This post may contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you. Please read my disclaimer page.
I always think of meatballs as a complicated food to make, but it always surprises me how quickly they come together. Then all I have to do is put them in the oven and wait for them to cook! It’s really quite simple. And not to mention delicious. These Turkey Buffalo Meatballs are packed with flavor, nutrients, and satiating protein. They are one of my favorite toppings for nourish bowls. I may even eat them on their own as a snack… which let’s be real, is a great way to add protein to your day!
Nutritional benefits of this recipe
- The buffalo sauce I call for is from Primal Kitchen. It’s rich in omega-9 and antioxidants and it’s delicious!! I buy it in bulk at Costco.
- Turkey is rich in protein, B-vitamins, choline, and tryptophan, which all help regulate our mood and energy.
- Quinoa flakes are high in fiber, antioxidants, and essential amino acids. It’s a great alternative to breadcrumbs because it doesn’t have processed ingredients.
- Egg is rich in b-vitamins, iodine, and healthy fats and protein.
Ingredients for Turkey Buffalo Meatballs
Ground turkey – I used 93% lean, but you can also use 98-99% lean.
Buffalo sauce – I recommend Primal Kitchen because it’s what I used and is delicious and nourishing.
Egg – For moisture.
Quinoa flakes – To use in place of breadcrumbs, which are typically have highly processed ingredients.
Salt, garlic, onion – You can just use salt for simplicity, or add garlic and onion for additional flavor!
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pour 1/4 cup of the buffalo sauce into a bowl and set aside.
- Mix together the other 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce, the quinoa flakes, the egg, and the spices. Mix thoroughly.
- Then add the ground turkey and mix gently, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Form 20 meatballs and place them on the parchment paper. Each meatball will be 2 Tbsp of mixture.
- Bake for 17-19 minutes until cooked through. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes.
- Gently toss or roll the meatballs in the remaining buffalo sauce. Serve as desired and enjoy!
Modifications for Buffalo Meatballs
- If you want a very light buffalo taste that’s not too spicy, then omit the step where you toss the meatballs in the buffalo sauce (or decrease the amount of sauce you toss them in).
- Add 1/3 cup shredded cheese or crumbled feta for more flavor.
- Make them into burger patties instead of meatballs.
- Add diced veggies for more nutrients, such as onion, bell pepper, spinach, etc.
Other recipes you’ll love
I hope you love these Turkey Buffalo Meatballs! Please be sure to leave a comment and rating if you try this recipe. It helps my website more than you know and I love hearing back from you!
PrintTurkey Buffalo Meatballs
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs 1x
- Category: lunch, dinner
Ingredients
1/2 cup Primal Kitchen buffalo sauce, divided (135g)
1 egg
1/3 cup quinoa flakes (40g)
1/2 tsp salt
Optional: 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder
1 lb ground turkey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pour 1/4 cup of the buffalo sauce into a bowl and set aside.
- Mix together the other 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce, the quinoa flakes, the egg, and the spices. Mix thoroughly.
- Then add the ground turkey and mix gently, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Form 20 meatballs and place them on the parchment paper. Each meatball will be 2 Tbsp of mixture.
- Bake for 17-19 minutes until cooked through. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes.
- Gently toss or roll the meatballs in the remaining buffalo sauce. Serve as desired and enjoy!
Pingback: Mango Jalapeno BBQ Burgers » Home Cooked Living