Italian Turkey Meatballs with Quick Tomato Sauce
Try this Italian Turkey Meatballs with Quick Tomato Sauce recipe.
Try this Italian Turkey Meatballs with Quick Tomato Sauce recipe.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- meatballs
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
- tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 1/2 slice whole wheat bread
- 2 tablespoons grated onion (grated on the big holes of a box gra
- 1 - 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
- 1 28- ounce can crushed tomatoes (i like the muir glen organic bra
- Carbohydrate 33.5175525003432 g
- Cholesterol 89.0062500312341 mg
- Fat 36.4257825129074 g
- Fiber 3.98339995052154 g
- Protein 16.8856350017425 g
- Saturated Fat 20.6931197574063 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (284g)
- Sodium 1031.35966673242 mg
- Sugar 29.5341525498217 g
- Trans Fat 2.55568450090729 g
- Calories 513 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Spray a mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. If you don't have a mini muffin tin, you could also use a baking sheet.
- Measure the milk into a small cup or bowl.
- Tear the bread into very small pieces, about the size of a dime. Add bread to the milk and stir. Let the mixture sit while you gather the rest of the ingredients.
- In a large bowl, add the garlic, grated onion, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, parmesan, parsley and basil. Mix to combine. Add the bread/milk mixture and combine.
- Add the ground turkey to the bowl and mix thoroughly, taking care though not to over mix.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out 1-2 tablespoons of the meat and use your hands to roll it into a ball. Put one meatball into each muffin cup.
- Bake the meatballs at 500 degrees for 13 minutes.
- While the meatballs are baking, make the quick tomato sauce.
- In a large saucepan or heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the onion, oregano, salt and pepper. Stir and cook for 3-5 minutes until the onion is soft, slightly brown and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and brown sugar.
- Bring to a simmer and then lower the heat and cook for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Before serving, add in the fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Stir the cooked meatballs into the sauce to warm them through before serving.
Italian Turkey Meatballs with Quick Tomato Sauce: A Busy Mom's Delight
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Juggling work, kids' activities, and household chores leaves little room for elaborate cooking. That's why I'm always on the lookout for quick, delicious, and family-friendly meals, and these Italian Turkey Meatballs with Quick Tomato Sauce have become a staple in our dinner rotation. They're surprisingly easy to whip up, even on the busiest of weeknights, and the whole family loves them. The best part? They’re healthy too!
The recipe itself is incredibly straightforward. The meatballs are lean and flavourful thanks to the ground turkey, while the quick tomato sauce adds a burst of vibrant, Italian flavour. The preparation is minimal; I usually prep the ingredients while my kids are doing their homework, and then the entire cooking process takes only about 20-25 minutes. The combination of the tender meatballs and rich tomato sauce makes a satisfying and comforting meal, perfect for a family dinner. I’ve even started doubling the recipe to have leftovers for lunch the next day.
What makes this recipe so special? Aside from the speed and ease of preparation, I also love the versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to your liking. Want spicier meatballs? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Prefer a different type of cheese? Go for it! The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. I often experiment with adding different herbs and spices to create unique flavour profiles, keeping things exciting and preventing my family from getting bored. It's the ultimate blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
The best tip I can offer is to always have the essential ingredients on hand. I keep ground turkey, canned crushed tomatoes, and other pantry staples stocked up so I can easily throw together this meal whenever the need arises. This prevents impulsive takeout orders on busy days, saving both money and time.
Beyond dinnertime, these meatballs are incredibly versatile. They make a delicious addition to pasta dishes, salads, or even sandwiches. I've also been known to sneak a few into my lunchbox for a satisfying and protein-packed midday meal. Their versatility and ease of preparation make them the perfect weeknight dinner solution and a true lifesaver in my busy schedule. The convenience coupled with the flavour makes them a go-to recipe for any busy mom out there.
So, if you're a busy mom, a working professional, or simply someone who appreciates a quick and easy recipe that doesn't compromise on flavour, I highly recommend giving this Italian Turkey Meatball recipe a try. You won't be disappointed.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a kick.
- Cheese variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, ricotta, or provolone.
- Vegetable additions: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers into the meatball mixture for added nutrients and flavour.
- Herb variations: Try using other Italian herbs such as rosemary or thyme instead of or in addition to basil and parsley.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Simply reheat before serving.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to efficient cooking that doesn’t sacrifice flavour or satisfaction. Let me know in the comments how your Italian Turkey Meatballs turned out!
