Heart-Healthy Oven-Baked Italian Meatballs
Lighten up a classic Italian favorite with these Heart-Healthy Oven-Baked Italian Meatballs, a wholesome dish that's big on flavor but low on guilt. Made with lean ground turkey, whole wheat breadcrumbs, and a medley of aromatic herbs like oregano, basil, and fresh parsley, these meatballs are baked—not fried—for a golden, tender finish. A touch of grated Parmesan adds richness, while a luscious marinara sauce wraps each bite in comforting Italian vibes. Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner that doesn't compromise on taste. Serve over whole-grain pasta, zucchini noodles, or alongside a fresh salad for a satisfying, balanced meal. With keywords like "oven-baked meatballs," "healthy Italian recipes," and "turkey meatballs," this dish is a must-try for anyone seeking heart-smart comfort food!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams Lean ground turkey
- 0.5 cup Whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 large Egg
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1.5 cups Marinara sauce
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine lean ground turkey, whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
Mix the ingredients gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Use a tablespoon or a small ice cream scoop to portion out the mixture, then roll each portion into a ball.
Place the meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Lightly brush the surface of each meatball with olive oil to help them brown.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are thoroughly cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Meanwhile, warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan over low heat.
Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and gently add them to the saucepan with marinara sauce, coating them well.
Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1345 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 72.9 g | 93% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.6 g | 93% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 597 mg | 199% | |
| Sodium | 2824 mg | 123% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 58.9 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.6 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.3 g | ||
| Protein | 126.3 g | 253% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 574 mg | 44% | |
| Iron | 15.7 mg | 87% | |
| Potassium | 1945 mg | 41% | |
*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.
