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- Ground turkey - Breadcrumbs - Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley - Egg - Garlic - Onion powder - Italian seasoning - Marinara sauce - Olive oil for frying The main ingredient, ground turkey, is lean and tasty. It gives the meatballs a nice texture. I love using whole wheat breadcrumbs. They add flavor and help bind the meatballs. Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick. Fresh parsley gives a pop of color and freshness. You need one egg to hold everything together. Minced garlic brings a lovely aroma. Onion powder adds a sweet depth. Italian seasoning rounds out the flavor. Marinara sauce is key for serving; it keeps things saucy and delicious. A splash of olive oil helps brown the meatballs nicely. - Additional spices (e.g., red pepper flakes) - Substitute breadcrumbs with oats - Different types of cheese For a little heat, I like to add red pepper flakes. Oats can replace breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option. You can mix in different cheeses, like mozzarella or feta, for fun twists. These options let you play with flavors and textures. Just try what sounds good to you! - Mixing the ingredients Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Add 1 pound of ground turkey. Next, sprinkle in 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Toss in 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Crack in 1 large egg. Add 1 teaspoon of onion powder and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well until it forms a uniform mixture. - Forming the meatballs Once mixed, take a small portion of the mixture. Roll it between your hands to form a ball about 1 inch in diameter. Repeat this until you shape around 16 to 20 meatballs. This step is fun and makes cooking feel more personal. - Heating the skillet Grab a large skillet and place it on medium heat. Drizzle a bit of olive oil in the pan. Allow the oil to heat up until it shimmers. This ensures that the meatballs won’t stick. - Browning the meatballs Carefully place the meatballs in the hot skillet. Make sure not to overcrowd them; this helps them brown evenly. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You want them to turn a lovely golden brown. This browning adds flavor. - Simmering with marinara sauce After browning, pour a jar of marinara sauce over the meatballs. Turn the heat down to low. Cover the skillet and let them simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the meatballs to soak up the sauce's rich flavors. - Garnish ideas For a fresh look, sprinkle extra chopped parsley over the meatballs before serving. This adds color and a bit of freshness. - Pairing with pasta or salad These turkey meatballs are great on their own, but I love serving them with pasta or a crisp salad. The balance of flavors makes each bite enjoyable. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section! To make juicy turkey meatballs, keep these tips in mind: - Use fresh ingredients. Fresh parsley and garlic enhance flavor. - Add moisture. Ingredients like breadcrumbs and the egg help keep meatballs moist. To stop meatballs from falling apart, you can: - Mix gently. Overmixing can make them tough. - Chill the mixture. Let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes before forming meatballs. You can cook meatballs in different ways. Skillet-cooking gives a nice brown crust. Here's how: - Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. - Brown them for 3-4 minutes on each side. Baking in the oven is also a good choice. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place meatballs on a baking sheet and cook for about 20 minutes. If you want to try slow cooking: - Set your slow cooker on low. - Add meatballs and sauce, and cook for 4 hours. These methods all yield tender, tasty turkey meatballs. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. {{image_2}} Making it gluten-free To make these turkey meatballs gluten-free, swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free options. You can use ground oats or almond flour as great substitutes. Just mix them in like you would with regular breadcrumbs. This keeps the meatballs moist and tasty. Vegetarian options For a vegetarian version, use lentils or chickpeas instead of ground turkey. Mash them well and add your favorite spices. You can also add chopped mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. This variation keeps the dish hearty and satisfying. Adding different herbs and spices You can change the flavor by adding herbs and spices. Try fresh basil or thyme for a twist. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. Mix in some paprika for a smoky taste. These tweaks make your meatballs unique and fun. Incorporating vegetables into the meatball mix You can sneak in some veggies for added nutrition. Grated zucchini or finely chopped spinach works well. Carrots also add sweetness. Just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture. This keeps your meatballs from getting soggy. You’ll enjoy the extra flavor and health benefits. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide! To keep your meatballs fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They can stay good for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Just make sure they cool down first. Use a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat your meatballs, reheating is easy. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs in a dish and cover them with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Just place them on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for one to two minutes. To avoid dryness, add a little marinara sauce before reheating. This keeps them moist and tasty. How long can I store meatballs in the fridge? You can store meatballs in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure they cool down first. Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey? Yes, ground chicken works well in this recipe. It has a milder flavor but holds up nicely. The cooking time may be similar, so keep an eye on them. What can I serve with Easy Turkey Meatballs with Marinara? You can serve these meatballs with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad. They also go great in a sub sandwich. You can even pair them with garlic bread for a complete meal. Can I make meatballs ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge before cooking. How do I know when meatballs are fully cooked? Check the center of the meatballs. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can also cut one open. It should be firm and no longer pink inside. In this post, we covered how to make easy turkey meatballs, starting with the right ingredients like ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and spices. You learned the step-by-step process from mixing to cooking in marinara sauce. I also shared tips for great texture and storage. Now it's your turn to try this simple recipe. Experiment with flavors and enjoy delicious meals. With a few tweaks, these meatballs can fit any diet. Happy cooking!

Easy Turkey Meatballs with Marinara

Looking for a delicious and healthy dinner idea? Try these Savory Turkey Meatballs in Zesty Marinara! Made with ground turkey, fresh herbs, and Parmesan, these meatballs are packed with flavor and easy to make. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy get-together, they simmer beautifully in marinara sauce for a satisfying dish. Click to explore the full recipe and get ready to impress your family and friends!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground turkey

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

Extra olive oil for frying

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.

    Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should have around 16-20 meatballs.

      Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, place the meatballs in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Brown the meatballs for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

        Once browned, pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs in the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

          Remove from heat and serve the meatballs hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired.

            Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4