Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce: Because Even Turkeys Deserve a Second Act (That Doesn’t Involve Thanksgiving)
Hey there, meatball maestro! Tired of beef hogging the spotlight? Let’s give turkey a chance to shine—no oven-basting, cranberry sauce, or awkward family dinners required. These juicy, garlicky meatballs swim in a tomato bath so good, you’ll forget they’re (gasp) healthy. Ready to roll?
Ingredients (Serves 4-6):
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean—trust me, fat = flavor here)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-seasoned, or plain with a pinch of dried oregano)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (the powdery kind works; we’re not fancy)
- 1 egg (the glue holding your edible snowballs together)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (or 4… no one’s judging)
- 1 tsp salt (the unsung hero of taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground, or shaken angrily from a tin)
For the sauce:
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (store-bought is fine—your secret’s safe)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing, not sipping)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, but highly recommended for drama)
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is where magic happens. No cauldron needed.
- Make the meatball mix. In a bowl, combine turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Use your hands! Squish it like you’re mad at dough. Tip: Wet hands = less sticky mess. Science!
- Roll the meatballs. Scoop 1-tbsp portions (or eyeball golf-ball sizes). Place them on a greased baking sheet. Try not to hum “Eye of the Tiger” while shaping.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes. They’re done when golden-brown and firm. No raw turkey surprises—this isn’t a horror movie.
- Start the sauce. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add red pepper flakes (if using) and sizzle for 30 seconds. Pour in marinara. Stir. Pretend you’re a Italian grandmother.
- Add meatballs to the sauce. Gently plop them in. Simmer for 10 minutes. They’ll soak up flavor like a sponge at a water park.
- Serve. Pile them on pasta, stuff into a sub, or eat straight from the pan (we don’t judge). Top with extra Parmesan.
Pro Tips for Maximum Glory
- No breadcrumbs? Crush crackers or cereal. Desperate times, delicious measures.
- Freeze extras. Future-you will high-five present-you at 10 PM on a Tuesday.
- Garlic breath? Worth it.
There you go! Turkey meatballs so good, even vegetarians might side-eye them. Now go forth, roll balls, and conquer dinner like the kitchen champ you are. 🍝🎉
(Recipe tested by: My dog, who stared intently the entire time.)
