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Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce


  • Author: David

Ingredients

Scale

To create these delicious turkey meatballs in tomato sauce, youโ€™ll need the following ingredients:

For the Turkey Meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or panko)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

For the Tomato Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Making the Turkey Meatballs:

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
    • Mix the ingredients gently using your hands until well combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the meatballs tough.
  2. Shape the Meatballs:
    • Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should have approximately 18-20 meatballs.
  3. Cook the Meatballs:
    • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
    • Cook the meatballs for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until they are browned on all sides and cooked through.
    • Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Preparing the Tomato Sauce:

  1. Sautรฉ the Aromatics:
    • In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
    • Add the chopped onion and sautรฉ for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
    • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Simmer the Sauce:
    • Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
    • Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  3. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
    • Carefully place the cooked meatballs into the simmering tomato sauce.
    • Cover and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  4. Garnish and Serve:
    • Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves for an added touch of flavor and color.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 320
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Protein: 28g