Amazing 18-Minute Turkey Meatballs in Marinara
Bake delicious, lean turkey meatballs right in your marinara sauce for a simple and satisfying dinner. These meatballs are full of flavor and perfect for a healthy meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground lean turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (your favorite jarred or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Do not overmix.
- Roll the mixture into small, uniform balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 18-20 meatballs.
- Pour your marinara sauce into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom.
- Place the raw meatballs directly into the marinara sauce. They can be nestled close together or slightly spaced out.
- (Optional step for extra flavor): Lightly sear the tops of the meatballs in a hot, oiled skillet for 1-2 minutes per side before placing them in the sauce.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is bubbly. The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving over pasta or with crusty bread.
Notes
- Using lean turkey keeps these meatballs a lighter option for dinner.
- Make sure not to pack the meat mixture too tightly when rolling; this keeps the meatballs tender.
- If your sauce seems too thick after baking, stir in a splash of water or broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: Estimate 280
- Sugar: Estimate 8g
- Sodium: Estimate 550mg
- Fat: Estimate 10g
- Saturated Fat: Estimate 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: Estimate 7g
- Trans Fat: Estimate 0g
- Carbohydrates: Estimate 18g
- Fiber: Estimate 3g
- Protein: Estimate 30g
- Cholesterol: Estimate 85mg