Low Sodium Turkey Meatballs Recipe
These low sodium turkey meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and simple to make with salt-free ingredients that still have plenty of flavor in each bite. These lighter meatballs are great to enjoy with pasta, simmered in sauces, or as meatball subs!
See our step-by-step photos to make these easy meatballs today. They are simple to make, great to prep and enjoy for a few meals throughout the week, and will be enjoyed by everyone at the table.
Want more low sodium ground turkey recipes? Try our low sodium turkey chili, stuffed acorn squash, and our favorite low sodium turkey meatloaf recipe!
If you are a fan of meatballs, this easy turkey version is a great recipe to make that tastes just as good as ground beef! These meatballs are light, loaded with fresh herbs and salt-free spices, and are versatile.
We made a big batch of these meatballs recently and froze the leftovers (yes, this recipe is super freezer-friendly). Start by mixing all the ingredients together in a large bowl, baking them, then enjoying them however you’d like! They are especially great simmered in our low sodium spaghetti sauce or tossed with our low sodium tomato basil pasta!
Notes from Our Low So Kitchen
- Ground turkey can still make fantastic meatballs, that taste just as good as beef!
- Excellent served with pasta, sauces, or in sandwiches.
- These freeze well, and are great for meal prepping or batch cooking freezer meals.
- You can make a big batch in under an hour too.
- Cooks of any skill level can make these meatballs by following along with our step-by-step photos below.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Be sure to visit the recipe card below to see the full ingredient amounts and directions!
I start with using lean ground turkey as the base for these meatballs. You can use 93%, 95%, or even 99% lean, any variety will work fine.
To the turkey, add eggs to bind the meatballs together. These will hold the meat and spice mixture together when being baked, or when added to sauce. I also add reduced sodium Worcestershire sauce for a bit of flavor. This and the eggs will add moisture to the meatballs.
I also add no-salt spices to give the meatballs flavor. I use chopped garlic, a salt-free Italian spice blend, onion powder, and brown sugar for flavor. I also add fresh chopped parsley to give the meatballs a nice herby flavor and some color. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of chili flakes adds a nice bit of spice.
And finally, low sodium panko breadcrumbs hold the meatballs together! Look for an unseasoned breadcrumb, panko usually works really well.
Additions and Substitutions
If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can used granulated garlic or garlic powder.
You could add chopped onions for flavor as well, and a little crunch. I have used both onions and onion powder when making meatballs, and both are excellent, it just depends on the texture you prefer.
The chili flakes are optional, you can omit them for a milder flavor. Or if you like heat, you can double them for extra spicy flavor.
Step-By-Step Photos & Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper, and set aside.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, add all of the ingredients and mix well until the mixture is well combined.
Step 3: Take 2 tablespoons or so of the mixture, roll it into a ball, and place each meatball on the baking sheet. Repeat until all the meatballs are formed. You may need two baking sheets depending on the size of your meatballs.
Step 4: Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. Alternatively, you can simmer them in a low sodium tomato sauce for 30-35 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
Our recipe has 94mg sodium per 3 meatballs, as we use low sodium ingredients (reduced sodium Worcestershire, low salt breadcrumbs) and no added salt. If you get turkey meatballs at a restaurant, they may contain more sodium so be sure to check with your server before ordering.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze leftover meatballs, just be sure to cook them first before freezing.
I usually like to serve these in a tasty low sodium tomato marinara sauce with pasta, and simmer the baked meatballs right in the sauce. You can serve them with a creamy low sodium alfredo sauce or a stroganoff sauce. You can also add them to soups (low sodium Italian wedding soup is a favorite for us) or add them to salads. Or make them a meatball sub sandwich or wrap!
Expert Tips
- I found the meat mixture to be pretty wet, but don’t worry – the meatballs will dry in the oven as they bake and still be juicy.
- These meatballs freeze very well! Freeze them with tomato sauce, or by themselves in a freezer bag.
- They are also excellent to make ahead. Bake them up to 3 days before enjoying. Heat in a sauce until warmed through.
More Easy Low Sodium Dinner Recipes
- Low Sodium Creamy Chicken and Peppers Recipe (Southwest Style)
- Low Sodium Baked Cod Recipe
- Low Sodium White Bean Soup Recipe
- Low Sodium Taco Baked Potatoes
- Low Sodium Honey Garlic Tofu Recipe
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Low Sodium Turkey Meatballs
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet Pan
- parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground turkey I used 93% lean
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup low sodium panko breadcrumbs
- 4 cloves garlic chopped
- ½ cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon low sodium Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon salt-free Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon red chili pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper, and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add all of the ingredients and mix well until the mixture is well combined.
- Take 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture, roll it into a ball, and place each meatball on the baking sheet. Repeat until all the meatballs are formed (I made 24). You may need two baking sheets depending on the size of your meatballs.
- Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. Alternatively, you can simmer them in a low sodium tomato sauce for 30-35 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition estimate (for 1 serving)
*Please note, all nutrition content is estimated based on the ingredients we used in our kitchen. It will vary based on your ingredients. Always check your nutrition labels to verify your nutrition content and sodium amounts.
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