Spicy Turkey Meatballs (1 Hr, 5 Mins)

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Spice up your dinner routine with these delicious turkey meatballs! 

These meaty balls of goodness are made with lean turkey and spiced with a blend of herbs and seasonings, then simmered in a rich and tangy tomato sauce.

The combination of the juicy meatballs and the flavorful sauce makes this dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep. 

Enjoy these meatballs on their own, over pasta, or with a side of crusty bread for a satisfying and nutritious meal. You won’t be disappointed! 

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the meatballs:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (15g) finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the tomato sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh basil (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meatballs (20 minutes): In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  2. Cook the meatballs (10 minutes): Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side, working in batches if necessary. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Prepare the tomato sauce (15 minutes): In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
  4. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce (20 minutes): Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Simmer the meatballs in the tomato sauce for 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  5. Serve and garnish (5 minutes): Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve hot.

Notes

To perfect these spicy turkey meatballs in tomato sauce, ensure the meatballs are browned evenly before simmering them in the sauce to lock in their flavor.

You can adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of red pepper flakes. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a side of garlic bread.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheated gently on the stovetop. Enjoy this delicious and wholesome meal that is sure to become a favorite.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 29g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg

Pair this with...

Tuscan Kale Salad

Begin by removing the tough stems from the kale. Then, thinly slice the leaves into ribbons. Place the kale in a large bowl and give it a bit of a massage – yes, seriously! Rubbing the kale with your hands for a minute or two helps soften its texture and diminish its bitterness. Now, for the dressing, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, a minced garlic clove, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the massaged kale and toss well to coat. Scatter in a generous handful of roasted almonds, either whole or roughly chopped, and finish by topping the salad with shavings of parmesan cheese.

Herbed Garlic Bread

Grab a fresh baguette or loaf of Italian bread and slice it as desired. In a bowl, mix together softened unsalted butter, finely minced garlic (the more, the merrier, but about 3-4 cloves should do), a good pinch of salt, and chopped fresh herbs. Parsley and basil are classics, but don't hesitate to throw in some oregano or rosemary if you're feeling adventurous. Spread this aromatic butter mix generously over the cut sides of your bread. Pop it under the broiler in your oven for about 2-4 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the butter is bubbling and fragrant. Keep a close eye on it, as broiling can quickly go from perfectly toasted to charred! Once done, slice it up and serve.

Roasted Asparagus with Sea Salt

Start by preheating your oven. Take fresh asparagus spears, snap off the tough ends, and lay them out on a baking sheet. A little drizzle of olive oil goes a long way in giving them a lovely coat. Now, for the pièce de résistance, sprinkle some coarse sea salt over the top. It not only elevates the flavor but also gives a delightful crunch. Pop them in the oven and roast until they're tender yet crisp, with hints of golden brown at the tips. The result? A dish that's vibrant in color, rich in flavor, and just a touch fancy.

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