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- 1 pound ground turkey - 1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1/4 cup ranch dressing - 1 tablespoon hot sauce - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup buffalo sauce for coating - Fresh parsley, finely chopped You can swap the ground turkey with ground chicken for a lighter taste. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of whole wheat. If you prefer not to use ranch dressing, try Greek yogurt mixed with herbs. You can replace hot sauce with a milder sauce if you like less heat. Ground turkey is lean and packed with protein. It is lower in fat than beef. Whole wheat breadcrumbs add fiber, which is good for digestion. Parmesan cheese offers calcium for strong bones. Green onions add vitamins A and C. Ranch dressing can provide flavor with fewer calories when used in moderation. Using fresh herbs for garnish, like parsley, adds antioxidants. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for cooking the meatballs evenly. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent the meatballs from sticking. 3. In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, green onions, ranch dressing, and hot sauce. 4. Crack the egg into the bowl, then add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. 5. Use your hands or a spoon to combine everything. Make sure all ingredients are blended evenly. 1. Wet your hands slightly to help prevent sticking. 2. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in size. 3. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each one to allow for even cooking. 4. Bake them in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden-brown color and ensure they are cooked through. 5. In the last few minutes, heat the extra buffalo sauce in a small pan over low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. 1. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. 2. If the meatballs are browning too quickly, cover them loosely with foil for the last few minutes. 3. Toss the hot meatballs in warm buffalo sauce right after baking. This adds flavor and keeps them moist. 4. Serve with fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and taste. To make great meatballs, you need the right mix. Here are my tips: - Use ground turkey that is not too lean. A little fat helps keep them moist. - Mix your ingredients gently. Overmixing can make them tough. - Use wet hands when shaping the meatballs. This helps prevent sticking. - Aim for uniform size. This ensures even cooking. Adjust the heat to fit your taste. Here’s how: - Start with one tablespoon of hot sauce. This gives a nice kick. - For more heat, add extra hot sauce to the mix. - If you want less spice, use less hot sauce. You can also use mild buffalo sauce. Add some fun flavors to your meatballs. Consider these ideas: - Mix in diced jalapeños for extra heat. - Try adding chopped bell peppers for sweetness. - Use flavored breadcrumbs or add herbs like cilantro. - Serve with extra ranch dressing for dipping. Pro Tips Keep it Moist: To ensure your turkey meatballs stay juicy, avoid overmixing the ingredients and don't overcook them. Check doneness with a meat thermometer; they should reach 165°F (74°C). Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the mixture and the buffalo sauce coating based on your spice preference. Start with less and add more if desired. Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them before baking for a quick meal later. Serving Suggestions: Pair these meatballs with a side of crunchy veggies or serve them on sliders with additional ranch dressing for a delicious party appetizer. {{image_4}} You can switch up the meat in this recipe. Ground chicken works great as a substitute. You could also use lean beef or pork for a richer flavor. Each meat brings a unique taste. Just keep the cooking times the same for best results. If you want a meat-free meal, try using lentils or chickpeas. You can mash them up and mix them with the other ingredients. Another option is using plant-based ground meat. Look for brands that mimic the texture of turkey. This way, you can still enjoy the spicy and creamy flavors. Feel free to get creative! Add some shredded cheese for extra creaminess. You might also mix in diced bell peppers for a crunchy texture. If you love spice, toss in some diced jalapeños. For a twist, you can use different sauces, like BBQ or teriyaki, instead of buffalo sauce. Adjust the hot sauce to match your taste. Let your imagination run wild with these ideas! After enjoying your buffalo ranch turkey meatballs, you can store leftovers easily. Place the meatballs in an airtight container. This will keep them fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing the container. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, you can reheat them quickly. The best way is to use your oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until they are warm. If you prefer the microwave, heat them in a microwave-safe dish. Start with 30 seconds, then check and stir. To freeze buffalo ranch turkey meatballs, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, move them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to use them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for the best taste. Yes, you can use ground chicken. Ground chicken works well in this recipe. It keeps the meatballs moist and tasty. You may notice a slight change in flavor, but they will still be delicious. Both meats have a similar texture, so the swap will not affect the cooking time. Just follow the same steps, and you'll enjoy a great meal. To make this recipe gluten-free, swap the whole wheat breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. Many brands offer good options. Ensure that your ranch dressing is also gluten-free. You can check the label or make your own at home. This way, you keep all the flavors without gluten. Enjoy your gluten-free Buffalo Ranch Turkey Meatballs! These meatballs pair well with many sides. You can serve them with crunchy celery sticks or carrot sticks for a fresh touch. A salad adds color and crunch too. If you want something warm, mashed potatoes or rice work great. You can also set out extra ranch dressing for dipping. This keeps the meal fun and tasty! This blog post covered every key step to making great meatballs. We explored the must-have ingredients and helpful substitutions. You learned how to prepare and bake them perfectly. I shared tips for getting the right texture and flavor. Plus, we looked at tasty variations and how to store leftovers. In summary, you now have everything needed to enjoy delicious meatballs. Simple steps and smart tips can turn any recipe into a hit. Enjoy your cooking!

Buffalo Ranch Turkey Meatballs

Delicious turkey meatballs coated in spicy buffalo sauce and served with ranch dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 0.25 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 0.25 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 cup buffalo sauce for coating
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, whole wheat breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, green onions, ranch dressing, hot sauce, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake the meatballs for approximately 20-25 minutes until cooked through and golden-brown.
  • In the last few minutes, gently heat additional buffalo sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.
  • Once the meatballs are cooked, toss them in the warm buffalo sauce.
  • Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, serve with celery and carrot sticks.
Keyword buffalo sauce, meatballs, ranch dressing, turkey