Description
Succulent turkey meatballs combine lean protein with Mediterranean herbs for a healthier dinner option. Garlic, parsley, and oregano infuse rich flavor while keeping each bite light and satisfying for hunger-crushing comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsps freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3 tbsps finely chopped onion
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- ½ tsp sea or kosher salt
- 1 pinch of black pepper (¼ tsp)
- ⅓ cup seasoned Italian bread crumbs
- 1 can (28 oz or 794 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz or 170 g) tomato paste
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 ½ tsps dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
- ½ tsp sea or kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp sugar
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and lightly oil a large baking sheet with olive oil.
- Mixing: In a spacious bowl, blend ground turkey, breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper using a fork until uniformly combined.
- Shaping: Craft 14 evenly sized meatballs, roughly 1.5 inches in diameter, and distribute them across the prepared baking sheet with minimal spacing.
- Roasting: Bake meatballs for 12-14 minutes, verifying an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure thorough cooking.
- Sauce Foundation: In a Dutch oven, warm olive oil over medium-low heat and sauté diced onions and garlic with salt and pepper until onions turn translucent.
- Flavor Layering: Introduce tomato paste, stirring for 1-2 minutes to intensify its robust essence, then incorporate crushed tomatoes, water, Italian seasoning, parsley, and sugar.
- Seasoning: Adjust sauce with additional salt and pepper, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
- Simmering: Gently immerse roasted meatballs into the simmering sauce, allowing them to meld and absorb flavors for 25-30 minutes.
- Finishing: Remove bay leaf and serve the meatballs and sauce atop spaghetti or preferred pasta, garnishing with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Prevent Dry Meatballs: Use a light touch when mixing ingredients to avoid compacting the meat, which can result in tough, dense meatballs.
- Temperature Matters: Always use a meat thermometer to check that turkey meatballs reach 165°F internally, ensuring food safety and preventing dry meat.
- Breadcrumb Trick: Soak breadcrumbs in milk before mixing to add moisture and create incredibly tender, juicy meatballs with a softer texture.
- Flavor Boost: Allow meatballs to simmer in sauce for 25-30 minutes to enhance flavor absorption and create a more delicious, cohesive dish.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg