Description
Juicy, tender ground turkey meatballs baked and simmered in marinara sauce. This easy weeknight dinner is ready in 30 minutes, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy families.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground turkey (regular, not extra lean)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- ¼ cup milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pour milk into a small bowl and add breadcrumbs. Let soak for 5 minutes to create a panade.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the soaked breadcrumb mixture, ground turkey, egg, 2 cloves minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Gently mix the ingredients with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Roll the mixture into 12-14 meatballs, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake meatballs for 15-20 minutes until browned and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- While meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add remaining 1 clove minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in marinara sauce and bring to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer baked meatballs to the simmering sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove lid, garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan, and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not overmix the meat to avoid tough meatballs. Soaking breadcrumbs in milk is crucial for moisture. For a cheesy center, stuff a cube of mozzarella inside each meatball before rolling. These freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs and ½ cu
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
Keywords: ground turkey meatballs, easy weeknight dinner, 30 minute meals, turkey meatballs in marinara, healthy dinner, meal prep