Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
- 0.5 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 0.5 tsp cracked black pepper
- 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, ricotta cheese, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes until a smooth paste forms.
- Add the ground turkey, grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and fresh parsley to the bowl.
- Using your hands, gently fold the ingredients together until just combined, taking care not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Using a 1.5-inch cookie scoop, portion the mixture into approximately 16-18 meatballs.
- Lightly coat your palms with the olive oil and roll the portions into smooth spheres. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exteriors are golden brown.