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Easy Mini Turkey Meatball Cups with Marinara

Easy Mini Turkey Meatball Cups with Marinara - featured image
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These Easy Mini Turkey Meatball Snack Cups with Marinara are a quick and delicious appetizer or snack, featuring tender turkey meatballs baked in a mini muffin tin with marinara and melted mozzarella. Perfect for game nights, parties, or a fun weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (93% lean)
  • ½ cup (60g) plain panko breadcrumbs
  • ⅓ cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ cup (120ml) marinara sauce
  • ½ cup (55g) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position the rack in the middle. Spray a mini muffin tin generously with non-stick spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix gently with your hands until just combined, about 30 seconds.
  3. Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop or spoon, portion the mixture into the prepared muffin cups, filling each cup evenly (about 20 to 24 cups).
  4. Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, press down into the center of each meatball portion to create a well, pressing to the bottom of the cup without pushing through. Ensure the walls are even thickness.
  5. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of marinara sauce into each well.
  6. Sprinkle a generous pinch of shredded mozzarella over each cup (about 1 teaspoon per cup).
  7. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, the edges are golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Check at 12 minutes.
  8. Let the cups rest in the pan for exactly 2 minutes. Then, use a small spoon or offset spatula to gently lift each cup out.
  9. Arrange on a serving platter, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat mixture to keep the cups tender. Let the cups rest for exactly 2 minutes after baking for easy release. For make-ahead, assemble in the tin, cover, and refrigerate up to 4 hours before baking. Add sauce and cheese just before baking. For a keto/low-carb option, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour (¼ cup) or crushed pork rinds (½ cup).

Nutrition

Keywords: mini turkey meatball cups, turkey meatball appetizer, mini meatball cups, easy meatball recipe, turkey meatball snack, game day appetizer

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/easy-mini-turkey-meatball-cups-with-marinara/