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    Home » Dinner Recipes » Easy Turkey Meatball Subs

    Easy Turkey Meatball Subs

    Published: Mar 6, 2021 · Modified: Jun 5, 2022 by Tammy Overhoff

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Turkey meatball subs are my favorite way to use up a pound of ground turkey! This classic comfort food recipe is family-friendly and perfect for a quick healthy weeknight dinner.

    Or prepare these subs on gameday for a real crowd-pleaser! You can also freeze these juicy turkey meatballs, so stock up when you have time, so they’re ready when life gets busy.

    easy and healthy turkey meatball subs

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    I started making these turkey meatball subs years ago when I searched for healthy yet family-friendly recipes. Well, years later, it’s still one of the most requested recipes from my kids. 

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    1. Easy to make – This recipe uses simple ingredients and is perfect for the beginner cook.
    2. Healthy quick weeknight meal – From start to finish, dinner can be on the table in less than 30 minutes.
    3. Filling without feeling bloated – Lean turkey meatballs are high in protein to fill you up and keep you satisfied.
    4. Simple meal prep recipe – When you prepare the meatballs ahead of time, this dinner can be ready in half the time!

    Ingredients

    ingredients for turkey meatball subs.

    Ground turkey – You can use all-white meat, dark meat, or a blend. The label on the package usually discloses the type of turkey that’s in the ground meat.

    If you purchase from a butcher, tell them what kind of ground turkey you’d like. 

    I prefer using a blend of dark and white meat because this creates the best juicy, flavorful turkey meatball that is still lean.

    Egg –  Egg binds the ingredients together.

    Panko bread crumbs and milk – To prevent a dry turkey meatball, I always mix milk and breadcrumbs to add moisture. Often, I’ll use a slice of bread, but I like the panko breadcrumbs best for these meatballs.

    Seasoning – Ground turkey is very bland, so to get a flavorful meatball requires a good seasoning blend. I kept it simple using basil, oregano, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

    Worcestershire sauce – this is my secret ingredient for meaty, flavorful turkey meatballs. I use Worcestershire sauce in all of my ground turkey recipes.

    Sauce – You can cook the meatballs in any spaghetti sauce. To keep the recipe easy, I like to use Rao’s marinara sauce.

    Romano cheese – grated romano cheese adds another dimension of flavor to these baked turkey meatballs. You can also use parmesan cheese.

    Mozzarella cheese (not pictured) – there’s nothing like ooey gooey cheese on a meatball sub! You can also use a blend of provolone, asiago, or any Italian cheese.

    Whole wheat hot dog buns – Of course, you can use any roll to make turkey meatball subs lighter; I use small whole wheat hot dog buns. These buns are the perfect vessel for the meatballs without adding too many extra calories and carbs. 

    Where to get a high-quality package of ground turkey?

    Using high-quality ground turkey will make the best turkey meatball subs. 

    Organic ground turkey can is available at many grocery stores, including Whole Foods. My favorite store to purchase organic ground turkey is online from Butcherbox. 

    FAQs

    Can I use ground chicken for this meatball recipe?

    Yes, of course. These chicken parmesan meatballs are perfect for subs. 

    If you use ground chicken in this recipe, just keep in mind that ground chicken is very lean and has the tendency to dry out, so you’ll want to add some extra fat like oil or cream to the mix.

    Should I use white meat or dark meat?

    Either one will work fine for turkey meatballs. However, dark meat does have more fat which will give it more flavor.

    If you use all-white turkey, I recommend adding a little extra fat with cream, melted butter, or olive oil.

    What toppings can I put on a meatball sub?

    My favorite toppings for turkey meatball subs is good old-fashioned melted mozzarella cheese. Even melted provolone is tasty.

    Besides cheese, you can use basic sub toppings like lettuce, onions, and even banana peppers are delicious.

    Or sauteed onions and peppers (cooked or raw) taste great!

    turkey meatball subs on a plate

    Cooking tips

    Keep it low carb – These turkey meatballs are delicious even without the roll, so if you need to lose the bread, don’t sweat it.

    Eat these over zoodles in a lettuce wrap or baked with spaghetti squash for a delicious low-carb version.

    Use a cookie scoop to get size meatballs evenly. Do you ever wonder how people get all their meatballs to be the same size? They use a cookie scoop.

    I recommend purchasing a cookie scoop just for meatballs.

    Have a small bowl of water nearby. Raw turkey meatball mix is wet and messy. It’s helpful to dip your hands in water as you roll the meatballs.

    Use parchment paper or spray the pan with cooking spray. Both of these will help keep the meatballs from sticking to the baking sheet.

    Make a double or triple batch. Meatballs freeze great, so make extra to freeze for subs at another time. Freeze the meatballs, sauce, shredded cheese, and rolls into a kit, so you have all of the ingredients ready to subs.

    Learn more about make-ahead freezer meal kits.

    Use fresh breadcrumbs – I’m all about keeping recipes easy, so I reach for store-bought bread crumbs. However, fresh breadcrumbs will also work in this meatball recipe.

    Spread garlic butter on the rolls. I know this isn’t very “skinny,” but if you have some extra calories to spare, or are making this for a crowd, then spread some garlic butter on the rolls and toast for 1-2 minutes before adding the meatballs and cheese.

    Use these turkey meatballs in other recipes. If you’re not in the mood for subs then serve these meatballs with pasta for classic spaghetti and meatballs.

    Or you can bake the turkey meatballs with pasta and cheese for a delicious meatball parmesan. 

    How to Make Turkey Meatball Subs

    step by step collage showing how to make turkey meatball subs

    These turkey meatball subs come together in under 30 minutes. If you have the meatballs made ahead of time, you can have dinner on the table in 15 minutes or less.

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    • In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, panko breadcrumbs, milk, seasonings, Worcestershire sauce, and romano cheese.
    • Using your hands, mix until all the ingredients are distributed evenly. The meatball mixture is going to be wet. If it’s too mushy, then add 1-2 extra tablespoons of breadcrumbs.
    • Using a cookie scoop, measure out 15 meatballs onto a cookie sheet that is coated with cooking spray. It’s helpful to have a small bowl of water to dip your hands in while rolling the meatballs.
    • Cook the meatballs for 15-20 minutes or until just cooked.
    • While the meatballs are baking, get out a large saucepan, heat the sauce over medium heat until bubbling, and then reduce to a low simmer.
    • After the meatballs finish cooking, add them to the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes. Turn on the broiler.
    • Add three meatballs to a hotdog roll, then pour a little more sauce over top of the meatballs. Prepare the rest of the subs. Sprinkle two tablespoons of mozzarella cheese on each of the subs and place under the broiler, and cook until the cheese melts.
    healthy turkey meatball subs in a whole wheat hotdog roll with sauce and melted cheese.

    How to store and reheat turkey meatball subs

    How to meal prep turkey meatballs for the week

    These turkey meatballs reheat nicely, making them perfect for meal prep and freezer cooking.

    After the meatballs finish cooking, they can be store in a glass container or plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

    You can store them with or without the sauce. 

    On the night you’re planning to eat these subs, warm up the meatballs on the stove with the sauce, and then continue with the recipe. 

    You can also heat the cooked meatballs in the microwave. Place the meatballs and sauce into a microwave-safe dish and heat on high in the microwave for 3-4 minutes or until the meatballs are hot.

    Then continue with the recipe.

    How to freeze turkey meatballs

    Turkey meatballs are one of my favorite freezer meals; you can freeze them raw or cooked.

    I find it easier to freeze cooked meatballs because they just need to be thaw and warm-up and continue with the recipe. 

    To freeze raw meatballs, place them on a cookie sheet, sprayed with cooking spray, and flash freeze for an hour or until frozen solid. Then put all of the frozen meatballs into a large freezer bag and freeze for up to 3-4 months. 

    To cook the frozen raw meatballs, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated 350-degree oven and cook for 30 – 40 minutes or until cooked.

    The time might be less if the meatballs or somewhat thawed. Then continue with the recipe.

    turkey meatball subs on a plate

    Turkey Meatball Subs

    Turkey meatball subs are my favorite way to use up a pound of ground turkey! This classic comfort food recipe is family-friendly and perfect for a quick healthy weeknight dinner.
    4 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: dinner, dinner recipe
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: easy turkey meatball subs, healthy turkey meatball subs, turkey meatball subs, turkey meatballs
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 5 people
    Calories: 369kcal
    Author: Tammy Overhoff

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb ground turkey
    • 1 large egg
    • 1/2 cup unseasoned panko breadcrumbs
    • 3 tablespoons milk any milk will work
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
    • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
    • 1/4 cup grated romano cheese grated parmesan can be substituted
    • 24 ounce jar of marinara sauce about 3-4 cups of sauce
    • 5 whole wheat hot dog rolls
    • 10 tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
    • In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, panko breadcrumbs, milk, seasonings, Worcestershire sauce, and romano cheese.
    • Using your hands, mix until all the ingredients are distributed evenly. The meatball mixture is going to be wet. If it’s too mushy, then add 1-2 extra tablespoons of breadcrumbs.
    • Using a cookie scoop, measure out 15 meatballs onto a cookie sheet that is coated with cooking spray. It’s helpful to have a small bowl of water to dip your hands in while rolling the meatballs.
    • Cook the meatballs for 15-20 minutes or until just cooked.
    • While the meatballs are baking, get out a large saucepan, heat the sauce over medium heat until bubbling, and then reduce to a low simmer.
    • After the meatballs finish cooking, add them to the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes. Turn on the broiler.
    • Add three meatballs to a hotdog roll, then pour a little more sauce over top of the meatballs. Prepare the rest of the subs. Sprinkle two tablespoons of mozzarella cheese on each of the subs and place under the broiler, and cook until the cheese melts.

    Notes

    How to store and reheat turkey meatballs

    How to meal prep turkey meatballs for the week
    These turkey meatballs reheat nicely, making them perfect for meal prep and freezer cooking.
    After the meatballs finish cooking, they can be store in a glass container or plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can store them with or without the sauce. 
    On the night you’re planning to eat these subs, warm up the meatballs on the stove with the sauce, and then continue with the recipe. 
    You can also heat the cooked meatballs in the microwave. Place the meatballs and sauce into a microwave-safe dish and heat on high in the microwave for 3-4 minutes or until the meatballs are hot. Then continue with the recipe.
    How to freeze turkey meatballs
    Turkey meatballs are one of my favorite freezer meals; you can freeze them raw or cooked. I find it easier to freeze cooked meatballs because they just need to be thaw and warm-up and continue with the recipe. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1turkey meatball sub | Calories: 369kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g

    Other healthy ground turkey recipes

    • Turkey pesto meatballs
    • Greek Turkey Burger
    • How to make the most amazing turkey burgers

    See all of my healthy ground turkey recipes.

    Have you tried this recipe? If so, I’d love for you to rate this recipe and leave a comment below. We all learn from each other’s experiences. Also, it would be awesome if you could share a picture on Instagram and tag it #organizeyourselfskinny. I can’t wait to see it!

    Sharing is caring!

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    Dinner Recipes, Healthy Ground Turkey Recipes, Healthy Sandwiches and Wraps, Recipes

    About Tammy Overhoff

    Hi, I’m Tammy Overhoff, a busy mom, wife, and entrepreneur. I am the owner, author, and recipe developer here at Organize Yourself Skinny. Since 2011 Organize Yourself Skinny has become a trusted resource for clean eating recipes to meal prep, reviews, and lifestyle hacks to help you fit healthy habits and routines into your busy schedule. I’m the author of the Organize Yourself Skinny eBook & 30-day Workbook Bundle.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. carolyn says

      March 06, 2021 at 9:21 pm

      Yum! We go through a TON of ground turkey in our house. I’m going to have to try these with gluten free bread crumbs/rolls. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Tammy Kresge says

        March 07, 2021 at 7:55 am

        These are one of our favorite classic recipes. Let me know what you think!

        Reply
    2. Dr. P. says

      July 12, 2014 at 10:37 am

      Do you cook the meatballs before freezing them? I read steps 1-3 and they are not clear to me.

      Reply
      • Tammy Kresge says

        July 13, 2014 at 8:02 pm

        Yes I do cook before freezing. However you could freeze raw to if you like.

        Reply
    3. Tiffany says

      July 01, 2014 at 12:32 pm

      Instructions are confusing–do you cook then freeze or freeze uncooked and then thaw and cook?

      Reply
    4. Deborah says

      February 11, 2014 at 4:00 pm

      4 stars
      Made these today and used chia gel instead of the egg. Kid approved:)

      Reply
    5. Linda Payne says

      January 03, 2014 at 7:52 pm

      Love the recipe & would like to know what temp to cook at. But what I love is I could freeze these in individual serving sizes & thaw as needed what a great idea & recipe

      Reply
      • Lynn says

        February 03, 2014 at 3:46 pm

        recipe says preheat at 375

        Reply
    6. kaylee says

      June 30, 2013 at 7:16 pm

      What temp do you cook these at?

      Reply
      • Tanya says

        December 08, 2013 at 10:45 am

        I was wondering this too…the recipe doesn’t mention cook temperature. One of my friends is an experienced cook and just knows what temp to cook different things at….I don’t! 😉

        Reply
    7. Jamie says

      November 30, 2012 at 6:03 pm

      I love how this recipe doesnt contain onions! Can’t wait to try these with my kids, I know it will be a hit!

      Reply
      • Tammy says

        December 02, 2012 at 7:43 pm

        Hope you like it! This is one of our favs!

        Reply
    8. Sarah C says

      June 03, 2011 at 6:13 pm

      Awesome! I will put these on my menu! Thanks also for the freezer tips. I’m never sure – is it okay to freeze ANYTHING?

      Reply
      • Tammy says

        June 04, 2011 at 2:41 am

        Most foods can be frozen no problem. I will do more posts on this topic to give more specifics to help you ladies out. Thanks for stopping by and keep in touch!

        Reply
    9. theresa says

      May 31, 2011 at 2:10 am

      made these for dinner tonight & they were a hit! definitely a keeper 🙂

      Reply
      • Tammy says

        May 31, 2011 at 3:02 am

        Yes this is a huge family favorite for us too!

        Reply
    10. Adrian says

      May 20, 2011 at 9:04 pm

      I love this concept. Busy moms and healthy eating. What a good combo! Thanks for visiting me on my SITS day.

      Reply

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    Hi, I’m Tammy Overhoff, a busy mom, wife, and entrepreneur. I am the owner, author, and recipe developer here at Organize Yourself Skinny. Since 2011 Organize Yourself Skinny has become a trusted resource for clean eating meal prep recipes, reviews, and lifestyle hacks to help you fit healthy habits and routines into your busy schedule. I’m the author of the Organize Yourself Skinny eBook & 30-day Workbook Bundle.

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