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Herbed Turkey Meatballs in Marinara

Discover a healthier twist on a classic dish with savory herbed turkey meatballs in marinara. This delightful recipe uses lean ground turkey and a mix of fresh herbs, creating tender meatballs bursting with flavor. Paired with a robust marinara sauce, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. Learn how to prepare these mouthwatering meatballs, complete with tips on cooking and presentation, making it an ideal choice for family meals or meal prep. Enjoy delicious food that brings everyone together!
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Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground turkey

1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg, beaten

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Marinara Sauce:

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 small onion, finely diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Meatballs:

    - In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, parsley, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix, which can make the meatballs tough.

      - Form the mixture into meatballs approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter using your hands. Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

        Bake the Meatballs:

          - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once heated, place the meatballs in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and exhibit a golden brown color on the exterior.

            Prepare the Marinara Sauce:

              - While the meatballs are baking, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for approximately 5 minutes, or until it turns translucent.

                - Introduce the minced garlic to the saucepan, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until it becomes aromatic.

                  - Pour in the crushed tomatoes, along with the optional sugar (if desired), dried oregano, dried basil, and add salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing it to cook for about 15 minutes to meld the flavors beautifully.

                    Combine Meatballs and Sauce:

                      - Once the meatballs are cooked through, carefully transfer them into the simmering marinara sauce. Gently stir to ensure the meatballs are well-coated with the sauce. Allow them to simmer together for an additional 5-10 minutes, letting the meatballs absorb the savory flavors of the sauce.

                        Serve:

                          - Serve the warm herbed turkey meatballs garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese if desired. These meatballs pair perfectly with spaghetti or your favorite pasta for a comforting meal!

                            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | 4 servings

                              - Presentation Tips: For a stunning presentation, serve the meatballs over a nest of spaghetti on a large platter, drizzle with extra marinara sauce, and finish with a generous scattering of basil leaves and a dusting of Parmesan. Enjoy!