Italian Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe
User Reviews
4.7
-
Prep Time
20 mins
-
Cook Time
20 mins
-
Total Time
40 mins
-
Servings
4
-
Calories
3362 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
Italian
Italian Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe
Description
This recipe starts with ground turkey mixed with grated onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, whole wheat breadcrumbs, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. The mixture is divided into portions, shaped into meatballs, and baked at 350°F until firm and cooked through. Baking allows for a lean, moist texture without frying.
The tomato sauce is prepared by sautéing onion and garlic in olive oil, then seasoning with oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper before adding crushed tomatoes. After simmering, parsley and basil are stirred in for fresh herb flavor. The baked meatballs are then nestled into the sauce, coating them thoroughly.
The dish can be served over pasta or rice or enjoyed on its own, making it versatile for different meal contexts. The combination of lean turkey and herbs creates a flavorful yet lighter alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs.
Nutritional information has been calculated but should be independently verified for accuracy if required.
Ingredients
The Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground turkey lean
- ½ onion grated, medium
- 3 garlic minced, cloves
- ¼ cup parsley flat-leaf, minced
- ¼ cup whole wheat breadcrumb
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon oregano ground
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper ground
The Sauce:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 onion chopped, small
- 3 garlic minced, cloves
- 1 teaspoon oregano ground
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper ground
- 1 crushed tomatoes canned 28 ounce
- 1 crushed tomatoes 14 ounce can
- ¼ cup parsley flat-leaf, minced
- 4 basil thinly sliced, leaves
Instructions
The Meatballs:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, stir together the ground turkey, onion, garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, egg, oregano, salt and pepper.
- Divide the mixture into 8 portions, form into balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake until the meatballs are firm to the touch and cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.
The Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet set over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic, oregano, salt and pepper, and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, bring the sauce to a boil, and then simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the parsley and basil.
- Nestle the meatballs into the sauce and spoon sauce over to coat the meatballs.
- Serve over pasta or rice, or on their own.
Notes
- This recipe provides nutritional information as a courtesy; verify independently if needed.
- Bake meatballs until firm to the touch and fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes at 350°F.
- The sauce includes fresh herbs stirred in at the end for brightness.
- Serve meatballs with the sauce over pasta, rice, or as a main dish by themselves.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 3362 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2Meatballs + ¾ Cup Sauce | |
| Calories | 336.2kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 31.3g | 10% |
| Protein | 30.1g | 60% |
| Fat | 12.5g | 19% |
| Saturated Fat | 3.4g | 17% |
| Cholesterol | 126.5mg | 42% |
| Sodium | 946mg | 39% |
| Fiber | 7.4g | 30% |
| Sugar | 16.1g | 32% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
You'll Also Love
