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Easy Mini Turkey Meatball Muffin-Tin Lunch Cups

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These mini turkey meatball muffin-tin lunch cups are a quick and easy meal prep solution, offering juicy, golden-brown meatballs with minimal hands-on time. Perfect for busy weeknights, lunchboxes, or party appetizers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position the rack in the center of the oven. Generously grease each cup of a 12-cup standard muffin tin with olive oil using a pastry brush or paper towel.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix with your hands or a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  3. Portion the meat mixture into the prepared muffin cups using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Gently press down to create a flat, even surface without packing too tightly.
  4. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The tops should be golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges.
  5. Let the meatball cups cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Use a small offset spatula or butter knife to gently loosen the edges, then lift them out.
  6. Serve immediately, or let cool completely before storing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, use 93% lean ground turkey to keep meatballs moist. If using 99% lean, add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the mixture. Let meatball cups rest in the pan for 5 minutes after baking to prevent sticking. For gluten-free, substitute panko with gluten-free panko or almond flour. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan and add 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini turkey meatballs, muffin tin meatballs, turkey meatball cups, easy meatball recipe, meal prep meatballs, healthy meatballs

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