Cook a meat dish
With adult supervision, prepare and cook simple turkey meatballs using basic ingredients, practice safe food handling, measuring, shaping, and stovetop cooking.
Step-by-step guide to prepare and cook turkey meatballs
Food Safety & Hygiene for Kids! | Food Safety for Kids
Step 1
Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds and then dry them.
Step 2
Put 1 pound of ground turkey into the mixing bowl.
Step 3
Add 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 1 egg 1/4 cup finely chopped onion 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper to the bowl.
Step 4
Mix the ingredients with the spoon until they are evenly combined but not overworked.
Step 5
Use a tablespoon to scoop portions of the mixture onto a plate.
Step 6
Roll each scooped portion between your hands to make a 1-inch meatball and place them back on the plate.
Step 7
Wash your hands again with soap and water to remove any raw meat germs.
Step 8
Ask an adult to heat the frying pan over medium heat.
Step 9
Ask the adult to add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the heated pan.
Step 10
Carefully place the meatballs in the pan without crowding so they have space to brown.
Step 11
Ask the adult to cook and turn the meatballs for about 8 to 12 minutes until they are browned on all sides.
Step 12
Ask the adult to check one meatball with a meat thermometer to confirm it reaches 165°F or to cut it open to make sure there is no pink inside.
Step 13
Ask the adult to transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels and let them rest for a few minutes.
Step 14
Share a photo and description of your finished turkey meatballs on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have ground turkey, breadcrumbs, or an egg?
If you can't find ground turkey use 1 pound ground chicken or a plant-based ground, replace 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with 1/2 cup crushed crackers or rolled oats, and swap the egg binder for 1/4 cup plain yogurt or 1 tablespoon flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water.
Why are my meatballs falling apart or turning out tough, and how can I fix it?
If meatballs fall apart or get tough, follow the 'mix the ingredients' step without overworking the meat, add an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs or another egg as a binder, chill the mixture briefly before scooping, and make sure the adult doesn't overcrowd the frying pan so they brown evenly and reach 165°F.
How can I change this activity for younger kids or older kids?
For ages 3–5 let them help with safe tasks like scooping portions onto the plate and rolling meatballs with hand-over-hand help, while older kids (8+) can measure ingredients, mix until 'evenly combined,' and assist the adult with pan placement and checking the meat thermometer under supervision.
How can we make these turkey meatballs more interesting or personal?
To enhance the recipe, stir in 2 tablespoons chopped parsley and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan into the mixture before rolling, stuff a small cube of mozzarella into each meatball, or bake them on a sheet tray at 400°F instead of frying, then share a photo and description of your finished turkey meatballs on DIY.org.
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Facts about cooking and food safety for kids
🍽️ Ground poultry should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat.
🦃 Ground turkey is often leaner than red meats, so turkey meatballs can be a lower-saturated-fat choice.
🧮 In U.S. cooking, 1 cup is about 240 milliliters — a helpful rule when measuring ingredients.
🔥 Meatballs usually shrink while cooking as moisture and fat are released, so roll them slightly bigger raw.
🧼 Washing hands for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw meat helps prevent cross-contamination.
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