Savory High-Protein Meatballs

Name: Savory High-Protein Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; 1/2 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup grated carrots; 1/4 cup grated zucchini; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup marinara sauce; Cooked whole grain pasta or zucchini noodles

Highlighted under: International Flavor Recipes

When I first decided to make these Savory High-Protein Meatballs, I was on the lookout for a nourishing yet delicious meal. I combined lean meats, spices, and some hidden veggies to create meatballs that not only satisfy but also support my active lifestyle. We love having these for dinner and even snacking on them the following day for lunch. Plus, they're simple enough to prepare, making them a staple in our household. Trust me, once you try them, you'll be adding them to your regular menu too!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-09T17:09:28.559Z

Creating the perfect meatball can feel daunting, but after some testing, I discovered that a mixture of ground turkey and lean beef enhances both flavor and protein content. I also sneaked in grated carrots and zucchini, which added moisture without overwhelming the taste. My family was shocked to learn these meatballs contained extra veggies!

Another tip I found helpful is pan-searing the meatballs before baking them. This method gives them a delightful crust, sealing in the juices. I love serving these with marinara sauce and whole grain pasta for a wholesome meal that feels indulgent yet healthy.

Why You'll Love These Meatballs
Packed with protein to fuel your day
Flavorful with a hint of spice and hidden veggies
Versatile and perfect for meal prep or family dinners

The Importance of Lean Meats

Using lean meats like ground turkey and lean ground beef is crucial for achieving meatballs that are both high in protein and relatively low in fat. This combination not only enhances the nutritional profile but also contributes to a lighter texture, perfect for incorporating into dishes without making them overly greasy. When mixing your meats, choose a turkey that has a fat content of around 93%, as it balances moisture and flavor without creating a heavy mouthfeel.

Ground turkey is known for its mild flavor, allowing the spices and hidden vegetables to shine through. Pairing it with lean beef enhances the meatballs' richness and depth, creating a juicy bite. If you're looking for substitutions, ground chicken or even a plant-based meat alternative can work well while still providing a satisfying texture and protein content.

Vegetable Integration

In this recipe, incorporating grated carrots and zucchini not only boosts the nutritional value but also helps keep the meatballs moist. The moisture from these vegetables emits steam while cooking, which prevents the meatballs from drying out in the oven. For added flavor, consider using finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms. Just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture if using mushrooms to avoid a soggy texture.

This hidden veggie approach is perfect for picky eaters or for those looking to sneak in additional nutrients. The grated vegetables remain largely undetectable when mixed with the meat, allowing you to elevate the meal without compromising on taste. Keep in mind that grating versus chopping ensures an even distribution throughout the meat mixture, leading to uniform cooking.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Savory High-Protein Meatballs

For the Meatballs

1 pound ground turkey
1/2 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup grated carrots
1/4 cup grated zucchini
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

1 cup marinara sauce
Cooked whole grain pasta or zucchini noodles

Feel free to adjust the spices and ingredients to match your taste!

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, lean ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, onion, garlic, grated carrots, grated zucchini, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Form the Meatballs

Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs about the size of a golf ball and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Sear the Meatballs

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches and sear on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Bake to Finish Cooking

Transfer the seared meatballs back to the baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

Serve

Warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan and serve it over the meatballs with your choice of pasta or zucchini noodles.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy meatballs!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try incorporating fresh herbs like parsley or basil into the meat mixture. Additionally, letting the meatballs rest for a few minutes after baking can help them retain more juices.

Cooking and Serving Suggestions

When searing the meatballs, make sure your skillet is hot enough to create a golden-brown crust, which locks in flavor. Use a non-stick skillet or one with a good coating, and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning. If you prefer convenience, you could skip the searing step and go straight to baking, though you may miss out on that extra layer of depth in flavor from the initial browning.

For serving, a fragrant marinara sauce pairs beautifully with the savory meatballs. To amp up the flavor of your marinara, consider adding some sautéed onions and red pepper flakes while heating. If you're meal prepping, these meatballs hold up well in the fridge for up to three days and can be reheated easily in the microwave or oven.

Making Ahead and Freezing

These meatballs are excellent candidates for freezer meals. After shaping them, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be cooked straight from frozen; just add an extra 5-10 minutes to your baking time. This makes them perfect for busy weeknights when you need protein-packed meals on hand in no time.

If you're looking to scale the recipe, simply double or triple the ingredients and follow the same preparation steps. Just remember that larger batch cooking may need to be done in batches when searing to ensure even cooking. Experiment with different spices or sauces to keep things interesting, offering a new flavor profile each time you serve them.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I meal prep these meatballs?

Absolutely! These meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for ground turkey?

Ground chicken or pork can be great substitutes if you prefer different flavors or textures.

→ Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.

→ What sides pair well with these meatballs?

They pair well with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of whole grain bread for a complete meal.