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    MJ & Hungryman ยป Baby/Kid-Friendly Recipes ยป Turkey Meatballs for Babies and Toddlers

    Turkey Meatballs for Babies and Toddlers

    By Min On June 10, 2022

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

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    Jump to Recipe
    Baked turkey meatballs on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.

    These super easy and moist turkey meatballs with rice are the perfect iron-rich finger food for babies, children of all ages, and adults!

    Baked turkey meatballs on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
    Jump to:
    • Turkey Meatballs for Babies and Toddlers
    • Ingredients
    • Step-by-Step Directions
    • Tips for Success
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Other Meatballs for Babies
    • Turkey Meatballs with rice

    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 Iโ€™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!
    I NEED IT NOW!

    Ingredients

    All the ingredients laid out on a white background.

    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

    A four image collage of how to make turkey meatballs.
    1. Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook vegetables until softened.
    2. Add the rice, remaining sesame oil, garlic powder.
    3. Add turkey and combine, taking care not to overwork the meat.
    4. Shape into balls and place on lined baking sheet.
    meatballs on a baking tray with a bowl of water in the middle.

    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.
    • Donโ€™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

    meatball, broccoli floret, and beet hummus preloaded onto a spoon.

    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

    Meatballs served in a toddler plate with grapes, broccoli, and rice.

    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

    Is turkey safe for babies?

    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.

    What is a good substitute for rice in these meatballs?

    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.

    Baked turkey meatballs on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.

    Turkey Meatballs with rice

    These oven bakedย kid-friendly turkey and rice meatballs are the perfect iron-rich finger food for your baby, children of all ages, and adults!
    5 from 55 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 22 meatballs
    Author: Min | MJ and Hungryman

    Equipment

    • Mini Food Chopper
    • Sheet Pan
    • Parchment Paper

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey (can use beef, chicken, or pork)
    • ยพ cup cooked rice (150g)
    • 3 teaspoons sesame oil
    • 1 cup finely chopped vegetables of choice (100g) (I used broccoli, carrots, spinach)
    • ยฝ 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.ย 
    • 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 (donโ€™t overwork the meat!) . Working with wet hands, shape into small-sized balls.ย 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.
    • Donโ€™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.ย 
    • Store in an airtight container for 3-5 days in the fridge.
    • Freeze for up to 3 months. I personallyย flash freezeย all my baked goods.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 35kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 12mg
    Course Appetizer, Main, Side Dish
    Cuisine Asian
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Tag me @KidFriendly.Meals today!
    « Healthy Travel Food Ideas (to share with babies and toddlers)
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    About Min

    Thank you so much for stopping by! I am Min, a Registered Dietitian, a Christ follower, a wife, and a mom to our two miracle babies! Currently, Iโ€™m having a ton of fun feeding their tummies and sharing our baby led weaning journey! Follow me on Instagram if interested in seeing daily menu as well as tips and tricks.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jasneet says

      December 30, 2022 at 5:27 am

      Hi Min
      This recipe looks amazing. I have a 13 month old who started being a bit picky now and she is vegetarian as well. What would be the substitute for turkey and how much according to this recipe.
      Thanks

      Reply
      • Min says

        December 30, 2022 at 7:07 pm

        HI! I haven't tried this recipe without meat so not sure if it will work..do you eat seafood? You could try salmon balls or salmon patties instead or there are lots of vegetarian patties on my blog, like chickpea patties, that you can try instead!

        Reply
    2. Melissa says

      November 25, 2022 at 8:11 pm

      Hello Min. I just tried your turkey meatball recipe with my 11 month old and he loved it! I have some leftover rice and veggies and wanted to try this recipe with ground beef. What temperature and for how long would you recommend I bake them? Thanks in advance!

      Reply
      • Min says

        November 26, 2022 at 8:35 pm

        Hi! I haven't tried but I would keep the temperature and cooking time the same

        Reply
    3. Natasha says

      October 27, 2022 at 10:49 am

      5 stars
      These are a staple in our home! We make them at least once a week! I love that you can use a cup of whatever veggies you have in the fridge! I lean towards carrots, spinach and broccoli or cauliflower. Iโ€™ve tried using olive oil and another batch with sesame oil and they are both fantastic! My LO likes to dip them
      in plain yogurt. So happy I came across your page and this recipe!:). Oh! And this is now the only cooking method I use for meatballs now! They arenโ€™t dried out at all! The water in a dish makes such a difference!

      Reply
      • Min says

        October 27, 2022 at 6:50 pm

        HI Natasha! Yay!!! I'm so glad you guys are loving these meatballs! And right? it makes all the difference in the world!

        Reply
    4. Christa says

      September 19, 2022 at 12:53 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Min says

        September 19, 2022 at 3:42 pm

        OOh such a great idea! Thank you for sharing!

        Reply
    5. Claudia Shin Ang says

      July 12, 2022 at 7:22 am

      5 stars
      My 9 month old canโ€™t get enough of these ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • Min says

        July 12, 2022 at 3:45 pm

        Love to hear that!!

        Reply
    6. Amanda says

      May 19, 2022 at 10:39 pm

      Thank you for sharing so many great recipes! I love how they are so easy to make and my baby loves them!

      Reply
      • Min says

        May 20, 2022 at 6:36 am

        You are very welcome! Thanks for trying out my recipes!

        Reply
      • Jackie says

        October 06, 2022 at 3:18 pm

        Are they. Supposed to be moist on the inside?

        Reply
        • Min says

          October 10, 2022 at 7:49 pm

          Yes!

          Reply
    7. Heather says

      March 05, 2022 at 11:28 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Min says

        March 05, 2022 at 3:29 pm

        We always have these in the freezer too! So glad you guys are enjoying this recipe. Thank you so much for sharing!

        Reply
    8. Diana Du says

      February 02, 2022 at 7:55 pm

      5 stars
      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!!

      Reply
      • Min says

        February 02, 2022 at 8:12 pm

        yay!! makes me so happy to hear!

        Reply
    9. Nick says

      January 26, 2022 at 4:35 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Min says

        January 27, 2022 at 5:59 am

        So awesome!! Thank you for sharing!!

        Reply
    10. Kari Anne Matusiak says

      December 12, 2021 at 2:06 pm

      Do you recommend a certain type of rice?

      Reply
      • Min says

        December 24, 2021 at 7:51 pm

        Short or medium grain rice will all work

        Reply
    11. NYoon says

      November 11, 2021 at 7:00 am

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Min says

        November 11, 2021 at 10:26 am

        Ooh! Love that you add these to soups!

        Reply
    12. Lacey says

      November 10, 2021 at 11:00 am

      5 stars
      Love it! Love everything you do! Definitely follow her on Instagram as well!

      Reply
      • Min says

        November 10, 2021 at 7:22 pm

        aww thanks mama!

        Reply
    13. Jackie says

      November 08, 2021 at 7:33 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Min says

        December 24, 2021 at 7:57 pm

        Hi! so sorry for the confusion. Just fixed the recipe but you'll need 3 teaspoons total!

        Reply
    14. Daniela Maka says

      October 17, 2021 at 4:32 pm

      Can i use another type of oil?

      Reply
      • Min says

        October 18, 2021 at 3:51 pm

        Sure sesame oil def adds great flavor but feel free to swap

        Reply
    15. Jessica says

      October 08, 2021 at 12:40 pm

      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?

      Reply
    16. Siu Dang says

      September 29, 2021 at 5:16 pm

      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'?

      Reply
      • Min says

        September 29, 2021 at 7:51 pm

        usually with other foods, like cooked veggies, fruit, grain, etc

        Reply
    17. Marissa says

      October 16, 2019 at 7:58 pm

      Do you freeze raw or cooked?

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        October 16, 2019 at 7:59 pm

        Sorry, just saw the above comments since I had this tabbed since you released the recipe, prior to anyone commenting!

        Reply
        • Min says

          October 16, 2019 at 8:04 pm

          No worries ๐Ÿ˜‰

          Reply
      • Min says

        October 16, 2019 at 8:04 pm

        Cooked!

        Reply
    18. Cat says

      October 14, 2019 at 3:58 pm

      Hi min! Do you cook the broccoli first? Before adding to the meatballs?

      Reply
      • Min says

        October 14, 2019 at 9:17 pm

        No just finely chop all the veggies ๐Ÿ˜‰ and feel free to swap out the veggies with whatever you have on hand!

        Reply
    19. Denise says

      October 10, 2019 at 7:51 pm

      Is the rice just steamed? Can it be brown rice?

      Reply
      • Min says

        October 10, 2019 at 7:52 pm

        Cooked in rice cooker. Yes you can use brown rice or any other grains!

        Reply
    20. aqilah says

      October 08, 2019 at 8:34 pm

      from all your recepies in this blog,how can i know suitable starting age?

      Reply
      • Min says

        October 08, 2019 at 9:16 pm

        Most of the recipes you see under baby/kid friendly subcategories are appropriate for 6 months and up

        Reply
    21. Jeannie says

      October 06, 2019 at 8:17 am

      Do you bake and then freeze? If so, how do you reheat after defrosting?

      Reply
      • Min says

        October 06, 2019 at 11:06 am

        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!

        Reply
        • Bianca says

          October 09, 2019 at 5:42 pm

          Do you have a curry sauce recipe? Can you please share, thank you!

          Reply
          • Min says

            October 09, 2019 at 7:16 pm

            Hi! there's a couple of curry recipes in my 3rd e-cookbook

            Reply
    22. Betti says

      October 05, 2019 at 3:48 pm

      Can I use quinoa instead of rice?

      Reply
      • Min says

        October 05, 2019 at 4:51 pm

        absolutely!

        Reply
    23. Manasa says

      October 05, 2019 at 7:49 am

      5 stars
      Always kids friendly ๐Ÿ˜‰

      Reply
      • Min says

        October 05, 2019 at 12:30 pm

        Hehe always!! Thank you!!

        Reply
    24. Rinnie says

      October 04, 2019 at 7:24 am

      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?

      Reply
      • Min says

        October 04, 2019 at 8:12 am

        Hi! You can use chicken, pork, or beef!

        Reply
    25. Penny says

      October 04, 2019 at 6:47 am

      5 stars
      Can i use like chicken or pork instead of turkey? its not easy to find it here!

      Reply
      • Min says

        October 04, 2019 at 8:11 am

        Absolutely!

        Reply

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    I am MJ, a registered dietitian and a mom of 2. I truly hope youโ€™ll enjoy all the recipes and tips that I share on what and how to feed your child!

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