Elevate your weeknight dinner game with these flavorful Marinara Turkey Meatballs! Made from lean ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a touch of garlic, these tender and juicy meatballs are simmered to perfection in a rich marinara sauce. Pan-seared for a golden crust, they strike the perfect balance between healthy and indulgent. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy recipe is a family favorite that pairs beautifully with spaghetti, zucchini noodles, or a warm slice of crusty bread. Whether you're craving comfort food or seeking a protein-packed meal, these turkey meatballs deliver on flavor and versatility. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley for an enticing finish!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
Using clean hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. Place them on a plate or baking sheet to keep them organized.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown but not cooked through (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding).
Remove the browned meatballs and set them aside on a plate. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
In the same skillet, pour in the marinara sauce, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
Gently add the meatballs back into the skillet with the marinara sauce. Cover the skillet and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through (internal temperature should read 165°F). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
If serving with pasta, cook the pasta according to package instructions while the meatballs simmer. Drain and set aside.
Serve the turkey meatballs hot over the cooked pasta, or on their own, with a side of crusty bread. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Calories |
2067 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 91.8 g | 118% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.0 g | 115% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 562 mg | 187% | |
| Sodium | 3108 mg | 135% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 173.1 g | 63% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.4 g | 51% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.4 g | ||
| Protein | 133.8 g | 268% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 387 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 13.0 mg | 72% | |
| Potassium | 330 mg | 7% | |
*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.