If you’re looking for a healthy and flavorful twist on a classic comfort dish, these baked turkey meatballs are just what you need. They’re packed with lean protein and nutrient-rich vegetables, making them a perfect weeknight meal or a great addition to your meal prep routine. By baking rather than frying, you get tender and juicy meatballs without the extra oil, while the addition of zucchini ensures they stay moist and flavorful. Paired with a homemade tomato sauce that has a subtle kick, these meatballs are bound to be a family favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 2 pounds ground turkey (you can also use ground beef for a richer flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 3 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste (start with 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper)
- 2 cups finely grated zucchini, drained (it will reduce to about 1 cup once drained)
- 1 small red onion, grated
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, olive oil, minced garlic, eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, grated zucchini, and grated red onion. Mix everything together gently with your hands until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Roll the mixture into evenly-sized meatballs (about 1 1/2 inches in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they’re browned and cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Make the Tomato Sauce:
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a spacious skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat.
- Toss in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until it becomes aromatic—be sure to keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the salt, black pepper, sugar, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Combine and Serve:
- Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully transfer them to the simmering tomato sauce. Let the meatballs cook in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing them to absorb some of the sauce’s flavors.
- Serve the turkey meatballs with your favorite pasta, over a bed of zucchini noodles, or alongside a simple green salad.
Conclusion:
These baked turkey meatballs are not only easy to make but are also a great way to sneak in extra veggies without compromising on taste. The combination of juicy meatballs with a rich tomato sauce makes this a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving it to a hungry family, these turkey meatballs are sure to satisfy! Try them out, and feel free to customize the recipe to suit your preferences—whether it’s swapping out the turkey for beef or adding a different mix of herbs. Enjoy!