Turkey Pesto Meatballs
User Reviews
5
Turkey Pesto Meatballs
Description
This recipe mixes lean ground turkey with pesto, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and salt to create flavorful meatballs. The pesto provides a fresh basil and garlic taste, balanced by the savory Parmesan and the texture from breadcrumbs. Formed into small balls, they are baked in a slow-cooking process within marinara sauce, which helps keep them tender and moist.
Baking the meatballs covered allows them to cook gently in the sauce, absorbing some tomato flavor while staying juicy inside. The seasoning and pesto meld during cooking. These meatballs can be served with pasta, on sandwiches, or as finger food with dipping sauce.
Notes include freezing instructions for making ahead. Pre-freezing meatballs on a tray prevents sticking before storing. They can be cooked from frozen with a bit more bake time. The recipe links to homemade pesto and marinara options for those who want from scratch sauces.
Ingredients
- 1 /4 pound ground turkey lean
- 1/4 cup pesto more pesto recipes (including a nut free one) are linked below
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups marinara sauce recipe linked in notes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place all the ingredients (except for the marinara sauce) in a bowl and using your hands, combine until everything is incorporated.
- Using about 1 tablespoon of the mixture per meatball, roll into balls and place on a plate. Try to not pack the meatballs too tight, they can become tough if you do.
- Pour the marinara sauce into a 9x11 inch baking dish and top with the meatballs.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Notes
- To freeze, shape meatballs and freeze on a tray until firm, then transfer to a bag to prevent sticking.
- Cook from frozen by adding extra 5 minutes to baking time.
- Homemade pesto and marinara sauce options can be used if preferred for fresher flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 5servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 310 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 310kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Cholesterol | 85mg | 28% |
| Sodium | 1410mg | 59% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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