Baked Turkey Meatballs with Marinara

When it comes to comfort food, meatballs hold a special place in many hearts and kitchens around the world. Savory Baked Turkey Meatballs with Marinara Sauce is a dish that beautifully merges tradition with health-conscious cooking, making it an appealing choice for families and food enthusiasts alike. These meatballs are not just delicious; they are also a wholesome alternative to their traditional beef counterparts, allowing you to indulge guilt-free.

Discover the delight of Savory Baked Turkey Meatballs with Marinara Sauce, a healthy twist on a classic comfort food! These tender turkey meatballs are packed with flavor while being lower in fat and calories. Perfectly baked and teamed with a rich marinara sauce, they can be served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread. Customize them with your favorite herbs and spices for a personal touch. Enjoy a wholesome meal that the whole family will love!

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground turkey

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 large egg

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For the Marinara:

2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 tsp olive oil

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, onion, egg, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently until just combined; be careful not to overwork the mixture.

Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a lined baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced out evenly.

Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

Heat the Marinara Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the marinara sauce and optional red pepper flakes, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Combine: Once the meatballs are done baking, gently add them to the saucepan with the marinara sauce. Stir to coat each meatball with the sauce.

Serve: Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Pair with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | Serves 4