-Free?

I love making my own delicious Gluten-Free Spaghetti Sauce because it’s rich, hearty, and flavorful! If you are looking for a shortcut and want to use jarred spaghetti sauce, most spaghetti sauces are naturally gluten-free. But please always check your labels, especially for different flavored sauces. Rao’s and Prego are some of my favorite gluten-free spaghetti sauce brands.

Tips For Cooking Gluten-Free Spaghetti

Cooking gluten-free pasta can be tricky. For pasta recommendations, see our article on the best gluten-free pasta. Here are a few tips for cooking gluten-free spaghetti noodles:

• I always salt my water, at least a tablespoon for 1 pound of pasta in 4 quarts (16 cups) water.
• Make sure you fill your pot with lots of water. The extra water will help the gluten-free pasta be less gummy.
• Cook the gluten-free pasta according to the package instructions. So be sure to set a timer when cooking gluten-free pasta.
• Place a wooden spoon over the pot to keep it from overboiling.
• If you will not immediately serve the gluten-free pasta, rinse it with cold water in the colander after draining it to keep it from cooking longer and getting mushy.

Can I Bake Gluten-Free Meatballs?

Browning the meatballs in a skillet is preferred because they will have more color and flavor. Searing them will also help them hold together well. However, these gluten-free meatballs can also be baked in the oven.

To bake these gluten-free turkey meatballs: 

• Preheat the oven to 400℉. 
• Transfer the meatballs to a baking sheet lined with parchment. 
• Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165℉.

Can I Freeze Gluten-Free Meatballs?

These gluten-free turkey meatballs can be frozen, fully cooked, or raw. However, make sure to freeze them well-spaced on a lined baking sheet to prevent them from sticking to the tray or to each other. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

If cooking frozen meatballs that are raw, thaw them for 30 minutes at room temperature before browning them in a skillet (as directed in the recipe). If the meatballs are fully cooked before they are frozen, they can be added directly to your hot pasta or sauce and should be reheated to an internal temperature of at least 165℉.

Can I Use Other Ground Meat in Gluten-Free Meatballs?

The combination of Parmesan cheese and herbs used in this recipe will be great with any ground meat. For a lean option try ground chicken. You can also go with classic combinations of ground beef, ground pork, or mild or spicy Italian sausage. 

Ingredients Substitutions For Gluten-Free Chicken Meatballs

I tested this gluten-free turkey meatballs recipe with dairy-free substitutions. 

For Dairy-Free: While the Parmesan cheese can be omitted in this Gluten-Free Chicken Meatball recipe, you may find there’s “something missing” by doing so. The cheese adds some extra fat (to help bind the meatballs together) and adds a savory, umami-rich flavor. There are many dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternatives available that can be used in place of real Parmesan cheese in this recipe. I like the Follow Your Heart dairy-free Parmesan cheese. No matter which brand you try, make sure to check the label to confirm that it is also gluten-free. 

Easy Gluten-Free Turkey Meatballs

These easy-to-make gluten-free turkey meatballs are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic pasta dish like gluten-free spaghetti and meatballs using a lean protein option. This gluten-free dinner recipe is easy to make ahead of time and freeze, so you can make delicious, homemade meatballs easily. 

More Gluten-Free Dinner Recipes To Try!

• Gluten-Free Southern Fried Chicken {Dairy-Free Option}
• Gluten-Free Meatloaf {Dairy-Free Option}
• Gluten-Free Orange Chicken {Dairy-Free}

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