These super easy and moist turkey meatballs with rice are the perfect iron-rich finger food for babies, children of all ages, and adults!
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Turkey Meatballs for Babies and Toddlers
Meatballs are so easy to whip up, budget-friendly, and you really can pack in a lot of nutrition into them. And because I make them all the time, they sure are a freezer staple around here.
I can always count on them to come to the rescue on days when I’m running on fumes.
What makes turkey meatballs special? The rice! In Asian countries, rice porridge is extremely popular as a first food. In fact, it was what my family members insisted was the only food acceptable for my back then baby.
They genuinely thought that I had lost my mind when I told them that I was going to do baby led weaning and offer their precious grandson soft finger foods. Oh those were the days...
And to make clear, if you've decided to take the traditional approach of spoon-feeding purees, that's perfectly fine! You do You!
What's super important to know is that if you started out with purees, be sure to move forward with texture by 9 months. I can't emphasize this enough. This will lead to fewer feeding problems down the line and greater food acceptance.
Is your baby 6 months old and up?
Learn all the secrets to starting solids safely while optimizing nutrition!
Ingredients
I am highlighting just the ones that need further explanation. The complete list is in the recipe card below.
- Ground turkey - I recommend not going any leaner than 93% lean turkey for the best flavor and texture. Feel free to swap with ground chicken, pork, or beef, if you wish.
- Vegetables - you can use whatever you have on hand. Be sure to chop finely. I love using my mini food chopper for small tasks like this. Go ahead and make extra to enjoy throughout the week in oatmeal, French toast, omelette, etc.
- Rice - short or medium grain will work best.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook vegetables until softened.
- Add the rice, remaining sesame oil, garlic powder.
- Add turkey and combine, taking care not to overwork the meat.
- Shape into balls and place on lined baking sheet.
5. This is a trick I learned during our trip to Korea! In a small oven-safe dish(es), add some water and place in the pan alongside the meatballs. This helps create steam and helps to achieve tender meatballs.
Tips for Success
- Combine all the ingredients before adding the ground turkey. This will allow you to gently mix in the meat.
- Don’t overwork the meat. Your hands are seriously the best tools for mixing meatballs. You just want to mix until everything is combined. Otherwise, the meatballs will turn out tough.
- I recommend using a small ice cream scooper to make them the same size.
- When shaping the balls, work with slightly wet hands to prevent them from sticking to your hands. Otherwise, you may accidentally overwork them.
- Flip halfway through to prevent the bottoms from browning.
Serving Suggestions
For 6-9 month old baby
Meatballs were one of the first foods I served to both of my kids. Don't be surprised if not much makes it into your baby's belly at first. They will most likely just suck on the meatballs, which is great!
It allows for:
- Exposure to a variety of different flavors and texture
- Iron and zinc consumption - yes! they are found in the juices
- Engagement of all senses as they explore food through sight, touch, smell, and taste
- Development of fine-motor and oral-motor skills (like chewing).
Having said all this, if you're feeling terrified about offering meatballs to your baby, then don't! Your baby will sense your energy, and it won't be good for anyone involved.
There are other ways to serve meat (like chicken and beef) and rice, the two main ingredients in these meatballs. So don't feel pressured. Ever. These meatballs will be here for you when you're ready. I promise ;).
Here's how to build a well-balanced plate for babies
For 9+ month old baby
You can start cutting the meatballs into bite-sized pieces once your baby develops their pincer grasp.
For toddlers
You can cut the meatballs into small pieces to make them easier to eat. But do continue offering a whole meatball so they can learn to take bites.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer safe container or bag. I recommend using the flash freeze method to prevent them from sticking together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Turkey is an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients that babies need to grow and thrive, including iron, zinc, choline, and B12.
However, it can be a choking hazard if it's not cooked properly and not served in an age-appropriate way. Check out my chicken for babies post for specific details. Meatballs are a great way to introduce turkey to your baby.
I personally love the addition of rice in these meatballs but you can swap with other grains, like quinoa, barley, and couscous.
Other Meatballs for Babies
- Turkey Beet Meatballs
- Quinoa and Mushroom Beef Meatballs
- Butternut squash baby meatballs
- Super Basic Meatballs
Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!
First published in 2019.
Turkey Meatballs with rice
Ingredients
- 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey (can use beef, chicken, or pork)
- ¾ cup cooked rice (150g)
- 3 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 cup finely chopped vegetables of choice (100g) (I used broccoli, carrots, spinach)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
- Add the veggies to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. You can also do this by hand.
- Heat 1 teaspoon of sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook vegetables until softened, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Add the rice, remaining sesame oil, garlic powder. Combine until well-incorporated. If the rice is too hard then microwave briefly to soften.
- Add the turkey and mix gently using hands (don’t overwork the meat!) . Working with wet hands, shape into small-sized balls. I highly recommend using an ice cream scooper.
- Place on baking sheet. In a small oven-safe dish(es), add some water and place in the pan alongside the meatballs.
- Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Notes
- Combine all the ingredients before adding the ground turkey. This will allow you to gently mix in the meat.
- Don’t overwork the meat. Your hands are seriously the best tools for mixing meatballs. You just want to mix until everything is combined. Otherwise, the meatballs will turn out really tough.
- I recommend using a small ice cream scooper to make them the same size.
- When shaping the balls, work with slightly wet hands to prevent them from sticking to your hands. Otherwise, you may accidentally overwork them.
- Store in an airtight container for 3-5 days in the fridge.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. I personally flash freeze all my baked goods.
Christa says
These are a staple in our household! We love love love making rice balls out of these (break up the meatball and add a little cooked bulgar wheat/quinoa, maybe some scrambled eggs). Literally the best meal to take when eating out or leaving our toddler w the in laws. Thank you mj for this awesome recipe!
Min says
OOh such a great idea! Thank you for sharing!
Claudia Shin Ang says
My 9 month old can’t get enough of these 🙂
Min says
Love to hear that!!
Amanda says
Thank you for sharing so many great recipes! I love how they are so easy to make and my baby loves them!
Min says
You are very welcome! Thanks for trying out my recipes!
Heather says
This has been a favorite recipe since our 2 year old daughter was 6 months old. I always have a batch of these in the freezer for a easy healthy lunch to throw in the toaster oven and have ready in 10 min. This recipe is so easy and affordable. We use leftover rice and whatever veggies we have in the fridge. They always turn out great!
Min says
We always have these in the freezer too! So glad you guys are enjoying this recipe. Thank you so much for sharing!
Diana Du says
I've been having a hard time making dishes my little 14 month old. Made these just now and she keeps asking for more! Thank you!!
Min says
yay!! makes me so happy to hear!
Nick says
I made these with beef and they came out beautifully. My 2.5 yr old and 9 month old wolfed them down! Thanks for the tip about not overworking the meat - that made a huge difference. Highly recommended.
Min says
So awesome!! Thank you for sharing!!
Kari Anne Matusiak says
Do you recommend a certain type of rice?
Min says
Short or medium grain rice will all work
NYoon says
My kids aren't meat lovers but they love this! So many ways to make this, works with any veggies and any protein. I make a big batch and pop some into their favorite soups.
Min says
Ooh! Love that you add these to soups!
Lacey says
Love it! Love everything you do! Definitely follow her on Instagram as well!
Min says
aww thanks mama!
Jackie says
Hi. The recipe calls for 2 tsp of sesame oil. Heat oil in pan and cook vegetables. Then it says in bowl add the rice, sesame oil etc. Is more oil needed? Thank you.
Min says
Hi! so sorry for the confusion. Just fixed the recipe but you'll need 3 teaspoons total!
Daniela Maka says
Can i use another type of oil?
Min says
Sure sesame oil def adds great flavor but feel free to swap
Jessica says
Couple questions...meatballs usually have egg, do these hold together without it? Also, what's the purpose of the dish of water on the baking sheet while baking?
Siu Dang says
hi, quick question on. this awesome recipe. Do you serve this on its own or with other things to make it more of a "meal'?
Min says
usually with other foods, like cooked veggies, fruit, grain, etc
Marissa says
Do you freeze raw or cooked?
Marissa says
Sorry, just saw the above comments since I had this tabbed since you released the recipe, prior to anyone commenting!
Min says
No worries 😉
Min says
Cooked!
Cat says
Hi min! Do you cook the broccoli first? Before adding to the meatballs?
Min says
No just finely chop all the veggies 😉 and feel free to swap out the veggies with whatever you have on hand!
Denise says
Is the rice just steamed? Can it be brown rice?
Min says
Cooked in rice cooker. Yes you can use brown rice or any other grains!
aqilah says
from all your recepies in this blog,how can i know suitable starting age?
Min says
Most of the recipes you see under baby/kid friendly subcategories are appropriate for 6 months and up
Jeannie says
Do you bake and then freeze? If so, how do you reheat after defrosting?
Min says
Yes refer to the freezing suggestion in the post. I normally reheat in the microwave for no more than 45 seconds or simmer in some type of sauce (like tomato or curry) on the stove!
Bianca says
Do you have a curry sauce recipe? Can you please share, thank you!
Min says
Hi! there's a couple of curry recipes in my 3rd e-cookbook
Betti says
Can I use quinoa instead of rice?
Min says
absolutely!
Manasa says
Always kids friendly 😉
Min says
Hehe always!! Thank you!!
Rinnie says
Thank you so much Min! It is hard to get turkey where I live. Can I please know What meat is a good substitute to turkey for this recipe?
Min says
Hi! You can use chicken, pork, or beef!
Penny says
Can i use like chicken or pork instead of turkey? its not easy to find it here!
Min says
Absolutely!