Turkey and Quinoa Meatballs

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6 Reviews
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I developed this meatballs recipe with turkey and quinoa but have since used it successfully with just about every type of ground meat and variety of grain. The addition of grains not only adds nutritional value and keeps the texture light, but also helps those on a budget stretch a small amount of quality meat into a bigger meal. It's simple, clean, nutritious eating but will please even the pickiest of meatball lovers. Make extra grains and serve those alongside a green salad, steamed asparagus, or roasted vegetables. Enjoy!

Submitted by mfbama
Updated on September 19, 2024
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Prep Time:
35 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
55 mins
Servings:
5
Yield:
20 meatballs
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 5 servings

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 ½ cups chopped celery

  • ½ large onion, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic

  • 1 ⅓ cups tomato ketchup

  • ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar

  • ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce

  • 1 ½ pounds ground turkey

  • 1 ½ cups cooked quinoa

  • 2 eggs

  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley

  • 1 teaspoon dried sage

  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add celery, onion, and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat.

  3. Mix ketchup, balsamic vinegar, and soy sauce together in a small bowl.

  4. Combine turkey, quinoa, eggs, parsley, sage, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Add celery mixture and 1/3 cup of the ketchup mixture; mix until well-combined.

  5. Spread 1/3 cup of the ketchup mixture on the bottom of two 9-inch square baking dishes. Form turkey mixture into meatballs with damp hands. Pour remaining 1/3 cup of the ketchup mixture over the meatballs.

  6. Bake in the preheated oven until meatballs are no longer pink in the center and ketchup mixture is thickened, 15 to 20 minutes.

Cook’s Note

Substitute coconut or avocado oil for the olive oil if desired.

Substitute Bragg Liquid Aminos for the soy sauce if desired.

You can also form the meat mixture into 2 loaves (using damp hands). Bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 160 degrees F (70 degrees C), 45 to 60 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

419 Calories
16g Fat
36g Carbs
35g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 5
Calories 419
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 16g 21%
Saturated Fat 4g 19%
Cholesterol 175mg 58%
Sodium 1657mg 72%
Total Carbohydrate 36g 13%
Dietary Fiber 3g 10%
Total Sugars 19g
Protein 35g 69%
Vitamin C 14mg 15%
Calcium 86mg 7%
Iron 4mg 20%
Potassium 728mg 15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.