Turkey Meatballs with Marinara Recipe

Introduction

Turkey Meatballs with Marinara is a healthy yet indulgent dish that brings together the rich flavors of homemade turkey meatballs and a savory marinara sauce. This comforting meal is a lighter take on traditional beef meatballs, offering a delicious alternative without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving it at a party, these turkey meatballs paired with a zesty marinara sauce are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

The combination of tender, juicy turkey meatballs and robust, tangy marinara sauce creates a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. The turkey meatballs are packed with flavor and can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices, while the marinara sauce is made from scratch, allowing you to control the ingredients and adjust the seasoning to your liking. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a lighter, healthier alternative to classic meatball dishes, but it doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step to prepare these tasty turkey meatballs and the flavorful marinara sauce. We’ll also share tips to ensure your meatballs are tender and juicy, explore variations you can try, and offer suggestions for sides and pairings to complete the meal.

Why You’ll Love Turkey Meatballs with Marinara

• Healthier Option: Made with lean ground turkey, these meatballs are lower in fat than traditional beef or pork meatballs but still packed with flavor. The lean meat keeps the dish light and satisfying without compromising on taste.
• Flavorful and Savory: These turkey meatballs are seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, making them flavorful and juicy. Paired with a homemade marinara sauce that’s rich in tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning, this dish delivers a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and aromatic flavors.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, with simple steps to follow, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks. The marinara sauce can be prepared in advance, and the meatballs are quick to make and bake.
• Versatile: These meatballs can be served on their own, over pasta, or as part of a meatball sub sandwich. They’re also great for meal prep, and you can freeze the leftovers for later use.
• Family-Friendly: Turkey Meatballs with Marinara is a dish the whole family will enjoy. Kids love the tender meatballs, and adults appreciate the healthier ingredients. It’s an easy way to get your family to eat a wholesome, satisfying meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes and the specific ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 16-20g
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6-8g

Ingredients

For the Turkey Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground turkey (preferably lean or extra-lean)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat for a healthier option)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet)

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinara Sauce

Start by making the marinara sauce to allow the flavors to meld as the meatballs bake. In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Add the can of crushed tomatoes to the saucepan along with the dried basil, oregano, and sugar (if using). Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have developed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree the sauce, or blend it in a regular blender. Once the sauce is ready, set it aside while you prepare the meatballs.

2. Make the Turkey Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix the meat mixture, as this can result in tough meatballs.

Once the mixture is ready, use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the meatballs. Roll each portion between your hands to form round meatballs, making sure they are about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter. This should yield about 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size.

3. Bake the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.

While the meatballs are baking, you can keep an eye on the marinara sauce, ensuring it is simmering gently. If it thickens too much, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.

4. Combine the Meatballs and Marinara Sauce

Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and carefully transfer them to the marinara sauce. Gently stir the meatballs into the sauce, ensuring they are fully coated. Let them simmer in the sauce for about 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

5. Serve and Garnish

Once the meatballs have absorbed the flavor of the sauce, they are ready to serve. Spoon the meatballs and sauce into bowls or onto a platter. Garnish with freshly chopped basil for a burst of color and added freshness. Serve the meatballs with a side of pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious marinara sauce.

Tips for Perfect Turkey Meatballs with Marinara

• Don’t Overmix the Meat Mixture: When mixing the turkey meatball ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough and dense. You want to gently combine the ingredients until they’re just mixed. Mixing too much will activate the proteins in the turkey, leading to a less tender and chewy texture. Therefore, mix just until everything is incorporated, ensuring a light and fluffy texture in your meatballs.
• Use Lean Ground Turkey: While lean ground turkey is a healthier option, it can sometimes be drier than fattier cuts. To prevent your meatballs from becoming dry, make sure to add enough moisture. Ingredients like egg and breadcrumbs help retain moisture in the meatballs. Also, consider adding a bit of olive oil or a small amount of milk to the mixture for an extra boost of tenderness. The added moisture will keep the meatballs juicy and flavorful.
• Bake, Don’t Fry: Baking the meatballs is a healthier option than frying, and it helps them retain their shape and texture. Plus, it’s easier and less messy!
• Check for Doneness: Always check the internal temperature of the meatballs with a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked through (165°F or 74°C).
• Make It Ahead: You can make the marinara sauce and meatballs ahead of time. The marinara sauce can be refrigerated for up to a week, and the meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Customize the Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Add more garlic or red pepper flakes for heat, or switch up the herbs depending on your preferences.

Variations of Turkey Meatballs with Marinara

• Cheese-Stuffed Turkey Meatballs: For an extra indulgent twist, stuff your turkey meatballs with mozzarella cheese before baking. As the meatballs cook, the cheese will melt and create a gooey, cheesy center.
• Spicy Turkey Meatballs: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the turkey meatball mixture for a spicy kick. You can also add a little hot sauce to the marinara sauce for added heat.
• Gluten-Free Turkey Meatballs: To make the meatballs gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute them with ground oats or almond flour.
• Herb-Infused Turkey Meatballs: Experiment with different herbs to create a unique flavor profile. Fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary can be added to the turkey meatball mixture for extra flavor.
• Mediterranean Turkey Meatballs: For a Mediterranean-inspired twist, add feta cheese, kalamata olives, and oregano to the turkey meatball mixture. Serve the meatballs with tzatziki sauce instead of marinara for a different taste.

Storage and Shelf Life

Turkey Meatballs with Marinara can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To store them for longer periods, freeze the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. The meatballs can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat in the microwave or on the stove with the marinara sauce.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Turkey Meatballs with Marinara

• Spaghetti or Zoodles: Serve your turkey meatballs over a bed of classic spaghetti or low-carb zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a light and satisfying meal.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful marinara sauce. It adds a nice crunch and extra flavor to the meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or bell peppers complement the richness of the turkey meatballs and make for a well-rounded meal.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve the meatballs with cauliflower rice. This makes a great gluten-free and keto-friendly side dish.
• Salad: A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette makes a refreshing accompaniment to the meatballs.

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Conclusion

Turkey Meatballs with Marinara is a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. With juicy turkey meatballs and a homemade marinara sauce that’s rich in flavor, this meal is a satisfying and wholesome choice for any occasion. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a lighter yet delicious take on a classic favorite!