Today we have a big undertaking because we’ll learn how to cook turkey legs in the oven. When you try this easy meal prep dinner recipe for roasted turkey the meat will be tender and basically coming off the bones. It is so good, everyone at the table will be happy they came. “Ah, this time coming for dinner was worth it.”
At least that’s the reaction I got when I served this.
What’s even more exciting is that this easy and DELICIOUS recipe for roasted turkey legs is great for meal prep as well. Because you can pack as many legs as you want on the baking sheet. Well, that sounded a bit psycho, but it’s true.
We usually stay away from baking turkey, because, it turns out dry as the desert when you don’t know how to cook it. But I recently got some turkey legs for my family and decided to use my slow and low cooking technique. Because it works with everything – lamb, chicken, duck…anything. I made the side dish right on that baking sheet too – just some chopped potatoes and sweet potatoes.
I also made some turkey breast chunks (bottom left) – they were a bit less tender, but also amazing even after all the baking.Well, this time the roasted turkey legs turned out SO tender, so good, plus we had tons of leftovers.
Now, let’s go to the kitchen and get started!
What You Will Need
- bone-in turkey legs
- a few thinly chopped scallions
- olive oil
- paprika and crushed red pepper if you like spicy
- fresh oregano or other herbs you like (mint or parsley will also be tasty)
- dried oregano
- lemon juice
- salt, black pepper and water
- two deep baking pans of the same size (or at least one of them has to be) – you can also use a casserole
- an oven
- potatoes and sweet potatoes for a side
You can also use any other spice you like to rub the turkey legs.
How To Cook Turkey Legs In The Oven
Start by preparing the needed ingredients. I always wash everything – the turkey legs, the vegetables, the herbs. All of it.
In a small bowl mix paprika, crushed red pepper (if you like spicy), dried oregano, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper until you get a marinade.
Rub each turkey leg with this marinade and let rest until you prepare all of the other things.
Then chop the potatoes and sweet potatoes, thinly chop the scallions and the fresh oregano (or whatever fresh herbs you have).
Preheat the oven to 400F/200C.
Spread the scallions and the herbs on the bottom of a deep baking pan or casserole.
Place the turkey legs on top and then add the potatoes and sweet potatoes wherever you see fit. It was a bit of a puzzle work for me, but fun. Yes, I know what fun is.
Sprinkle a few pinches of salt over the potatoes.
Then add water making sure the bottom is completely covered.
Cover with a baking pan of the same size or a lid and put in the oven.
You will cook the turkey legs for 5 minutes at 400F/200C to get things going. Then, reduce the heat and bake at 340F/170C, covered for an hour and 40 minutes (up to two hours).
Then remove the lid or the second baking pan, turn up the heat to 400F/200C and roast for 10 minutes on each side. While flipping the turkey legs, pour some of the sauce over.
Turn the heat off, let cool off for a few minutes and serve with your favorite salads and sauces.
How To Serve
My favorite way to serve pretty much any type of meat is with a seasonal salad (like this one or this one) and tzatziki.
What To Do With The Roasted Turkey Leftovers
I deboned them and then used the meat in salads, soups…you can also just reheat them in the oven and eat with a side dish of choice.
More Easy Meal Prep Recipes
Well, now you know how to cook turkey legs in the oven! And once you’ve roasted the turkey and had all the leftovers, maybe you’ll be in the mood for something else. Here are some other delicious easy meal prep recipes to try:
- How To Cook Lamb In The Oven
- Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe
- Healthy Chili With Lentils and Ground Beef
How To Cook Turkey Legs In The Oven
Learn how to cook turkey legs in the oven, so they come out tender and delicious! Everyone at the dinner table will love this easy meal prep roasted turkey recipe!
Ingredients
Turkey
- 6 bone-in turkey legs (drumsticks)
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1/2 tbsp crushed red pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Additionally
- 1 1/2 cup scallions
- 1/2 cup fresh oregano
- 3 potatoes, chopped
- 3 sweet potatoes, chopped
- 1-2 cups water (to cover the bottom of the pan)
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by preparing the needed ingredients. I always wash everything – the turkey legs, the vegetables, the herbs. All of it.
- In a small bowl mix paprika, crushed red pepper (if you like spicy), dried oregano, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper until you get a marinade.
- Rub each turkey leg with this marinade and let rest until you prepare all of the other things.
- Then chop the potatoes and sweet potatoes, thinly chop the scallions and the fresh oregano (or whatever fresh herbs you have).
- Preheat the oven to 400F/200C.
- Spread the scallions and the herbs on the bottom of a deep baking pan or casserole.
- Place the turkey legs on top and then add the potatoes and sweet potatoes wherever you see fit. It was a bit of a puzzle work for me, but fun. Yes, I know what fun is.
- Sprinkle a few pinches of salt over the potatoes.
- Then add water making sure the bottom is completely covered.
- Cover with a baking pan of the same size or a lid and put in the oven.
- You will cook the turkey legs for 5 minutes at 400F/200C to get things going. Then, reduce the heat and bake at 340F/170C, covered for an hour and 50 minutes (up to two hours).
- Then remove the lid or the second baking pan, turn up the heat to 400F/200C and roast for 10 minutes on each side. While flipping the turkey legs, pour some of the sauce over.
- Turn the heat off, let cool off for a few minutes and serve with your favorite salads and sauces.
Nutrition Information
Yield 6 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 721Total Fat 31gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 21gCholesterol 330mgSodium 1017mgCarbohydrates 32gFiber 5gSugar 5gProtein 81g