Heart-Healthy Classic Meatballs with Tomato Sauce
Indulge in the comforting flavors of "Heart-Healthy Classic Meatballs with Tomato Sauce," a lighter twist on a beloved Italian dish. Made with lean ground turkey and oats, these tender meatballs are packed with protein and fiber, offering a healthy alternative to traditional recipes. Simmered in a fragrant tomato sauce seasoned with garlic, oregano, basil, and a touch of red pepper flakes, this dish is brimming with bold yet wholesome flavors. With only 20 minutes of prep time and a bake-in-the-oven finish, it's both an efficient and nutritious weeknight dinner option. Serve over whole-grain pasta or alongside a crisp salad for a well-rounded, heart-smart meal your entire family will adore.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams lean ground turkey
- 0.5 cup oats
- 0.25 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 800 grams low-sodium canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground turkey, oats, chicken broth, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and fresh parsley.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined but do not overmix, to prevent the meatballs from becoming tough.
Shape the mixture into approximately 16 meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the meatballs in batches, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until browned.
Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
Reduce the heat to low and add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried thyme, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet.
Stir the sauce occasionally and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Return the meatballs to the skillet, spooning some sauce over them.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
Serve the meatballs with the tomato sauce. Pair with a side of whole-grain pasta or a salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1405 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 73.1 g | 94% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.4 g | 77% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 543 mg | 181% | |
| Sodium | 532 mg | 23% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 87.0 g | 32% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.6 g | 74% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.7 g | ||
| Protein | 123.0 g | 246% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 343 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 15.4 mg | 86% | |
| Potassium | 3810 mg | 81% | |
*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.
