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.