Turkey Meatballs Marinara

Name: Turkey Meatballs Marinara
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1/2 lb ground turkey; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg, beaten; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1/4 onion, grated; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup marinara sauce; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 tsp dried basil; 1/4 tsp dried oregano; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

Juicy turkey meatballs simmered in a rich marinara sauce, served over pasta or with crusty bread. A lighter take on a classic Italian favorite.

45 minMediumServes 4390 cal/serving

Italian-AmericanDinnerStovetopHigh ProteinLow CarbLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

Ingredients

1/2 lb ground turkey
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 onion, grated
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup marinara sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1

In a large bowl, combine the 1/2 lb ground turkey, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 beaten egg, grated 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 1/4 onion, minced 2 garlic cloves, 1/4 tsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
2

Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix which can make the meatballs tough.
3

Form the mixture into meatballs about 1-1/2 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 12-16 meatballs depending on size.
4

Heat the 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5

Add the meatballs to the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning gently with tongs, about 2-3 minutes per side.
6

Once all meatballs are browned, return them all to the skillet if you worked in batches.
7

Pour the 1 cup marinara sauce over the meatballs. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
8

Check that the meatballs have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer for food safety.
9

Serve the meatballs and sauce over pasta, with crusty bread, or on their own as an appetizer, garnished with additional grated Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

Questions

Can I make Turkey Meatballs Marinara dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated. Swap the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor). The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Turkey Meatballs Marinara gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 1/2 cup breadcrumbs. Swap the bread or crumbs for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free panko. Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Turkey Meatballs Marinara keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I halve or double Turkey Meatballs Marinara?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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