Dinner

Leftover Turkey Meatballs Recipe

ByCharlotte Montgomery December 5, 2025December 5, 2025

Introduction

Leftover turkey meatballs are a delicious and creative way to transform cooked turkey into a comforting meal. These tender meatballs combine shredded vegetables and herbs for added flavor and moisture, making them perfect for quick dinners or meal prep.

A white ceramic bowl filled with two layers of small golden-brown patties that have a slightly crispy texture and green herb bits visible inside. In front of the bowl, two more patties sit on a dark wooden surface, showing their rounded, slightly uneven shapes with browned spots. In the blurred background, there is a small white bowl of red sauce and some leafy greens, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 ½ cups (250g) cooked turkey, ground
2 medium carrots, peeled
2 potatoes (about 300g)
3 eggs
2 or 3 cloves garlic
2 tbsp olive oil
2 or 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
½ cup breadcrumbs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil to drizzle on top

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it with oil.
Step 2: Place the leftover cooked turkey in a food processor and pulse a few seconds until ground. Transfer to a large bowl.
Step 3: Shred the carrots and potatoes using the large holes of a grater or your food processor. Add them to the bowl with the turkey.
Step 4: Add minced garlic, chopped parsley, eggs, olive oil, and breadcrumbs to the mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are combined.
Step 5: Shape the mixture into meatballs using your hands and place them on the prepared baking sheet. You can flatten them slightly if you prefer.
Step 6: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the meatballs. Bake for 15–20 minutes on one side, then flip and bake for another 15–20 minutes on the other side until golden and cooked through.
Step 7: Serve warm with your favorite sauce and side dishes such as rice, pasta, potatoes, or in sandwiches.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or oats.
Add grated Parmesan or your favorite cheese to the mixture for extra flavor.
Mix in finely chopped onion or bell peppers for more texture and taste.
Use fresh herbs like thyme or oregano instead of parsley to change the flavor profile.
Try baking the meatballs on a wire rack over the baking sheet to make them crispier.

Storage

Store leftover turkey meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A white oval bowl filled with two layers of golden-brown, crispy chicken nuggets with bits of green herbs visible, stacked neatly inside. Two chicken nuggets lay in front of the bowl on a dark wooden surface with a white marbled texture in the background. In the top left corner, there is a small white dish filled with bright red dipping sauce, and fresh green lettuce is placed in the upper right side. The chicken nuggets have a crunchy texture, with some darker browned spots showing a well-cooked finish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use raw turkey instead of cooked turkey?

This recipe is designed for leftover cooked turkey. Using raw turkey may change the texture and require different cooking times, so it’s best to use cooked turkey to ensure even cooking and the right consistency.

Can I bake the meatballs all at once without flipping?

Flipping the meatballs halfway through baking helps them cook evenly and develop a nice crust on both sides. If you prefer, you can bake them without flipping but expect a less even browning.