Heart-Healthy Classic Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Transform your comfort food cravings into a guilt-free delight with these *Heart-Healthy Classic Meatballs in Tomato Sauce*. Crafted with lean ground turkey, rolled oats, and aromatic seasonings, these tender, baked meatballs are packed with flavor yet low in saturated fat. The star of this dish is the rich, homemade tomato sauce, simmered to perfection with fragrant herbs like basil and oregano, and finished with a touch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in under an hour and is ideal for pairing with whole-grain pasta or zucchini noodles for a wholesome, nutrient-packed meal. Whether you're seeking a family-friendly dinner or a meal-prep option, this heart-smart twist on a classic favorite will leave you satisfied and nourished.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 g Ground lean turkey
- 50 g Rolled oats
- 1 large Egg
- 30 g Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped Onion
- 3 minced Garlic cloves
- 400 g Canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried or a handful of fresh Basil
- 1 tsp dried Oregano
- 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp chopped Fresh parsley
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
In a large bowl, combine the ground lean turkey, rolled oats, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until they are just cooked through.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute.
Pour the canned crushed tomatoes into the skillet, followed by the basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Carefully add the baked meatballs to the tomato sauce, cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Serve the meatballs hot, either on their own or over a bed of whole-grain pasta or zucchini noodles for a heart-healthy meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1624 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 89.7 g | 115% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.6 g | 128% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 650 mg | 216% | |
| Sodium | 2691 mg | 117% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 81.6 g | 30% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.2 g | 58% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.1 g | ||
| Protein | 131.1 g | 262% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 658 mg | 51% | |
| Iron | 14.6 mg | 81% | |
| Potassium | 3313 mg | 70% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
