Kid Friendly Golden Baked Turkey Apple Meatballs
Juicy, mild turkey meatballs naturally sweetened with grated apple and packed with veggies. Completely gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and nightshade-free for a fuss-free family dinner.
Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Total
35 min
Makes
5 servings
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Dylan + Lila
Dylan created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthComfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
Steadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Clearer, simpler choices
Let the recipe do the thinking
Clear steps and a complete plate mean fewer decisions when focus is in short supply—and a more substantial meal once you are done.
Notice: focus + energy later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Total
35 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Oven · Sheet pan · Mixing bowl
Time saver
Make a double batch and freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months for quick weeknight re-heating.
Do these three things first
- 1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment…
- 2Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 3Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 7 steps complete
Next: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and…
- 01
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and…
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Tap card to mark done - 02
Grate the apple and zucchini using the…
Grate the apple and zucchini using the medium holes of a box grater, then squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
Tap card to mark done - 03
Combine ground turkey
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, grated apple, grated zucchini, gluten-free oat flour, egg, olive oil, dried oregano, and salt.
Tap card to mark done - 04
Mix gentle with clean hands until just…
Mix gentle with clean hands until just combined into a uniform mixture without overworking the meat.
Look for: just combined into a uniform mixture without overworking the meat
Tap card to mark done - 05
Scoop and roll the mixture into 15…
Scoop and roll the mixture into 15 equal-sized meatballs (about 1.5 inches or 4cm in diameter) and arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
Tap card to mark done - 06
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until…
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the meatballs are lightly golden on top and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.
Look for: the meatballs are lightly golden on top and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer
Tap card to mark done - 07
Remove from the oven and let rest…
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes on the tray before serving with your favorite nightshade-free sides.
Allow: 5 minutes
Tap card to mark done
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