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Baked Turkey Meatballs with Green Chiles Recipe

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!

This post was updated to improve readers’ experience. No changes were made to the recipe.

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! | HostessAtHeart.com

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.

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! | HostessAtHeart.com

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.

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! | HostessAtHeart.com

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 I originally made these with turkey sausage but the sausage spices just took over and none of my other flavors came through.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.

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! | HostessAtHeart.com

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!

Side view of green chile turkey meatballs skewered with bamboo picks.

Baked Turkey Meatballs with Green Chiles Recipe

Author: Julie Menghini
Baked Turkey Meatballs with Green Chiles are perfect as an appetizer, topping a southwest salad or even stuffed in a hoagie. 
4.91 from 11 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword: Baked Turkey Meatballs
Servings: 25 meatballs

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs plain or seasoned
  • 1/4 cup Cotija cheese grated
  • 4 oz green chiles (canned), 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
  • 1 egg slightly beaten

Instructions
 

  • Preheat 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

Calories: 35kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 5gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 152mgPotassium: 64mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 0.3gVitamin A: 64IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 0.3mg

Nutritional Disclaimer

This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.

Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

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

If you enjoyed this recipe, check these out!

Pin these amazing Green Chile Meatballs

Side view of meatballs made from ground turkey and green chiles garnished with cilantro and cotija cheese.

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Recipe Rating




Theta Young

Sunday 9th of April 2023

Did I overlook an egg or was it not needed?

Julie Menghini

Monday 10th of April 2023

Shoot Theta! There is one egg in this recipe. Thank you so much for the heads up!

Deanna

Monday 30th of October 2017

Love this!!! I am a HUGE meatball fan!!

Julie Menghini

Monday 30th of October 2017

Thank you, Deanna!

Debra C.

Sunday 29th of October 2017

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

Monday 30th of October 2017

Thank you, Debra!

Michaela Kenkel

Sunday 29th of October 2017

Green chilies are one of my FAVORITES!! These are perfect little bites!!

Julie Menghini

Monday 30th of October 2017

I love green chiles too and am always trying to stuff them into stuff.

Judith Graber

Saturday 28th of October 2017

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

Monday 30th of October 2017

Thank you, Judi! I swear I could eat Mexican inspired dishes 24/7!

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