Turkey & Sweet Potato Mini-Meatballs
Soft and savory meatballs made with ground turkey and sweet potato, perfect for little hands and growing appetites. A nutritious and delicious way to introduce meat to your toddler!
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup cooked mashed sweet potato (about 1 small sweet potato)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion (or 1/2 teaspoon onion powder)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs or oat flour (gluten-free option)
- 1 egg, beaten (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground sage or thyme (optional)
- Olive oil or cooking spray for greasing the baking sheet
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the meatballs cook evenly.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. This makes cleanup easier too!
If using fresh onion, finely chop it. This ensures it cooks through and isn't too chunky for little ones.
In a medium-sized bowl, add the ground turkey, mashed sweet potato, and chopped onion (or onion powder).
Add the breadcrumbs or oat flour to the bowl. This helps bind the ingredients together.
If using egg, add the beaten egg to the bowl. The egg helps bind the meatballs, but can be omitted if desired.
Sprinkle in the ground sage or thyme (if using). These herbs add a subtle flavor that complements the turkey and sweet potato.
Gently mix all ingredients together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
If the mixture seems too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs or oat flour (1 tablespoon at a time). If it seems too dry, add a tablespoon of water or broth.
Using a spoon or your hands, form small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. The mixture will be softer than traditional meatballs.
Place the meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping the meatballs halfway through, until they are cooked through and lightly browned. The internal temperature of the turkey should reach 165°F (74°C).
Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. This prevents burns!
Serve the Turkey & Sweet Potato Mini-Meatballs warm. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a side of natural applesauce for dipping.
Safety Notes
- Adult supervision required during all stages of preparation and cooking.
- Ensure the meatballs are thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent foodborne illness.
- Cut the meatballs into smaller, bite-sized pieces for very young toddlers to prevent choking.
- Check the temperature of the meatballs before serving to avoid burns.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: Approximately 60 kcal per meatball
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 4g
Fat: 2g