BBQ Turkey Meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining a tender texture with smoky barbecue flavor. These seriously easy-to-make morsels are perfect for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for gatherings and potlucks. Whether smoked, baked, or pan-fried, they consistently deliver juicy, flavorful results that both kids and adults love. The best part? They’re incredibly versatile and can be prepared ahead of time for quick meals throughout the week.
While this recipe focuses on a classic BBQ profile, don’t be afraid to experiment. From Hawaiian-style with pineapple glaze to Italian-inspired with marinara, the flavor possibilities are endless. Once you’ve mastered the basic formula – ground turkey, an egg, and your choice of seasonings – you’ll find yourself whipping up these meatballs during a busy weeknight without a second thought. The key to delicious turkey meatballs is generous seasoning and careful cooking to maintain moisture.
Why You’ll Love These BBQ Turkey Meatballs
- Quick to cook: Just a 15-20 minute cook time, ready in under 30 minutes
- Versatile: Easily adapt to various cuisines and flavors
- Cooking options: Smoke, bake, or pan-fry for convenience
- Perfect for weeknights: Fast, easy, and satisfying
- Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and freeze for later
What You’ll Need
- Ground turkey
- Large egg
- Panko or Italian breadcrumbs
- Spices and seasonings (salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, thyme, parsley)
- Worcestershire sauce
- BBQ sauce
- Wood chips or pellets (if smoking) – I prefer pecan, cherry, apple, and or maple for turkey.
See the full recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
- Cookie Scoop for portioning the meatballs. I like the OXO 1 1/2 Tablespoon size for meatballs
- Smoker (charcoal, pellet or gas)
- Cooking Vessel – Cast Iron Skillet, an Aluminum Pan, or Aluminum Foil for placing the meatballs on
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Silicone Basting Brush for brushing on the BBQ sauce.
How to Make and Cook the Meatballs
- Mix ingredients: Combine egg, breadcrumbs, seasonings, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Add the ground turkey: Gently fold in ground turkey, being careful not to overmix.
- Form the meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized balls using an ice cream scoop. Place in a greased cast iron skillet, aluminum pan or a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Preheat the smoker, grill, or oven to 325-350°F. Lightly brush meatballs with canola oil.
- Cook: Smoke, grill, or bake for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Sauce: Brush with BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Enjoy!
Alternative Cooking Methods
- Smoker – This is my favorite method because you get great smoke flavor. I like to use a cast iron skillet as it is easy to clean, but you can also use an aluminum pan which is great for transporting to a potluck.
- Skillet – The fastest method. Just sautee the meatballs over medium-high in some canola oil, rotating every 3 to 5 minutes. They will get golden and crispy. Coat with some BBQ sauce during the last few minutes.
- Oven – Same as the smoker, just use your oven.
Tips & Tricks
- Mix ingredients gently to avoid tough meatballs
- Taste test the seasoning by cooking a small portion of the mixed ingredients in a skillet before forming all meatballs. Adjust flavors as needed based on your taste test.
- For more smoke flavor in a pellet grill, use a smoke tube.
- Use a probe thermometer to ensure proper doneness (165° F internal), being careful not to overcook.
Serving Suggestions
These BBQ turkey meatballs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides like creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal or served alongside sautéed corn for a summer-inspired dish. Garlic green beans offer a crisp, flavorful contrast. For lighter options, serve with a fresh arugula salad or coleslaw. They’re also great as sliders on small buns, atop a bed of rice as a bowl, or with roasted sweet potatoes for a healthier twist.
They make excellent appetizers when served with toothpicks and extra BBQ sauce on the side.
More Delicious Recipes to Try
BBQ Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs or 1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp Diamond kosher salt or 1 1/2 tsp Morton kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp fresh thyme or dried
- 1 tsp chopped Italian parsley
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Canola oil for brushing
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- Wood chips or pellets for smoking
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg. Add breadcrumbs, herbs, spices, and seasonings.
- Gently fold in ground turkey using a spatula or gloved hands, being careful not to over-mix.
- Form 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized meatballs using an ice cream scoop or hands. Place in a lightly greased cast iron skillet, disposable aluminum pan or a sheet of heavy-duty foil.
- If time allows, chill meatballs for 1 hour before cooking.
- Preheat smoker, grill, or oven to 325-350°F.
- Brush meatballs lightly with canola oil to promote browning.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Brush with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
Notes
Test seasoning by cooking a small portion in a skillet before forming all meatballs.
For bite-sized appetizers, make smaller meatballs; for entrees, make larger ones. Adjust cooking time accordingly.