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Tender Turkey Meatballs with Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce

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Juicy and tender turkey meatballs simmered in a rich, homemade marinara sauce. This comforting recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground turkey (preferably lean, but not ultra-lean)
  • ½ cup plain bread crumbs (Italian-style works great)
  • ⅓ cup whole milk (for soaking bread crumbs)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning meatballs)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for marinara sauce)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Soak the bread crumbs in whole milk for about 5 minutes until softened.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, soaked bread crumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Shape mixture into 1 ½-inch balls, about the size of a golf ball. Wetting hands slightly helps prevent sticking.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes total, turning gently. They do not need to be cooked through yet.
  5. In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  6. Add crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Carefully transfer browned meatballs into the simmering marinara. Cover and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Stir gently occasionally.
  8. Taste sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Soaking bread crumbs in milk keeps meatballs moist and tender. Do not overmix meat to avoid tough meatballs. Brown meatballs before simmering in sauce for best flavor and texture. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth. Baking meatballs at 400°F for 15-18 minutes is a good alternative to frying.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatballs, homemade marinara, easy dinner, healthy meatballs, family recipe, quick weeknight meal

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/tender-turkey-meatballs-recipe-easy-homemade-marinara-sauce-guide/