Do you know the secret to adding incredible flavor to turkey meatballs?
Bacon paste!
That’s right. Bacon paste is the secret to incredible and flavorful Turkey Meatballs.
Bacon Paste
Now I’m not talking about crispy cooked bacon (not that there’s anything wrong with crispy bacon). I’m talking about bacon paste.
We told you about bacon paste back when Sean was sharing the secrets to his favorite grilled burgers. We also shared it in the recipe for the ultimate smoked meatballs. We love bacon paste!
But the very first time we started cooking with bacon paste was to amp up the flavor of boring ground turkey and chicken. I first learned this amazing trick about a gazillion years ago from a bon appétit article (though I’ve purged my old magazines so not sure exactly where it all started). But the technique is unforgettable, and ridiculously easy.
See, the problem with regular lean ground turkey is that it can easily dry out creating a product that is not as desirable for a carnivore to eat as its juicy beefy counterparts. It’s also pretty bland.
But with this bacon paste mixed into the ground turkey it added the missing component — fat, which added a much-needed moisture to the meatballs. End result? The meatballs don’t taste bacon-y, just moist and delicious! And the amount of bacon added is so minimal that you have nothing to worry about if you’re watching fat and calories.
I used to struggle with getting Sean to eat poultry. He’s such a diehard fan of beef that he snobbishly turned his nose at any kind of healthy alternative (my struggle is real, friends!!). But after I started incorporating just a wee bit of bacon paste to meatballs (and burgers) he became a believer. So much so that this has become a regular thing at our house.
Now the greatest thing about bacon paste is that this isn’t a store bought product you have to seek out at a specialty store (although it wouldn’t surprise me if someone has thought to jar it up and sell it!).
This is something you can easily make at home. All you need is some uncooked bacon and a food processor. Any ol’ food processor will do. For this I don’t bother busting out our large fancy processor. Since I just need to pulse a couple pieces I use my old crunkety small processor. Works perfectly.
How to Make Bacon Paste
All you do is take a couple strips of bacon, cut it in quarters, put into a food processor, and pulse until it turns into a paste-like consistency, and then add it to your ground turkey. This also works well with beef burgers, pork/beef meatballs, but my favorite is to add it to poultry. It adds incredible flavor to ground turkey or chicken without adding much fat or excess calories.
If you thought turkey meatballs were boring think again, my friend! Turkey meatballs have jet-setted to a new level! A good good healthy-delicious level.
The ratio we use is 2 pieces of thick cut, uncooked bacon for every 1 pound of ground meat. That’s all you need to add a boatload of delicious flavor to your meatballs…. Seriously, a boatload!!!
Adding this raw bacon paste to your meatballs adds incredible flavor as well as moisture (from the fat) to ensure your meatballs don’t dry out.
Below is a simple version of turkey meatballs. Feel free to add the bacon paste method to your favorite meatball or burger recipe. Or take the recipe below and add additional seasonings (like oregano, basil, or other Italian seasonings). But the simplicity of this, boosted by the flavor and moisture from the bacon paste, is our go-to for turkey meatballs for a delicious and healthy weeknight meal.
You can even cook the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge for a few days or keep them in the freezer until you’re ready to eat them. Then toss them with your favorite pasta sauce (they are KILLER with smoked marinara sauce), or use for meatball sandwiches (like these).
Cooking Method Alternatives
- Smoke them — Just follow the directions below and place them on the smoker set to 250 degrees for about 1 hour or until they come to temp – 165 internal degrees.
- Pan Fry — Just place them in a skillet coated with oil and cook 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reads 165, and they are browned all over.
Recipe for easy turkey meatballs and the secret to adding delicious flavor and moisture to turkey meatballs -- bacon paste! Learn the trick to amazing meatballs for your favorite pasta dish.
- 2 slices thick cut bacon peppered bacon works well
- 1 package ground turkey approx 1.25 lbs
- 1 egg
- 1 large garlic clove finely minced
- ¼ cup onion finely diced (about ½ medium onion)
- 1/3 cup Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese finely shredded
- ½ cup Panko crumbs or ¼ cup regular bread crumbs
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
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Place the bacon in a food processor and pulse it a few times until it turns into a paste. Transfer to a large bowl.
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Add all other ingredients and gently combine together being careful to not overwork the meat. Roll into golf ball sized balls and place onto a large foil lined baking sheet. Bake 15-10 minutes, or until internal temperature of the meatballs reads at least 165 degrees.
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Store for later, or combine with favorite red sauce for spaghetti and meatballs.
This is for the basic recipe. Feel free to add additional seasonings (like oregano, basil, marjoram, etc.) to the recipe as you see fit.
Alternative cooking method (pan fry vs. baking): Heat oil in a large skillet and fry the balls for 5-6 minutes (depending on size), until internal temperature reaches 165. Then transfer to the sauce to combine.
To smoke: Preheat smoker to 250. Place meatballs (on a foil lined baking sheet or directly on grates) on smoker until internal temperature reads 165 degrees on a thermometer.
Other uses for the Meatballs with Bacon Paste:
Use in combination with this smoked marinara sauce to make a meatball sandwich. Just add a slice of mozzarella cheese on top and place the sammy under the broiler to allow the cheese the melt and enjoy more meatball goodness. This is a great option for leftovers.
Wine Pairing for Turkey Meatballs
I’m always drawn to classic pairings when it comes to spaghetti and meatballs (or linguine in this case). Let the sauce guide you when it comes to the pairing since the meatballs aren’t intense in flavor. The acidity from the tomato sauce is what you want to focus on, and the savory nature of the meatballs is secondary.
I love Italian-style reds, like Barbera for this. Those made from Sangiovese (like Chianti for ex) are also classic examples to pair with red sauces. Tomatoes are high in acidity, and Sangiovese has signature acid notes that stand up to most tomato sauces. I also love Nero d’Avola from Sicily for this too. Every bottle of Nero d’Avola reminds me of traveling through Sicily and tasting some of the greatest meatballs I’ve ever had. It just seems like they are made for meatballs!
More Tasty Uses for Bacon Paste:
If you like this recipe we’d truly appreciate it if you would give this recipe a star review! And if you share any of your pics on Instagram use the hashtag #vindulge. We LOVE to see it when you cook our recipes.
This looks ridiculous! Bacon, meatballs and pasta sounds so right plating them together. Adding this to my meal planning list for next week
Thanks! It’s such an easy way to add awesome flavor!!!
That is a great idea to make the turkey meatballs taste more flavorful!
Thanks 🙂 It’s tasty that’s for sure!!!
Never heard of bacon paste. Wondering if I can find it around here where I live.
It’s not a store bought product. Just take a couple pieces of uncooked bacon and pulse it in your food processor until it turns into a paste-like texture. It only takes a few pulses! Then mix it into your meat mixture for meatballs or burgers!
I’ve never heard of making bacon paste before! What a fun idea.
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
Thanks! It’s our favorite way to add great flavor to poultry!
Oh you know I am all over that bacon paste addition! YUM yum yum!! We always use ground turkey versus ground beef, and our go-to for turkey meatballs and burgers is adding teriyaki to the meat. I’ve never had a dry turkey burger with that method, but this I will most definitely try. So clever! Thanks, Mary!
I love the teriyaki idea! Anything to help the meat from drying out. I try my test to do turkey over beef, but my hubby is a die hard beefeater!
These look absolutely delicious! I definitely am going to make these, I’ve never made meatballs before, but these images have me craving them 🙂 I’m very interested in this whole bacon paste as well…what a great idea!
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
Thanks so much!!
Yum what a great idea!! I will have to try this 🙂 Bacon makes everything better no doubt!
Truth!!!
Okay, one, those meatballs look incredible. And two, bacon paste?! Where has this been my whole life? Total genius. Pinning for later!
Hahah. Bacon paste makes everything better!
Well I’ll be, this is definitely intriguing to say the least and a must try on my next batch of meatballs. Bacon paste? Who would have thought. I usually add cooked bacon on meatloaf but this just ups the ante so much more.
Oh yes, we’ve done this in meatloaf too! Same results. Amazing!!
Oh what a Yummy recipe! I love that you used turkey and bacon! 🙂
You had me at bacon paste, what a great trick to eat healthier but still get good flavor with just a itsy bit of extra
Exxxxactly!
Oh Mary you are so right! Bacon makes everything better! I love the idea of adding it to ground turkey (’cause I agree it’s bland) but I never thought of adding a bacon paste to it. Brilliant! I do use bacon fat that I save when I cook bacon to add to dishes to bring up the flavor content so I am so going to use your idea! Thanks!
One things we’ve also done is cook the meatballs stovetop in a little bit of bacon fat just like the kind you mentioned! Even more delicious bacon-y flavor 🙂
What a smart idea! Although my boyfriend will eat anything I cook, I’m sure adding a bit of bacon would make him much happier. I love searing the meatballs first and then finishing them off in the oven. These look fabulous!
Thanks! Yes, I agree, searing them gives them a nice outer crust (and adds add’l flavor!), and then the oven keeps them nice and tender inside!
Yea, this is happening! I’m excited, this looks delicious!
Love it! I hope so 🙂
YUM. Add bacon to anything and I’m sold.
Me too!!!
Bacon Paste? I think I must have this in my life!
It’s a great thing to have in your life! I promise!
Oh. My. Gawd. You literally just changed my life. Bacon Paste. What the what!!!!!
It changed my life too! Truth!!! 😉
Wow, I have never heard of bacon paste! I’m a vegetarian, but I will pass on to my many carnivore friends! (And I will admit bacon is the one thing I truly miss…:))c
Yes, please do share with all your carnivore friends!! Also, you’re always welcome to come back to the pork-eating world. I did after being vegetarian for 10 years! 😉
Pasta + bacon are my main weaknesses! I have never put all 3 of these together! I know what we are having for dinner tonight!!
It’s a pretty magical combination!
I have done this with ground pork, but never thought of using it in turkey or chicken ones!! Love it!
Tryyyyyyyy it!
Bacon paste!?!?!? My life is forever changed.
It does that for people! True story.
i missed your mention of bacon paste, so i’m glad you revisited it! what a great idea, and what a delicious way to use it!
Thanks!! It’s pretty genius. I wish I would have thought of it first. Though I’ve never seen anyone else use it for poultry! Game changer for those attempting to eat healthier meats!
HOLY SH*T This looks amazing, want to come over for dinner? 😛
Hahaha, anytime! Just let us know when to show up and we’ll bring dinner 😉
What a great tip! I have never had good luck with Turkey meatballs, precisely because they are dry and tasteless. I am going to have to try this tip!
Exactly! We struggled with that for years. Not anymore! This gives great flavor to boring ground turkey!!
Oh my gosh…this looks so good. I would love to be eating this right this minute.
Me too. And it’s barely breakfast time around here right now 😉