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Juicy Turkey Meatballs in Homemade Marinara

Indulge, in the satisfying flavors of an Italian dish with a healthy twist in our recipe for Turkey Meatballs with Marinara Sauce.

This dish proves that eating food doesn’t have to mean compromising on taste. Each tender juicy meatball is like a bite perfectly complemented by the herb infused homemade marinara sauce.

Whether you’re aiming to impress your loved ones at a family gathering or simply want to elevate your meal preparation skills this recipe for Turkey Meatballs with Marinara Sauce is your gateway, to enjoying an nutritious meal that will leave everyone craving seconds.

So lets get ready to get our hands dirty and dive into creating this heartwarming recipe that is bound to become a staple in your kitchen! [1]

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Turkey Meatballs, with Marinara Sauce Recipe

Ingredients for Turkey Meatballs

  •  1 pound (450 grams) of ground turkey)
  •  1/4 cup of breadcrumbs (whole wheat is a healthier option)
  •  1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  •  1/4 cup of finely chopped onion
  •  2 cloves of garlic, minced
  •  1 large egg
  •  1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
  •  1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  •  1/2 teaspoon of salt
  •  1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
  •  1 tablespoon of olive oil for cooking
  • Ingredients for Marinara Sauce
  •  1 tablespoon of olive oil
  •  2 cloves of garlic, minced
  •  28 ounces (about one can) of crushed tomatoes
  •  1 teaspoon dried basil
  •  1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Optional: Salt and pepper to taste and red pepper flakes for a bit of heat

Juicy Turkey Meatballs in Homemade Marinara

Instructions

Step One. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to a temperature setting at around Fahrenheit degrees; four hundred.

Step Two. Mix the Meatball Ingredients Together

In a bowl combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic cloves, egg freshly chopped parsley leaves dried oregano spice powder, salt and pepper. Gently mix all these ingredients together until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step Three. Form the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into meatballs that’re one and a half inches in size. Place them on either a plate or a baking sheet.

Step Four. Brown the Meatballs

Using an ovenproof skillet that is large enough to accommodate all your meatballs in one layer, at heat on your stovetop range burner or cooktop element heat the olive oil. Once the oil is heated properly carefully add the meatballs to the skillet. Cook them until they are browned on all sides.

Step Five. Finished Products

Start by adding the meatballs to a pan and browning them on all sides. It’s an idea to do this, in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

To make the marinara sauce heat another tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet (. Use a separate one if you prefer) over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant, which usually takes 30 seconds. Then pour, in crushed tomatoes. Add basil oregano, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes if desired. Let everything simmer for around 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.

Next place the browned meatballs into the sauce. Transfer everything to a skillet or dish and bake for approximately 15 20 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked.

For added flavor and presentation you can garnish with some parsley or basil if you’d like. Serve these meatballs with your choice of cooked whole wheat pasta or zoodles (zucchini noodles). Enjoy them on their own.

turkey meatballs in marina sauce

Tips for cooking Turkey Meatballs

If your meatball mixture seems dry try adding a tablespoon of milk or water to moisten it.

If you’re using turkey as your meat choice consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil to keep it moist during cooking.

For those looking for a option serving these meatballs with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash is a great alternative.

Enjoy your meal! Leftovers can be kept in a container in the fridge for, up to three days. Frozen for up to three months. Indulge in your homemade Turkey Meatballs, with Marinara Sauce, an nutritious dish that doesn’t compromise on taste! [2]

Read More: Nutrition Hub

FAQS

How many eggs do you need to bind meatballs?
Typically you’ll want to use one, to two eggs per pound of meat when making meatballs. This helps bind the ingredients and maintain the cohesion of the mixture.
Why are my turkey meatballs mushy?
If your turkey meatballs are coming out mushy it could be due to moisture in the mixture or undercooking. It’s important to strike the balance of ingredients and ensure cooking time for optimal results.
Do you beat eggs before adding to meatballs?
Yes, Beating the eggs before incorporating them into your meatball mix can help distribute them throughout, resulting in better binding and consistency.
What does adding milk to meatballs do?
The addition of milk in meatball recipes serves to moisten the breadcrumbs, which in turn helps create tender and juicy meatballs.
What to use in meatballs instead of breadcrumbs?
If you prefer not using breadcrumbs in your meatball recipe there are alternatives such as rolled oats, cooked rice, almond flour, or ground flaxseed. Each alternative offers a different texture and comes with its own nutritional profile.

Resources

  1. https://www.livestrong.com/article/340283-meatballs-nutrition/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8249626/