Description
1 lb ground turkey
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp milk
1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, parsley, and milk. Mix until well
incorporated.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set them aside on a plate.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet, covering the meatballs. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked.
Serve hot with pasta, on a sandwich, or as an appetizer. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Kcal: 180 per meatball Servings: 12 meatballs
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, beaten egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, chopped parsley, and milk. Use your hands or a fork to mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Form the Meatballs: Lightly moisten your hands with water or oil to prevent sticking. Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into uniform 1-inch balls. Place them on a clean plate or baking sheet.
3. Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding. Cook for 4-5 minutes, turning frequently, until they are evenly browned on all sides.
4. Simmer in Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Pour the entire jar of marinara sauce over the meatballs, gently shaking the skillet to ensure they are covered. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile turkey meatballs are perfect for multiple meals. Serve them over a bed of spaghetti or zucchini noodles for a classic dinner. They also make excellent meatball subs on toasted hoagie rolls with melted mozzarella. For a party, skewer them with toothpicks as a hearty appetizer, or enjoy them on their own with a side of crusty bread for dipping in the extra sauce.
How-to Summary
Combine turkey, breadcrumbs, cheese, egg, and seasonings. Form into 1-inch balls. Brown in a skillet with oil, then simmer covered in marinara sauce for 15 minutes until fully cooked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these meatballs instead of pan-frying? Yes. Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 18-20 minutes. You can then add them to warmed sauce.
How can I make these gluten-free? Substitute the breadcrumbs with an equal amount of gluten-free breadcrumbs or rolled oats that have been pulsed in a food processor.
Can I prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time? Absolutely. You can mix the ingredients, cover the bowl tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before forming and cooking.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I freeze cooked turkey meatballs? Definitely. Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Meat: This compacts the proteins, leading to dense, tough meatballs. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Crowding the Skillet: Adding too many meatballs at once steams them instead of browning. Cook in batches for the best sear.
- Underseasoning: Turkey is lean and mild. Taste-test your mixture by cooking a small patty before rolling all the meatballs to check seasoning.
- Moving Meatballs Too Soon: Let them develop a proper sear in the pan before turning; if they stick, they aren’t ready to flip.
Conclusion
These easy, flavorful turkey meatballs are a healthier twist on a classic comfort food. With simple ingredients and a quick cooking process, they deliver a delicious and protein-packed meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Mastering this recipe provides a foundational dish you can adapt and enjoy in countless ways.
