ITALIAN DINNER

Turkey Meatballs with Marinara

Tender parmesan-and-herb meatballs baked or pan-cooked, then simmered in tomato sauce for a lighter Italian-inspired dinner.

Turkey Meatballs with Marinara are light, tender, and full of classic Italian-inspired flavor. The stovetop method keeps the cooking and sauce-building in one pan.

Jump to Recipe
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings4
DifficultyEasy

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for serving

Substitutions

  • Lean ground chicken can replace ground turkey; cook the meatballs to 165°F.
  • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers as the binder.

Instructions

Step 1: Combine turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan, garlic, and seasoning

Combine turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan, garlic, and seasoning.

Combine turkey breadcrumbs egg parmesan garlic for Turkey Meatballs with Marinara

Step 2: Roll into evenly sized meatballs

Roll into evenly sized meatballs.

Roll into evenly sized meatballs for Turkey Meatballs with Marinara

Step 3: Brown the meatballs in olive oil

Brown the meatballs in olive oil.

Step 4: Add marinara sauce and simmer until cooked through

Add the marinara sauce and simmer until the meatballs reach 165°F in the center.

Add marinara sauce and simmer until for Turkey Meatballs with Marinara

Step 5: Serve with herbs, pasta, vegetables, or bread

Serve with herbs, pasta, vegetables, or bread.

Finished Turkey Meatballs with Marinara ready to serve

How to Store Leftovers

Cool Turkey Meatballs with Marinara promptly, cover it, and refrigerate within 2 hours. Use leftovers within 3 to 4 days and store fresh or crisp components separately.

How to Reheat

Reheat Turkey Meatballs with Marinara in a covered skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of its sauce or water only when needed and stop once hot.

What to Serve With It

  • Spaghetti
  • Garlic bread
  • A green salad
  • Roasted vegetables

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • For Turkey Meatballs with Marinara, crowding the pan and steaming the ingredients.
  • For Turkey Meatballs with Marinara, adding sugar, garlic, or dairy over excessive heat.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient Per Serving
Calories 340
Protein 33g
Carbohydrates 18g
Fat 15g
Sugar 7g

Nutrition is an estimate and can vary with brands, portion size, and substitutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know the poultry in Turkey Meatballs with Marinara is done?

Check the thickest piece for 165°F and use the recipe’s visual cue: Add the marinara sauce and simmer until the meatballs reach 165°F in the center.

About the Author

Written and edited by the FreshFork Recipes Team.

More Recipes

Similar Recipes

Try another fresh and easy recipe from FreshFork Recipes.

Skillet Lasagna recipe served fresh with a beautiful homemade presentation

Skillet Lasagna

Skillet Lasagna delivers saucy noodles, seasoned beef, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan without layering or a separate baking dish. The dish…

View Recipe →