Baked Turkey Meatballs with Green Chiles are perfect as an appetizer, topping a southwest salad or even stuffed in a hoagie. They’re perfect for any time of year but especially tailgating!
There are so many activities this time of year and that makes it especially important to relax with friends. Sports are a great excuse to do that and these Baked Turkey Meatballs with Green Chiles are perfect as a tailgating treat.
Ground turkey is a great lean option for when I make anything where I normally use ground beef. The thing is they can be pretty flavorless unless you add some spices. I learned that lesson when I made my Turkey Sloppy Joes. After a couple of tries, they are now my go-to Sloppy Joe recipe.
I wanted these meatballs spicy so I used a homemade taco seasoning and some green chiles. John loves food a lot spicier than I do. When food is too spicy I think the flavor is replaced with heat. He just thinks I’m just a wimp. I originally made these with turkey sausage but the sausage spices just took over and none of my other flavors came through. They were delicious for breakfast but not what I was looking for here.
These meatballs came out delicious. Best of all they can be mixed and baked in under 30 minutes so they’re perfect when you need something on short notice. They are good cold or can be baked in a jiffy and then thrown into a slow-cooker to keep warm which makes them a great make and take appetizer too. While they don’t need a sauce, a side of salsa or cheese dip would be yummy too.
Don’t have time to make it now? Pin it for later!
Baked Turkey Meatballs with Green Chiles Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs plain or seasoned
- 1/4 cup Cotija cheese grated
- 1 4 oz can green chiles mild or hot undrained
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1//2 tsp Mexican oregano dried
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne 1/2 for spicier
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 400°F. Line two rimmed baking sheets with foil. Spray liberally with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl combine all ingredients together and mix to blend. Roll into 1 tablespoon sized balls and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until meatballs registers 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
Nutrition
It’s no secret that I’m a snacker and can live on appetizers. October is “Tailgating” month organized by Debi from Life Currents. I don’t know how she does it because it would be like herding a bunch of cats. Well, I’m one of those cats and let’s see what the others brought too!
October is Tailgating Snacks Month 2017
Hosted by Life Currents
- October 12 Chili Relleno Dip Skillet by Take Two Tapas
- October 14 Soft Pretzel Beer Cheese Dip by Mildly Meandering
- October 14 Healthier Greek Yogurt Buffalo Chicken Dip by Full Belly Sisters
- October 16 Garlic Butter Dipping Sauce by Life Currents
- October 18 Low Sugar Chicken Meatball Parmesan Sliders by Seduction In The Kitchen
- October 20 Sofritas Chipotle Potato Skins by Bowl Me Over
- October 22 Loaded Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Dip by Who Needs A Cape?
- October 23 Easy Tortilla Pinwheels by The Devilish Dish
- October 24 Philly Cheese Steak Dip by An Affair from the Heart
- October 24 Touchdown Chorizo Queso Dip by LeMoine Family Kitchen
- October 25 Baked Turkey Meatballs with Green Chiles Recipe by Hostess At Heart
If these aren’t enough, here’s a few more recipes that are tailgating worthy!
Easy Healthy Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Easy Pizza Knots
Spicy Nacho Cheese Pretzels
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Pin it now!
Deanna says
Love this!!! I am a HUGE meatball fan!!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you, Deanna!
Debra C. says
These look just delicious, I love the salty bite from the cojita cheese, I love the slaty bite. I’m sure it sends these turkey meatballs right over the top – what a great bite for tailgating!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you, Debra!
Michaela Kenkel says
Green chilies are one of my FAVORITES!! These are perfect little bites!!
Julie Menghini says
I love green chiles too and am always trying to stuff them into stuff.
Judith Graber says
I am a big fan of any kind of meatballs and your “Mexican” version sounds so good. I have printed it and hope to make them before college football season is over. I know these would be a hit 🙂
Julie Menghini says
Thank you, Judi! I swear I could eat Mexican inspired dishes 24/7!
Lori Vachon says
Love the flavors in these meatballs, some of my favorites!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you, Lori!
Madi says
These have to be the perfect meatballs! I love the addition of green chiles!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you, Madi!
Jennifer A Stewart says
I love cooking with turkey but agree you need to add a little fat (or moisture) and certainly some spices. These green chilies are the perfect way to do that!~
Julie Menghini says
Thank you, Jennifer! They’re so quick and easy!
Susana Parker says
Hello, Julie.
I think this recipe is very tasty. Especially it is a Turkey. I love how easy it is to make and cook. It is really a good way to cook leftovers turkey from the fridge.
Julie Menghini says
Thank you so much, Susana! We really enjoyed them and loved how easy they were to make too!
Debi at Life Currents says
I love the Mexican flavor twist in these meatballs! What a fabulous tailgating snack! I would be proud to serve this at a party! Thanks so much for joining in the tailgating snacks fun this year!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you, Debi! What a fun event with so many talented foodies! Thank you for including me!
Candi says
We love anything with green chiles! Can’t wait to try these!
Julie Menghini says
I’m with you, Candi! We put green chiles in so many things!
Liz says
Yum!!!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you, Liz!
Tamara Andersen says
Gorgeous photos Julie! I’m with you on ground turkey. We use it A LOT, but it does require some spices and seasonings! These look delicious!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you my sweet friend! I can only imagine the magic you do with ground turkey! Your photography has gotten amazing!
Justine says
I’ve got to try these, they look fabulous!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you, Justine! Quick and easy just what I like!
Angela says
Perfect bites for a hungry crowd! These meatballs are seriously packed with flavor!! As always, a wonderful recipe!!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Angela and only 37 calories each!
mimi says
yum. these sound fabulous. i love the cotija cheese!!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Mimi! I love cotija from this little Mexican store about 10 miles away. I make the trip just for their cheese.