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Easy Freezer-Friendly Mini Turkey Meatball Lunchbox Cups

freezer-friendly mini turkey meatball cups - featured image
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These mini turkey meatball cups are a freezer-friendly lunchbox hero made with simple ingredients. They’re juicy, perfectly seasoned, and bite-sized, perfect for quick meals or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (Panko works great; use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons milk (any kind)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup (for optional glaze)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for optional glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for optional glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray or olive oil.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, milk, and olive oil. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  3. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each mini muffin cup. Gently press the mixture down so it fills the cup evenly, but do not pack too tightly.
  4. If using the optional glaze, whisk together the ketchup, honey, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Brush a thin layer over the top of each meatball cup.
  5. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The tops should be golden brown and the edges slightly crispy.
  6. Let the cups cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then run a small knife or offset spatula around the edges to loosen them. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  7. Once cooled, enjoy immediately or prepare for freezing. If freezing, arrange the cups in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date—they’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Notes

The mixture will look a bit wet before baking; that’s normal. If it feels too loose, add an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs. If too dry, add a splash more milk. The glaze is optional but recommended for extra flavor. These cups taste even better the next day as flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatball cups, freezer-friendly, lunchbox, mini meatballs, kid-friendly, meal prep, healthy snacks

Find it online: https://spoonmira.com/easy-freezer-friendly-mini-turkey-meatball-lunchbox-cups/