Juicy Ground Turkey Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce

This is easy ground turkey meatballs recipe is comfort food and healthy too. Turkey meatballs are lighter than beef. The rich tomato sauce enhances the flavour of the juicy ground turkey meatballs. This recipe is a win win for the whole family.

Why You’ll love this Ground Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Ground turkey meatballs are a delicious and healthy choice You’ll love. They’re juicy, full of flavour  and perfect for any meal.

Turkey meat is packed with lean protein and it is lower in fat. It is also softer and easier to chew. Using turkey meatballs is healthy and great for busy weeknights.

These delicious ground turkey meatballs are a crowd pleaser every time even for picky eaters. As an added bonus you can bake, grill or simmer ground turkey meatballs in any sauce. Let’s have a look what ingredients you will need for this recipe.

Ingredients You’ll need

Ingredients:

For the Turkey Meatballs:

• 500g ground turkey – ( it’s lean protein and healthy)
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs – ( adds texture to the meatballs)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ( optional)
• 1 egg – binds the mixture
• 2 cloves of garlic ( minced)
• 2 tbsp of fresh parsley ( chopped) – adds herb flavour)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 – 2 tbsp olive oil – for frying

For the rich Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic ( minced)
• 1 can of crushed tomatoes (rich sauce)
• 1 tsp dried basil (or fresh basil )
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• salt & pepper to taste
• pinch of red flakes for taste ( optional)

Fresh parsley for garnish as it gives color 

Step by Step instructions:

1. Prep of the Meatballs mix

1. Grab a large bowl
2. Add the ground turkey
3. Add breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt and pepper
4. Mix gently by hand or fork

 

Tip: Don’t overmix. That keeps the meatballs soft.

 

5. Roll the mixture into 1.5 inch balls ( about 16 – 20 meatballs)

 

Now it’s time to pan frying the meatballs.

 

2. Brown the Meatballs

• Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat
• Add the meatballs in batches  ( don’t overcrowd the pan )
• Brown each side of the meatballs. (5-7 minutes)

Tip: The meatballs don’t have to be cooked. As it will be added later to the tomato sauces. 

 

Remove the meatballs from the skillet and let it rest while you prepare the tomato sauce.

 

3. Let’s Make the Tomato Sauce

Use the same skillet used for the meatballs 

• Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil
• Saute the onions for 4 – 5 minutes ( until soft)
• Add garlic ( fry for 30 seconds)
• Add crushed tomatoes
• Stir in the basil, oregano, red pepper flakes ( optional) , salt and pepper
• Add sugar if desired
• Simmer for 10 minutes

 

Stir occasionally

 

4. Simmer Meatballs in Sauce

• Now it’s time to add the browned meatballs into the tomato sauce
• Cover the pan
• Simmer on low temperatures for 20 – 30 minutes
• Taste the sauce and add any salt or pepper if needed

 

Serving suggestions

This delicious rich tomato flavoured meatballs can be served with

• Pasta – spaghetti, penne,
• Rice – white rice
• Low carb sides – cauliflower rice, or Zucchini noodles
• Mashed potatoes
• Garlic bread – for dipping in the sauce

 

For garnish on the ground turkey meatballs with tomato sauce, you can add some Parmesan cheese and sprinkle chopped basil or parsley.

Variety on the ground turkey meatballs recipe

• Italian Style – use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and add fresh basil
• Spicy kick – add chilli flakes or chopped jalapeno
• Cheesy surprise – add a small cubes of cheese to the meatball mix before rolling it
• Meditareann – add chopped spinach and feta cheese to the meatballs mix

 

Tips to make the meatballs extra flavourful.

• Buy freshly ground turkey meat as it tastes better
• Use panko breadcrumbs it adds extra texture to the meatballs
• Don’t skip the sear as it locks in the flavour and firmness.
• Adjust seams. Add a bit of sugar if the taste is too acidic.
• Make ahead the meatballs mix and freeze uncooked meatballs to use again for busy weeknights.
• Slowly reheat the ground turkey meatballs and simmer for 10 – 15 minutes in a skillet or microwave.

Health Benefits

• Turkey meat is lean protein
• Low in saturated fat
• High in vitamins of the tomato sauce

Storage

If you have leftovers of the meatballs, you can store it in a container and put it in the fridge for 3 days.

This ground turkey meatballs recipe in the tomato sauce can also be frozen in the freezer for a up to two months. To unfreeze the meatballs, put it in a pot and heat over medium heat.

To save time for busy weeknights. Prepare a double batch of meatballs mixture and freeze half of it to use later.

Final Thoughts

This recipe is crowd pleasing, healthy and an easy dinner plan. It is full of flavour, easy to make and great for left overs. Share this recipe with friends and family.

Enjoy your cooking journey ! Let’s make dinner fun, simple and tasty.

 

Try also our other ground turkey recipes!

Ground Turkey spaghetti with Pesto

Fast Ground TurkeySpaghetti