This Turkish Meatballs recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pan for a quick weeknight meal that your family will absolutely love! You can switch up the spices or add veggies to suit your taste preferences, or even use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of those pesky leftovers. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your back pocket!
Ingredients Breakdown
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 medium onion, grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup pine nuts (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
Let’s Get Cooking!
1. Gather and Prep
First things first, gather all your ingredients. Grate the onion, mince the garlic, finely chop the parsley, and if you’re using them, roughly chop those pine nuts. You want everything ready to go! Honestly, having everything prepped is half the battle on busy weeknights!
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, salt, and pepper. Now, here’s the trick: mix it gently until just combined. You want to keep those meatballs nice and tender, so avoid overmixing!
3. Shape the Meatballs
Next, wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking (thank me later!). Take spoonfuls of the meat mixture and form them into small oval-shaped patties or balls. I like mine about the size of a golf ball, but you do you!
4. Cook the Köfte
Now onto cooking! You can either grill or bake your meatballs. If you’re grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, and cook the meatballs for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally until they’re nicely browned and cooked through. If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lay the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. They’ll take about 20-25 minutes to get wonderfully browned. Either way, your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
5. Serve It Up
Once they’re cooked, serve your köfte on a platter beside warm pita bread and a side of tangy yogurt sauce. Drizzle with some extra olive oil, and garnish with more parsley if you’d like!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I need something quick yet comforting! It’s flavorful, filling, and there’s just something about the spices that feels like a warm hug. Plus, it’s totally versatile; you can use whatever you’ve got on hand! One of my favorite memories is the time I made these for a potluck; everyone raved about them, and honestly, I felt like a kitchen rock star! The best part is that leftovers (if there are any!) are fantastic the next day, perfect in a wrap or over rice!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Izmir Meatballs, my Turkish Chicken Skewered Kebab, or my Turkish Inspired Eggs Cilbir!
Why This Recipe Works
Crowd-Pleaser
These Turkish meatballs are a hit at any table. Loaded with tons of flavor and perfectly seasoned, your whole family will love these! Seriously, even picky eaters have gone back for seconds in my house.
Quick & Easy
With a prep time of about 10 minutes and a cook time that doesn’t exceed 30 minutes, you can have this meal ready in no time. Great for those busier weeknights when you don’t have time to spend in the kitchen!
Customizable
One of the best things about this meal is its flexibility. Got some zucchini or spinach? Toss those in! Want to try different spices? Go for it! Use whatever ingredients you have, and make it your own!
Comfort Food
These meatballs are so hearty and flavorful; they hit all the right spots! Pair them with some warm, fluffy pita and a tangy sauce, and you’ve got yourself a meal that feels like a warm embrace.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
I recommend serving these Turkish meatballs alongside pita bread or over a bed of fluffy rice. They pair perfectly with a fresh salad or my yogurt sauce to balance the savory meatiness!
Storage
Got leftovers? No problem! These meatballs will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if they last that long! Just let them cool before storing in an airtight container.
Reheating Instructions
For reheating, I recommend using the oven or a skillet to help retain their moisture. Heat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or sauté them on the stove for about 5-7 minutes.
Freezer Friendly
Yes! You can freeze these meatballs! Just portion them out into zip-top bags, and they’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating or cook them straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time!
Final Thoughts
This easy recipe for Turkish Meatballs is a culinary gem every busy family needs! Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or impressing friends at a gathering, no stress! It’s flavorful, comforting, and unbelievably satisfying. And remember, cooking isn’t just about the food; it’s also about making memories with those you love. Can’t wait for you to try this recipe! Enjoy!
Y’all, I know I’ve said it before, but seriously, this is LITERALLY the best thing I’ve ever made that requires minimal effort. You won’t regret it, I promise. Happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Turkish Meatballs
Ingredients
Method
- Gather all your ingredients. Grate the onion, mince the garlic, finely chop the parsley, and roughly chop the pine nuts if using.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking. Take spoonfuls of the meat mixture and form into small oval-shaped patties or balls.
- For grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high heat, and cook the meatballs for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through.
- For baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), lay the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 20-25 minutes until browned.
- Serve the köfte on a platter alongside warm pita bread and a side of tangy yogurt sauce. Optionally drizzle with extra olive oil and garnish with more parsley.