Turkey Meatballs in Marinara

To create a truly memorable dish, it's essential to understand the role of each ingredient in your Turkey Meatballs and Marinara Sauce. This section breaks down the key components, focusing on how they contribute to the overall flavor, texture, and nutritional value of the dish.

Discover the comforting goodness of Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce, a healthy twist on a classic favorite! These lean turkey meatballs are packed with flavor and paired with a homemade marinara sauce that enriches every bite. Perfect over pasta, in a sub, or served with veggies, this dish is a delicious and nutritious meal option. Try it tonight for a satisfying dinner that won't weigh you down! #TurkeyMeatballs #HealthyEating #ComfortFood #MarinaraSauce #MealPrep #HomeCooking #DeliciousRecipes #HealthyRecipes

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Ingredients

For the Turkey Meatballs:

1 lb ground turkey

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Marinara Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.

Form the Meatballs: With wet hands, form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You should get about 20 meatballs.

Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.

Prepare the Marinara Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, dried basil, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Once the meatballs are done, gently place them into the simmering marinara sauce. Let them simmer together for an additional 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Serve: Spoon the turkey meatballs in marinara sauce over your choice of pasta or serve with crusty bread. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 4