Tender turkey meatballs tomato (Printable)

Tender turkey meatballs baked and simmered in tomato sauce, served with pasta or rice.

# Ingredient List:

→ Meatballs

01 - 1.1 lbs ground turkey
02 - 1 large egg
03 - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
04 - 2 tbsp milk
05 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
07 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
08 - 1 tsp dried oregano
09 - 1/2 tsp salt
10 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

→ Tomato Sauce

11 - 2 tbsp olive oil
12 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
13 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
14 - 28 oz (2 cans) crushed tomatoes
15 - 1 tsp dried basil
16 - 1 tsp dried oregano
17 - 1/2 tsp sugar (optional)
18 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ To Serve

19 - 10.5 oz pasta or cooked rice
20 - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
21 - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

# How-to Steps:

01 - Set oven to 400°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just incorporated.
03 - Shape mixture into 16 to 18 golf-ball-sized portions and arrange evenly on the prepared tray.
04 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, turning halfway, until lightly browned and cooked through.
05 - Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
06 - Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, sugar (optional), salt, and pepper. Allow to simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - Transfer baked meatballs to the sauce. Simmer together for 10 minutes, spooning sauce over to keep moist.
08 - Prepare pasta or rice according to package instructions while meatballs finish cooking.
09 - Plate meatballs with sauce over pasta or rice. Garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan as desired.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Lean protein that somehow tastes indulgent and rich
  • Simmering them in sauce transforms good meatballs into great ones
02 -
  • Overmixing the meat mixture makes tough meatballs, so use a light hand
  • The final simmer in sauce is what keeps them incredibly moist
03 -
  • Wet your hands slightly before shaping to prevent sticking
  • Test seasoning by cooking a tiny piece of the mixture first
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