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Easy Mini Turkey Meatball Lunchbox Cups

easy mini turkey meatball lunchbox cups - featured image

These easy mini turkey meatball lunchbox cups are savory, juicy, and packed with simple, clean flavors. Perfect for meal prep, they freeze beautifully and make lunch feel like a real meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey (93/7)
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (or panko)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely diced yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, diced onion, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley (if using). Stir together with a fork.
  3. Add the beaten egg, olive oil, and ground turkey to the bowl with the dry mixture. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, divide the meat mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Each cup should have about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the mixture.
  5. Using your fingers or the back of a small spoon, press the meat mixture into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup, creating a small well or indentation in the center. The meat should form a little cup shape, about 1/4-inch thick on the bottom and sides.
  6. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the edges are starting to brown and pull away from the sides of the pan.
  7. Let the meatball cups cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, run a butter knife around the edge of each cup to loosen them. Gently lift them out and transfer them to a cooling rack.

Notes

Don’t skip the egg; it’s essential for structure. Use a light hand when pressing the meat into the muffin tin to avoid dense meatballs. For even cooking, check your oven temperature. These freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini turkey meatball cups, lunchbox meatballs, healthy meal prep, turkey meatball recipe, easy lunch idea