This recipe is for 9 month old baby & up
These Turkey Meatballs are absolutely delicious and one of my favorites on the blog. This recipe is excellent for 9 month old baby dinner and up, you know it’s a major win when both of my kids like something. They are made with minimal, clean, simple ingredients and come out super soft, a wonderful dish for your family to enjoy together. Soft, moist, and easy for baby to chew, especially good if you have a little one transitioning to solids or practicing baby-led weaning (BLW). Turkey is one of the best proteins for baby when starting solids, it is gentle on the tummy, easy to digest and are packed with essential nutrients and minerals for baby’s growth and development. Rich in iron, zinc, B Vitamins, choline, selenium and more!
Turkey meatballs are a fantastic, healthy lunch or dinner option for kids, offering a nutrient-packed meal that is both delicious and versatile. This recipe is very simple, healthy, made with clean ingredients, to ensure your little one is getting the best of the best. Packed with protein, iron, and essential vitamins, turkey meatballs are an excellent way to introduce your child to lean meats while keeping their meals light and full of flavor.
Nutritional Benefits of Turkey Meatballs for Baby & Kids:
Lean Protein Source: Ground turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for growth, muscle development, and overall health. Protein helps children build and repair tissues, strengthens their immune system, and supports healthy brain development. Since turkey is lower in fat than other meats like beef or pork, it’s a great choice for parents who want to provide their kids with a leaner protein option.
Rich in Iron: Turkey also provides a good amount of iron, an important mineral that helps carry oxygen through the blood and supports brain development. Iron is especially vital for young children, as it helps prevent iron-deficiency anemia and supports healthy cognitive function. By including turkey meatballs in your child’s diet, you can help ensure they are getting enough iron to support their growing bodies.
Vitamins and Minerals: In addition to protein and iron, turkey meatballs are a good source of several other essential vitamins and minerals. Turkey contains B vitamins like niacin (B3) and B6, which are important for energy production, brain health, and the formation of red blood cells. Turkey is also rich in zinc, a mineral that supports immune function and tissue repair, and phosphorus, which helps with bone development.
Why Turkey Meatballs Are Perfect for Kids:
Soft and Tender Texture: One of the best things about turkey meatballs is their soft and tender texture, making them ideal for young children, especially toddlers. The meatballs can be easily broken apart, allowing children who are still learning to chew to enjoy them without difficulty. By adding breadcrumbs or oats to the mixture, the meatballs can also be made more moist and tender, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters will be able to enjoy them.
Customizable to Suit Tastes: Turkey meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your child’s taste preferences. You can add some cut up veggies to the sauce, like potatoes or zucchini or leave as is. Either way is delicious!
Ideal for Baby-Led Weaning: If you’re practicing baby-led weaning (BLW), turkey meatballs are a great food to include. The soft texture and small size make them easy for babies to pick up and hold with their hands. They’re also easy for little ones to bite into and chew, making them perfect for babies who are developing their self-feeding skills.
How to serve:
6 month baby & up- mash or blend meatball with a little sauce
9 month baby & up: mash or cut up in small pieces over rice or alone
12 month baby & up: serve as is over some rice, pasta or mashed potatoes
Substitutions:
Ground Turkey: Can be substituted with ground chicken
Oats: Swap for breadcrumbs of choice
Egg: You can replace the egg with a shredded zucchini or mashed cooked potato, something to bind it together. Can use flax egg as well, 1 tbsp of ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp of water and let sit for 15 minutes.
What you need:
Oven Safe Pot– stainless steel works great
If you enjoyed this recipe, check out The Softest Chicken Meatball or The Softest Beef Meatball on the blog!
Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
Directions
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Add turkey, egg, turmeric, cumin, salt, pepper, oats to mixing bowl and mix everything together very well Put a glove on and work meat a little bit, helps with softer texture
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Once done, start forming your balls
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Add a drizzle of avocado oil in oven-safe pan
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Add onion, cumin, turmeric, salt, pepper and sauté for a few min till golden brown
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Add tomato paste, mix and add 2 1/2 cups of water (check throughout cook time to see if you need to add more) and bring to a boil
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When boiling, start adding your meatballs and swirl sauce on top (don't touch with any utensils just swirl pot)
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Bring back to a boil, cover and put in oven for 55-60 min on 350 F
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Cool & serve along side rice or pasta
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