PF
Flat lay of pesto pasta, basil, garlic, and walnuts on a marble surface for Italian cuisine.
Stovetop~35 minComplexity

Turkey Pesto and Garlic Meatballs

Turkey Pesto and Garlic Meatballs pack 47g protein into 528 calories per serving, combining high protein with sustained energy for post-workout recovery. Quick stovetop prep yields 6 servings for the week, doubling as snacks or meal components. Build muscle with a protein-dense option that stores reliably.

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Ingredients

6 servings
  • Ground Turkey, 99% Lean(907g)
  • Bread Crumbs, Dry, Plain(240g)
  • Egg, Whole, Large
  • Basil Pesto, Prepared(60g)
  • Parsley, Fresh(60g)
  • Tomato Paste(30g)
  • Garlic(240g)
  • Paprika, Ground(10g)
  • Red pepper flakes
  • 2 teaspoons salt (to season)
  • Pasta Sauce, Marinara, Canned(482g)
  • Soup, Tomato, Condensed, Undiluted, Canned(425g)
  • 2 teaspoons salt (and pepper to taste)
  • Parsley, Fresh

    Grated Parmesan — the shelf-stable canister is fine for cooking.

Instructions

  1. 1Combine the ground turkey, bread crumbs, eggs, basil pesto, fresh parsley, tomato paste, minced fresh garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, then shape into 18 meatballs (approximately 2 inches in diameter).
  2. 2Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and lightly grease with olive oil. Working in batches to avoid crowding, add meatballs and cook 4–5 minutes until the undersides are golden brown, then turn and cook another 4–5 minutes until browned on all sides.
  3. 3Return all meatballs to the skillet. Pour in the marinara pasta sauce and condensed tomato soup, stirring gently to coat. Reduce heat to low and simmer 12–15 minutes until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (use a meat thermometer at the center of the largest meatball).
  4. 4Divide the meatballs and sauce evenly into 6 airtight containers while hot, allowing them to cool to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.
  5. 5Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
  6. 6Serve over cooked pasta, rice, or quinoa and garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrition — Per Serving

528

calories

47g

protein

11g

fat

Carbohydrates
62g
Saturated fat
2.3g
Sodium
1065 mg
Dietary fiber
6.2g

6 servings per batch · ~409g each

Macro data sourced from USDA FoodData Central

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Common questions

How much protein does Turkey Pesto and Garlic Meatballs have per serving?

Each serving delivers 47g of protein and 528 calories with 11g fat and 62g carbs. This is a carb-forward meatball option with substantial protein for post-workout feeding.

How long does Turkey Pesto and Garlic Meatballs take to prep and batch size?

This quick prep recipe yields 6 servings in a single stovetop batch. You're batch-cooking an entire week's worth of high-carb, high-protein snacks or meal components simultaneously.

Is Turkey Pesto and Garlic Meatballs good for muscle gain?

At 47g protein and 528 calories per serving with 62g carbs, this recipe is well-suited for muscle gain phases where you need both protein and carbohydrate density for recovery and surplus calories. The pesto-garlic flavor makes high-volume eating more sustainable.

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