Dinner

Mini Turkey Meatballs – Easy Toddler Dinners That Are Actually Nutritious Recipe

ByJulian Dempsey October 20, 2025October 20, 2025

Introduction

These Mini Turkey Meatballs are a perfect nutritious dinner option for toddlers. They’re packed with veggies and flavorful seasonings, making them both tasty and healthy. Plus, they’re easy to make and bake quickly in the oven.

A close-up view of several browned meatballs piled on a white plate, each meatball showing a crispy, golden-brown crust with green herb flecks on top and inside, creating a slightly rough texture. The meatballs are round and unevenly shaped, with a soft interior visible through cracks in the crust. Fresh green parsley pieces are scattered over the meatballs and plate edges, enhancing their color. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup finely grated carrot
¼ cup finely chopped spinach
1 large egg
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, grated carrot, chopped spinach, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated but do not overmix.
Step 4: Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly golden.
Step 6: Let cool slightly before serving to toddlers. Serve with their favorite dipping sauce or alongside steamed veggies.

Tips & Variations

Substitute spinach with finely chopped kale or zucchini for a different veggie twist.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the meatballs allergy-friendly.
Add a pinch of mild chili powder for a little extra flavor if your child prefers a bit of spice.
Leftover meatballs can be frozen and reheated for quick meals.

Storage

Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or in the microwave until heated through. You can also freeze the meatballs for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with about a dozen round meatballs, each with a golden-brown crispy outside mixed with green herbs visible inside. The meatballs have a shiny texture where they are cooked and have small bits of fresh green parsley sprinkled on top and around. The background shows a clean white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs without spinach?

Yes, you can omit the spinach or substitute it with other finely chopped greens like kale or Swiss chard. The meatballs will still be delicious and nutritious.

Are these meatballs suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! These meatballs freeze well. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.