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! 

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

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/spicy-turkey-meatballs-1-hr-5-mins/