Go Back
–+ servings
Italian Turkey Meatballs

Savory Italian Turkey Meatballs for Healthy Comfort Food

These Italian Turkey Meatballs combine fresh ingredients for a healthy twist on classic comfort food.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound Ground Turkey Use 93% lean for optimal juiciness.
  • 1 cup Italian-style Breadcrumbs Substitute with plain breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning if needed.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Can replace with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
  • 1 large Large Egg Acts as a binder; a flax egg can be used as a vegan alternative.
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced) Fresh garlic yields the best results.
  • 1 small Onion (finely grated or minced) Yellow or white onion works well.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped) Consider basil or cilantro for variation.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Can be replaced with an Italian seasoning blend.
  • to taste Salt & Black Pepper Adjust to taste based on dietary needs.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Used for searing; omit for a lower-fat version.
For the Marinara Sauce
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce Homemade or high-quality store-bought works beautifully.

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Pot
  • Baking tray

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, Italian-style breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated onion, chopped parsley, dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
  2. Wet your hands and form the mixture into equal-sized balls, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Place on a plate or baking tray.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Carefully place the meatballs into the skillet and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  4. In a large pot, bring marinara sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once bubbling, gently add the seared meatballs. Allow to simmer for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.
  5. Carefully remove meatballs from the sauce and serve hot. Drizzle extra marinara sauce over the top and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 4meatballsCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 28gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Chill the shaped meatballs for about 30 minutes before cooking for sturdier meatballs. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!