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Easy Mini Turkey Meatball Lunch Box Cups

mini turkey meatball lunch box cups - featured image

These Easy Mini Turkey Meatball Lunch Box Cups are tender, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep. Made with ground turkey, biscuit dough, marinara, and cheese, they reheat beautifully and freeze like a dream.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground turkey (93/7 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (Panko preferred)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons milk (any milk, including dairy-free)
  • 1 package refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count, such as Pillsbury Grands)
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (part-skim)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 12-cup standard muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Press each biscuit into a 4-inch circle and press into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup, forming a little bowl shape.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix with your hands until just combined.
  4. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the turkey mixture into 8 equal balls (about 1.5 inches in diameter). Place one meatball into each biscuit-lined muffin cup.
  5. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce over each meatball. Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella over each cup.
  6. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until biscuit edges are golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra color, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  7. Let the cups rest in the pan for 5 minutes. Use a small spatula or butter knife to gently lift them out. Transfer to a cooling rack or plate.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Let cool for another 5 minutes before serving or packing for lunch boxes.

Notes

Keep your hands cold before mixing the meat to prevent toughness. Don’t skip the milk—it keeps the turkey moist. Press biscuit dough thin (about 1/4 inch) to avoid doughy centers. Let cups cool completely before packing to prevent sogginess. For freezing, freeze on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatball cups, lunch box recipes, meal prep, mini meatball cups, easy dinner, kid-friendly, freezer-friendly