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Easy Mini Turkey Meatball Lunchbox Cups: Best Kid-Friendly Meal

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These mini turkey meatball cups are baked in a muffin tin for perfect portion control, making them an ideal lunchbox solution. They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavor, sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
  • ½ cup (60g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup (60g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: ½ cup (120ml) marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 12-cup standard muffin tin generously with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined; do not overmix.
  3. Scoop the mixture into the prepared muffin tin using a cookie scoop or heaping tablespoon, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Gently press down to fill evenly without packing too tightly.
  4. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until golden brown on top and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C).
  5. Let the meatball cups rest in the pan for 5 minutes. Run a small spatula around the edges to loosen, then transfer to a cooling rack.
  6. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

For a crispier top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes before scooping for more tender meatballs. Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini turkey meatball cups, lunchbox meatballs, kid-friendly meal, easy turkey meatballs, muffin tin meatballs

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