Tangy Irresistible Turkey Meatball Bites

What makes these meatballs special?

These tangy turkey meatballs are the perfect balance of healthy, flavorful, and filling. Made with lean turkey, zucchini, and a tangy honey butter Tajín glaze, they’re a lighter, healthier take on traditional meatballs. Whether you're looking for weight loss recipes or unique meatball ideas, these turkey meatballs are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a perfect addition to any meal prep or weeknight dinner.

By swapping beef for lean turkey, you’re cutting down on fat and calories, while still getting the satisfying taste of juicy meatballs. These healthy meatballs also have hidden veggies, making them more filling and nutritious than your average meatball. The sweet and tangy glaze takes these turkey meatballs to the next level, making them a crave-worthy option for those following a balanced eating plan.

Whether you’re trying to lose weight or just enjoy a lighter, healthier meal, these unique turkey meatballs are an easy and delicious choice for your next dinner or meal prep.

Why Choose Turkey for Meatballs?

Turkey is a lean protein that provides plenty of nutrients with fewer calories compared to beef. By using turkey in this meatball recipe, you're cutting down on fat and adding a healthier protein source to your meals. The zucchini in this recipe enhances the meatballs' texture and adds a burst of vitamins, making them more filling and nutrient-dense without extra calories.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Weight Loss

These turkey meatballs are ideal for meal prep, as they hold up well when stored in the fridge or freezer. They’re a great option for healthy lunch or dinner options throughout the week, helping you stay on track with your weight-loss goals. The high protein content compared to overall calories in turkey meatballs keeps you satisfied longer without making a huge dent in your calorie goal, making them a great choice for reducing cravings between meals.

Tips for the Best Meatball Bites

1. Use an Internal Thermometer for Perfectly Cooked Meatballs
Since turkey is lean, it can dry out easily. To ensure your turkey meatballs are cooked through without being dry, always use an internal meat thermometer. Turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. This will give you perfectly cooked meatballs every time, with the right texture and juiciness, without guessing or cutting them open. It’s a foolproof way to avoid undercooking or overcooking, ensuring a tender, flavorful bite.

2. Make Them Work for Meal Prep
These meatballs store well in the fridge for up to four days and reheat beautifully. For a crispy finish, warm them in an air fryer or oven instead of the microwave. They also freeze well—just pop them in a sealed container and thaw as needed for quick, high-protein meals.

3. Get the Perfect Glaze Coating
For the best flavor, toss the cooked meatballs with the warm honey butter Tajín glaze while they’re still hot. This helps the sauce cling to the surface.

These meatball bites are simple, satisfying, and packed with bold, crave-worthy flavor—exactly what you need for a protein-packed meal that doesn’t skimp on taste.

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Tangy Irresistible Turkey Meatball Bites (Partake-Members-Only Early Release!)

Yield: 6

Author: Megan Gaul from Partake Meal Planning

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 20 MinTotal time: 30 Min

These amazing meatball bites are tangy, sweet, and savory, with a rich honey-butter glaze and a touch of heat from Tajín. Made with lean turkey, they’re lower in fat and calories than traditional beef meatballs but still just as hearty and satisfying. Grated zucchini adds moisture, fiber, and extra nutrients, making them a more filling and balanced option for meal prep or dinner. Serve them over rice, in a salad, or as an appetizer.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 1¼ lb lean ground turkey
• 1 medium zucchini (~6 oz), grated and squeezed of excess moisture (you need about 1 cup after squeezing)
• 2 scallions, diced small (optional)
• 1 large egg (50 g)
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (28 g)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp kosher salt, or to taste
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Glaze

• 3 tbsp salted butter (42 g)
• 2 tbsp honey (42 g)
• 1–3 tsp Tajín (adjust to taste)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, mix together the turkey, zucchini, egg, breadcrumbs, and all seasonings until well combined. Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. While the meatballs bake, make the glaze: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the honey and 1 tsp Tajín to start. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes, then taste and add more Tajín if desired.
5. Toss the fully-cooked meatballs with the glaze until completely coated. Serve warm.

Notes

To store for meal prep, toss the meatballs with the glaze while still warm, then divide into 6 containers and let cool completely (without lids). Once they're cool, close them up and store refrigerated until needed, in accordance with food safety guidelines.

This website provides recipes and cooking information for general use and is not responsible for any outcomes, including food storage issues. Users assume full responsibility for their actions, including the safe use of kitchen equipment and proper food handling. Please consult a food safety expert with any questions related to storage or handling.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

230

Fat

12.7 g

Sat. Fat

5.7 g

Carbs

11.1 g

Fiber

.8 g

Net carbs

10.3 g

Sugar

6.1 g

Protein

19.9 g

Sodium

598 mg

Cholesterol

81.7 mg

This wepbage provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online nutrition data from manufacturer and food retailer websites. By accessing or using this recipe, you are acknowledging and agreeing to the full nutrition information disclaimer for this website, which you can read in its entirety here.