Description
A quick, budget-friendly lunch solution featuring tender turkey meatballs baked in a muffin tin with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for back-to-school mornings and kid-approved.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1/2 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, and oregano. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.
- Press heaping tablespoons of the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup to create a ‘cup’ shape.
- Bake for 15 minutes until edges are set and slightly browned.
- Remove from oven and spoon about a tablespoon of marinara sauce into the center of each meatball cup.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
- Return to oven for 3-5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool in the tin for 5 minutes to set, then gently pop out with a knife or spatula.
- Cool completely before packing to prevent sogginess.
Notes
Do not overmix the meatball mixture to avoid tough texture. Ensure meatballs are cooled completely before packing to prevent steam-induced sogginess. Can be frozen raw for later use. For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 snack cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 10
Keywords: turkey meatballs, lunchbox ideas, budget lunch, kid-friendly recipes, meal prep, muffin tin recipes, quick lunch, school lunch