Tender Turkey Meatballs Tomato Sauce (Print Version)

Oven-baked turkey meatballs simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, paired with pasta or rice.

# What You Need:

→ Meatballs

01 - 1.1 lbs ground turkey
02 - 1 large egg
03 - 0.21 cups breadcrumbs
04 - 2 tbsp milk
05 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
07 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
08 - 1 tsp dried oregano
09 - 0.5 tsp salt
10 - 0.5 tsp black pepper

→ Tomato Sauce

11 - 2 tbsp olive oil
12 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
13 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
14 - 28 oz crushed tomatoes (2 cans)
15 - 1 tsp dried basil
16 - 1 tsp dried oregano
17 - 0.5 tsp sugar (optional)
18 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ To Serve

19 - 10.5 oz pasta or cooked rice
20 - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
21 - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
02 - Form the mixture into 16 to 18 golf ball-sized meatballs and arrange on the prepared baking tray. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until lightly golden and cooked through.
03 - While meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
04 - Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, optional sugar, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Transfer baked meatballs into the sauce and simmer gently for another 10 minutes, spooning sauce over meatballs occasionally.
06 - Cook pasta or rice according to package instructions while meatballs finish in sauce.
07 - Serve meatballs and sauce over pasta or rice. Garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Theyre tender and juicy without feeling greasy, thanks to the turkey and a splash of milk in the mix.
  • You can bake them or simmer them straight in the sauce, depending on your mood and timeline.
  • They reheat like a dream, so leftovers actually get better the next day.
  • Kids love them, adults feel good eating them, and theyre easy enough for a weeknight.
02 -
  • Dont overmix the meat or the meatballs will be dense and tough, just combine until everything is evenly distributed.
  • If your meatballs fall apart, add another tablespoon of breadcrumbs next time or let the mixture rest for five minutes before shaping.
  • Baking them first gives you a head start and keeps them from breaking apart in the sauce.
  • Taste your sauce before adding the meatballs, you want it seasoned well on its own.
03 -
  • Wet your hands before rolling each meatball to keep the mixture from sticking and to get smooth, even shapes.
  • Let the meatballs rest in the sauce for at least 10 minutes before serving, this is when they absorb the flavors and become truly tender.
  • Make a double batch and freeze half, future you will be very grateful on a busy night.
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