Easy Quick Baked Turkey Meatballs with Marinara Sauce
If you’re looking for a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make dinner option, then this Easy Quick Baked Turkey Meatballs with Marinara Sauce recipe is perfect for you. These turkey meatballs are baked to perfection, making them a healthier alternative to the traditional fried version. The juicy and tender meatballs are packed with flavor and pair wonderfully with the rich and savory marinara sauce. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner for your family or meal prepping for the week, this Easy Quick Baked Turkey Meatballs with Marinara Sauce recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a wholesome and satisfying meal. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create this delicious Easy Quick Baked Turkey Meatballs with Marinara Sauce.
Tools to Use
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or non-stick cooking spray
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
-
For the Turkey Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
-
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Turkey Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, chopped parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Use your hands or a small ice cream scoop to form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Brush the meatballs with olive oil to help them brown and stay moist.
-
Bake the Meatballs:
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
-
Prepare the Marinara Sauce:
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
-
Combine and Serve:
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and carefully transfer them to the saucepan with the marinara sauce using tongs.
- Gently stir to coat the meatballs with the sauce.
- Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve the meatballs and marinara sauce hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips for Cooking
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the marinara sauce while it simmers.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the marinara sauce.
- These meatballs can be made ahead of time and frozen for up to three months. Simply bake and let them cool completely before freezing.
- Serve the meatballs over pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles for a complete meal.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This Easy Quick Baked Turkey Meatballs with Marinara Sauce recipe is a must-try for several reasons. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs, as it’s baked rather than fried and uses lean ground turkey. The combination of herbs and Parmesan cheese adds incredible flavor to the meatballs, making them irresistibly delicious. The homemade marinara sauce is simple yet rich and savory, perfectly complementing the juicy meatballs. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be paired with various sides, making it a great addition to your recipe repertoire.
We hope you enjoyed this Easy Quick Baked Turkey Meatballs with Marinara Sauce recipe. It’s a delicious and healthy option that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t forget to share your cooking experience and any variations you tried in the comments below. For more mouthwatering recipes and cooking tips, be sure to check out our other posts and subscribe to our newsletter. Happy cooking!
Easy Quick Baked Turkey Meatballs with Marinara Sauce
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or non-stick cooking spray
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
- For the Turkey Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg beaten
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Marinara Sauce:
- 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, chopped parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Use your hands or a small ice cream scoop to form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Brush the meatballs with olive oil to help them brown and stay moist.
- Bake the Meatballs:
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the Marinara Sauce:
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Combine and Serve:
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and carefully transfer them to the saucepan with the marinara sauce using tongs.
- Gently stir to coat the meatballs with the sauce.
- Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve the meatballs and marinara sauce hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Tips for Cooking
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the marinara sauce while it simmers.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the marinara sauce.
- These meatballs can be made ahead of time and frozen for up to three months. Simply bake and let them cool completely before freezing.
- Serve the meatballs over pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles for a complete meal.
