Make a batch of turkey and sweet potato Baby Meatballs (for a baby, toddler, or parent!) with just a few wholesome, high-iron ingredients. This healthy appetizer works well in the freezer and can be eaten either plain or with marinara sauce.
Since I know that many families like turkey as a meat option, I wanted to see if we could create a meatball recipe akin to our baked chicken meatballs. (And it tends to be inexpensive. These meatballs are incredibly tasty and packed with nutrition and flavor thanks to the addition of sweet potatoes.
They taste fantastic served hot from the oven, simmered in marinara sauce, or even with cheese sauce on the side. You can even use them to make a simple meatball soup by mixing them with minestrone or alphabet soup.
This recipe is so easy to make with just a few ingredients, and the baked meatballs freeze or keep well in the refrigerator. For babies 9 months and older, you can either dice or mash them up as a Stage 3 baby food, or you can serve them baby-led weaning style.
Lean ground turkey is the foundation of this recipe, and for extra nutrition, grated raw sweet potato is added. I love the mix of flavors in this combination.
If you’d like, you can remove the pan containing the baked meatballs from the oven and place it on a plate covered with paper towels to absorb any leftover fat.
Introducing your baby to solid foods is a momentous occasion, and choosing healthy, finger-friendly options is crucial These Turkey Meatballs with Rice are a perfect fit for baby-led weaning, offering a delicious and nutritious way to introduce your little one to new flavors and textures
Why Turkey Meatballs with Rice?
Packed with Nutrition: These meatballs are a powerhouse of essential nutrients for growing babies and toddlers Ground turkey is rich in protein, iron, and zinc, while the rice provides energy-boosting carbohydrates The inclusion of finely chopped vegetables adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making these meatballs a well-rounded and nutritious meal.
Finger-Friendly: The small, bite-sized meatballs are ideal for little hands to grasp and self-feed. This promotes self-confidence and independence as your baby explores different textures and flavors.
Versatile and Adaptable: This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to your baby’s preferences and dietary needs. You can adjust the size of the meatballs, choose different vegetables, and substitute ground turkey with other protein sources like chicken or beef.
Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and quick to prepare making it ideal for busy parents. With minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up a batch of these nutritious meatballs in no time.
How to Make Turkey Meatballs with Rice:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
- ¾ cup cooked rice (150g)
- 3 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 cup finely chopped vegetables of choice (100g) (broccoli, carrots, spinach, etc.)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Add the vegetables to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. You can also chop them 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, and garlic powder to the bowl. Combine until well-incorporated.
- Add the ground turkey and mix gently using your hands (don’t overwork the meat!).
- With slightly wet hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small oven-safe dish, add some water and place it in the pan alongside the meatballs.
- Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Tips:
- Combine all the ingredients before adding the ground turkey to ensure even mixing.
- Avoid overworking the meat, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Use a small ice cream scooper to create uniform-sized meatballs.
- Wet your hands slightly when shaping the meatballs to prevent sticking.
- Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions:
- For babies 6-9 months: Offer the meatballs as finger foods and let them explore the textures and flavors.
- For babies 9+ months: Cut the meatballs into smaller pieces for easier self-feeding. Encourage them to take bites of whole meatballs to develop their pincer grasp.
- For toddlers: Cut the meatballs into bite-sized pieces or offer them whole, depending on their chewing abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is turkey safe for babies?
Yes, turkey is an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients for babies, including iron, zinc, choline, and B12. However, it can be a choking hazard if not cooked properly and not served in an age-appropriate way. These meatballs are a safe and nutritious way to introduce turkey to your baby.
What is a good substitute for rice in these meatballs?
You can substitute rice with other grains like quinoa, barley, or couscous. Choose grains that are appropriate for your baby’s age and chewing abilities.
Can I use leftover vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked or frozen vegetables is a great way to reduce food waste and save time. Just make sure they are finely chopped and suitable for your baby’s age.
These Turkey Meatballs with Rice are a nutritious, delicious, and versatile option for baby-led weaning. They are packed with essential nutrients, easy to make, and can be customized to suit your baby’s preferences. With their finger-friendly size and texture, these meatballs will help your little one explore new flavors and develop self-feeding skills. So, give this recipe a try and watch your baby enjoy these healthy and tasty meatballs!
Best Tips for Success
- To enhance the flavor, pair them with Pesto, Cheese Sauce, Marinara Sauce, or your preferred dip (ketchup, for example).
- If necessary, dice for younger toddlers or older babies to make them easier to eat. (Learn more about choking hazards to reduce stress. ).
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Dairy-free: Use vegan Parmesan cheese to adjust for dairy allergies.
- Egg-free: Omit the egg and add 1 tablespoon milk.
- Add more spices and herbs if you want more flavor. Try some finely chopped onion, freshly chopped parsley, dried basil or oregano, or a dash of black or salt pepper.
- Although most meatball recipes require the use of a food processor, this one doesn’t really require one.
- If preferred, substitute grated zucchini or carrot that has been extremely dry-squeezed for the sweet potato.
Please rate and comment on the recipe below so that I can share it with others. I would love to hear your thoughts on it.
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Take a look at the ingredients for this simple iron-rich recipe so you know what to buy at the grocery store.
- Ground turkey: In your store, look for lean ground turkey next to other turkey cuts. (If preferred, you can use ground beef or ground chicken in this recipe.) ).
- Italian-flavored breadcrumbs: These give the meatballs flavor and the proper texture.
- Sweet potato shreds: To add taste and nutrients to the meatball mixture, I shred raw, peeled sweet potatoes. (You can substitute grated raw carrot if you prefer. ).
- Grated or shredded Parmesan cheese can be used to give these meatballs a traditional Italian taste.
- Egg: An egg helps the mixture hold together. If they must be egg-free, you may substitute a small amount of milk.
This ground turkey recipe’s steps are peeked at below so you can see what to expect throughout the process. Try to do this when the kids don’t need your attention too, as you will need to dirty your hands for a few minutes. (If that’s possible!).
- Grate the peeled raw sweet potato.
- In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together.
- Roll into balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake. Serve warm.
Indeed, meatballs are a type of soft food that are great for young children to eat because they are nutrient-dense and high in fat, protein, and minerals like zinc and iron, depending on what kind of meat they are made of.
You can give a baby practicing baby-led weaning a big, complete meatball so they can feed themselves. When a baby is about nine months old and starting to eat more conventional finger foods, you can dice it up into small pieces that they can pick up or mash it with a spoon.
The method for preparing baby meatballs is the same as that for regular meatballs. The ingredients are combined, shaped into balls, and baked or cooked in a pan. Baby meatballs frequently contain more vegetables and may have less added salt.
Allow the turkey meatballs to cool completely before storing them in the fridge for up to five days in an airtight container. Or, freeze for up to six months in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, reheat in a tomato sauce pot, or microwave in bursts of 15 to 30 seconds.
Nordic Ware Baking Pans
These pans are easy to clean, nonstick, and bake evenly.
