Main Courses > Poultry Dishes > Duck & Turkey > Turkey Meatballs

Juicy Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Enjoy these tender and flavorful turkey meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional beef meatballs and is perfect for a family dinner.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Servings
4-6
Ingredients
  • 500 g Ground Turkey
  • 100 g Breadcrumbs
  • 50 g Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 Egg
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 700 g Canned Crushed Tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
  • 1 Onion
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Water

Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with your hands until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Form the Meatballs

Using your hands, form the turkey mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a plate or baking sheet.

Sear the Meatballs

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet and sear on all sides until lightly browned. This step helps to seal in the juices and add flavor. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Prepare the Tomato Sauce

Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.

Simmer the Meatballs in Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and water. Add the sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then gently add the seared meatballs to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer the meatballs simmer, the more flavorful they will become.

Serve

Serve the turkey meatballs in tomato sauce over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Calories: 150kcal
Protein: 15g
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 8g

Other Considerations for Nutrition

This recipe is a good source of protein and relatively low in fat compared to beef meatballs. Using whole wheat breadcrumbs can further increase the fiber content.

← Hearty Turkey Shepherd's Pie Lemon Herb Chicken Skillet →

FAQ

  • Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?

    Yes, you can substitute dried parsley for fresh. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried parsley for every 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley.
  • Can I freeze the meatballs?

    Yes, you can freeze the meatballs. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

    Absolutely! Feel free to add diced vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the sauce along with the onion.