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Best Easy Mini Turkey Meatball Lunchbox Cups for Kids

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These mini turkey meatball cups are a quick, easy, and kid-friendly lunchbox solution made with simple ingredients. They’re perfect for meal prep, freeze beautifully, and come out juicy and flavorful every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground turkey (93/7 preferred)
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely grated onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce (for serving)
  • Optional: 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for gooey center)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a 12-cup muffin tin generously with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, Parmesan, grated onion, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
  3. If using mozzarella, form small cubes (about 1/2 teaspoon each) from the shredded cheese.
  4. Portion the mixture into 12 equal balls using a cookie scoop. If adding mozzarella, press a cube into the center of each ball and seal the meat around it.
  5. Place each meatball into a prepared muffin cup. Do not press down.
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let cool in the tin for 5 minutes.
  7. While baking, warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan or microwave.
  8. Remove meatball cups from the tin using a fork or small spatula. Let cool completely on a wire rack before packing into lunchboxes.

Notes

Don’t skip the grated onion—it adds moisture. Let meatballs cool completely before packing to avoid sogginess. These freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini turkey meatball cups, lunchbox recipes, kid-friendly, meal prep, easy turkey meatballs

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/best-easy-mini-turkey-meatball-lunchbox-cups-for-kids/