Spicy Cajun Turkey Meatballs

$- 1 pound ground turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for serving) - Olive oil (for cooking) To make these meatballs, you need a few simple items. Start with 1 pound of ground turkey. This keeps them lean but still tasty. You will also need 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, which help bind the mix together. Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for a nice cheesy flavor. One large egg helps hold everything in place. For flavor, you need 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Smoked paprika adds depth and warmth with 1 teaspoon. If you like heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Don't forget salt and pepper to taste. Finally, use 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley to brighten the dish. You can easily swap some ingredients based on what you have. If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers or oats. For the cheese, any hard cheese works, like Pecorino Romano. If you want a dairy-free option, skip the cheese completely. If you want to avoid turkey, ground chicken or even beef works fine. For a vegetarian option, try using a meat substitute like lentils or chickpeas, but adjust the spices to keep the flavor. Feel free to mix and match to your taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add 1 pound of ground turkey. Next, pour in 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs. Then, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Crack in 1 large egg and add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Now, it’s time for flavor! Add 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. For a kick, include 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste! Finally, fold in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Mix everything until it is well combined, but be careful not to overmix. Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to shape the meatballs. Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking. Grab a handful of the mixture and roll it into a ball about 1.5 inches wide. Try to keep them uniform in size. This helps them cook evenly. Place each meatball on a lined baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once heated, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the meatballs. This keeps them moist while they bake. Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn golden brown. While they bake, warm 1/2 cup of marinara sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Once the meatballs are ready, gently add them to the sauce. Coat them well and serve hot. Garnish with more parsley if you like. Enjoy your spicy Cajun turkey meatballs! To get the best texture, keep your meatballs moist. Use ground turkey with some fat. This adds flavor. Mix in breadcrumbs and Parmesan for a nice texture. Don't overmix your meatball mix. Gently combine the ingredients until just blended. This keeps them tender. Bake your meatballs at 400°F. This gives them a golden crust. Drizzle olive oil before baking. This helps them stay juicy. Check them at 20 minutes. They should be firm and cooked through. If you want extra flavor, let them sit in marinara sauce after cooking. Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture. This can make them tough. Don't skip the olive oil; it’s key for moisture. Watch the baking time closely. Overbaking can dry them out. Finally, adjust the cayenne pepper to fit your heat level. Tweak it for your taste! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley not only adds flavor but also enhances the overall presentation of your meatballs. Don't Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated to keep the meatballs tender. Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of cayenne pepper according to your heat preference for a personalized touch. Make Ahead: These meatballs can be prepared in advance and frozen. Just bake them when you're ready to serve! {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavor with different spices. Try using chili powder for heat. Cumin adds a warm, earthy taste. For a smoky flavor, use chipotle powder instead of cayenne. You can also add Italian seasoning for a different twist. Just remember to adjust the amount to your taste. If you want a lighter version, use ground chicken or lean beef. You can replace breadcrumbs with oats or almond flour for fewer carbs. Instead of Parmesan, try nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. You can also use egg whites instead of a whole egg for less fat. You can cook these meatballs in several ways. The oven method is easy and gives a nice crust. Bake them at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. If you want a quicker option, use an air fryer. Set it to 375°F and cook for about 15 minutes. You can also pan-fry them in a skillet with olive oil for a crispy outside. Just remember to cook them until they reach 165°F inside. After enjoying your spicy Cajun turkey meatballs, let them cool. Place leftover meatballs in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. Make sure to separate the meatballs from the sauce if you want to keep them crispy. To freeze meatballs, first, let them cool completely. Then, place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. Once solid, transfer the meatballs to a freezer bag. They will last for up to three months. This method prevents them from sticking together. When you’re ready to eat, just take out the number you need. Reheat meatballs directly from the fridge or freezer. For fridge leftovers, warm them in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water to keep them moist. For frozen meatballs, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. If using the microwave, heat them in short bursts. Always check to make sure they are hot throughout. Enjoy your flavorful dish again! Yes, you can use beef or chicken. Ground beef adds a rich taste. Ground chicken offers a lighter option. Both will work well with Cajun seasoning. Adjust cooking times as needed, since they may vary. Check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C). You can also cut one open. The meat should be no longer pink inside. A nice golden color on the outside shows they are cooked. These meatballs pair great with spaghetti or rice. You can also serve them in a sub sandwich. For a lighter option, try them over a salad. They go well with roasted vegetables too. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce! In this post, we covered the key elements of making spicy Cajun turkey meatballs. You learned about the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for perfect texture. We also discussed variations and how to store your leftovers. Remember, small changes can elevate your dish. Whether you try different meats or cooking methods, enjoy the process. Keep experimenting to find your perfect meatball recipe. Happy cooking!$

Delicious and flavorful turkey meatballs seasoned with Cajun spices, perfect for a hearty meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
to taste salt and pepper
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
0.5 cup marinara sauce
as needed olive oil

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix until well blended but do not overmix.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Shape the turkey mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a lined baking sheet.
Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the meatballs to keep them moist while baking.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have a nice golden color on the outside.
In a skillet, warm the marinara sauce over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done, add them to the sauce and gently coat them.
Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Notes

Adjust the cayenne pepper to taste for desired spiciness.

Keyword Cajun, meatballs, spicy, turkey