These oven-baked turkey beet meatballs are quick and easy to prepare, healthy, and most importantly baby and toddler approved! Be sure to double or triple the recipe so you can freeze some and pull them out for quick snacks or meals in the future.
Lately, I've been really intentional about actually sticking to our grocery budget, which I always set but had been doing an excellent job at going over month after month.
And one of the biggest wallet breakers for us is meat. So what does a mama on a mission to save do when the ground turkey is on sale for $2 off at her local store? Stock up and freeze!
Needless to say, we've been eating a lot of ground turkey lately, and thankfully, I haven't been hearing many complaints from my boys, bless their hearts.
Probably because I've been developing all sorts of unique recipes using this super affordable, convenient, and versatile cut of meat.
Today, I want to introduce you to these turkey beet meatballs! They are juicy, super flavorful, and chock-full of all those critical nutrients that your baby or toddler needs! The perfect baby led weaning meatballs ;).
Ingredients
Ground turkey. Feel free to swap with chicken, pork, or beef.
Vegetables. Again, you can use whatever you have on hand. Mushrooms are the only non-animal food source of vitamin D, which is very important for babies (for all ages, really). It also helps bulk up the volume, making a pound of meat go a long way.
Beets. You can use raw beets but cooking them will make the meatballs more moist for the baby.
Tahini. A great source of healthy fats, which babies really need! It imparts a subtle nutty flavor which is divine! If there's a sesame allergy, you can substitute with other nut butters (make sure to thin out) or other seed butter.
Beets for Babies
Here's EVERYTHING you need to know about serving this incredible vegetable to your baby.
It seems that people either really love beets or hate them. It was love at first lick for both of my kids, and I learned to appreciate them in my twenties. My husband won't eat them unless they're combined with other foods.
if your little one or anyone in your family cannot stand beets, give these turkey beet meatballs a try! Or these beetroot muffins! They're super tasty in oatmeal too!
These meatballs will be a great way to get those essential iron and zinc into your little one. Always strive to offer an iron-rich source at every meal! Here's more info on how to build a well-balanced plate. Oh, and let's not forget. You'll also appreciate the fact that they won't be covered in red.
Is your baby 6 months old and up?
Learn all the secrets to starting solids safely while optimizing nutrition!
Instructions
Cook the vegetables so they're nice and soft.
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients. Don't overwork the meat! Otherwise, you'll end up with very tough meatballs.
Shape into small-sized balls and transfer to a greased or lined baking sheet.
Bake, flipping halfway through!
Storage Suggestions
- 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.
Other Meatball Recipes to Try:
- Asian Turkey Rice Meatballs
- Quinoa and Mushroom Beef Meatballs
- Butternut squash baby beef meatballs
- Super Basic Meatballs
Did you make this baby and toddler-friendly Turkey Beet Meatballs? Follow me on Instagram post a photo and tag me, post a photo on my Facebook page, or save it to Pinterest. I love to see what you're making!
Kid-friendly Turkey Beet Meatballs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 medium cooked beets, shred on large holes of box grater (about ¾ cups), squeeze out excess liquid
- ½ teaspoon olive oil
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon tahini
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Farenheit
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat and cook onion and mushrooms until softened, 3-5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients. Mix using your hands being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Shape into small-sized balls (see note). Place on a greased or lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Using a thermometer, make sure the internal temperature has reached 165F.
Kristine says
Hi,
Thank you for sharing so many phenomenal recipes! Our family LOVES to eat MJ & Hungryman recipes!
For this one, my son has an allergy to nuts, sesame, and tahini.. Do you recommend any other substitutes?
Thank you,
Kristine
Min says
This makes me so happy! Thank you for sharing! Have you tried perilla oil? That would be a good alternative to sesame oil in Asian recipes. If not, you can use olive oil but add more seasonings like garlic, ginger, curry powder, etc
Ali says
These were amazing! I made them for my baby, partner, and myself and we loved them! My so. Is 10 months old and it was his first time trying beats, and it was the first time I enjoyed beats. I love all of your recipe ideas and I’m excited to try more!
Min says
This makes me SO happy to hear! Thank you for taking the time to share ;). Hope you enjoy all my other recipes too 😉
Dani says
You mentioned instant pot in an earlier recipe .. how could I cook these in one?
Min says
hi! not sure which recipe you are referring to but you can't make these meatballs in an instant pot
S.R. says
These are pretty darn good! I was looking for a new turkey meatball recipe for my 1 year old (he's grown bored of the applesauce + sweet potato one you see everywhere) and I had beets in the fridge. I just cooked them up (and added some grated carrot, too). Curious to see if he likes them. Thank you for the recipe!!
Min says
Yay! Hope you guys enjoy!!
Liz S. says
I made these meatballs with beef and they're a winner! I upped the onion and mushroom and added panko to help bind (I didn't squeeze liquid from my grated beets to save time/cleaning) but otherwise followed the recipe - my 14 month old loved them! At the same time I made a separate batch for the adults, with mayo and dijon instead of tahini (sesame allergy) plus salt, no cumin. Both versions were great! I had roasted too many beets and this was a great way to use them up that would never have occurred to me, so thank you for a great recipe!
Min says
I'm so glad they were a hit! Love all your adaptations def going to try them myself so thank you for sharing 😉
Christine says
Baby loved it !
Min says
Yay!! So glad to hear!!!
Jongmin says
this recipe sounds so great! is it possible to substitute egg? My 18 months son is allergic to all forms of eggs. Thank you!!!!
Min says
I haven't tried without the egg but try adding some rolled oats or breadcrumbs!
Jongmin says
Thank you for your reply. I will try the recipe with some rolled oats. He's also allergic to wheat!!!!
Jamie says
LOVE beets and am so excited to try these. Is the tahini key or is there a sub that could be utilized?
Min says
Yay! Can't wait for you guys to try these! It's not an absolute necessity so you can leave out completely if you wish. It does add great flavor though. Is your child allergic to sesame or perhaps not a fan of its flavor? you can use sesame oil (if ok with sesame) or thinned out nut butter of choice. Hope this helps!
Jessica says
Thanks for all your tireless work Min!! I just bought the first cook book and so far my almost 9 month old is loving everything. I also happen to have a whole package from Love Beets that I've been trying to figure out how to use other than just serving plain. This recipe has come to my rescue. I can't wait to try it this weekend!
Min says
Aww thank you so much!! So glad to hear that you guys are loving all the recipes so far. Enjoy this one too!! 😉