When it comes to hearty comfort food with a healthy twist, Italian Turkey Meatballs with Marinara is the ultimate choice. These tender and juicy meatballs are made from lean turkey, which makes them a healthier option compared to traditional beef meatballs. Simmered in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, these meatballs are perfect over pasta, zoodles, or even a crusty slice of garlic bread. If you’re looking for a family-friendly, easy-to-make meal that everyone will love, this recipe is a must-try!
What Are Italian Turkey Meatballs with Marinara?
Italian Turkey Meatballs with Marinara is a delicious dish that combines juicy turkey meatballs with a rich, tangy tomato sauce. The meatballs are flavored with Italian seasonings like garlic, onion, and fresh herbs, then browned and simmered in a marinara sauce made from crushed tomatoes, olive oil, and aromatic herbs. The result is a warm, comforting meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Origin of the Recipe
While meatballs are a staple in many cultures, Italian-style meatballs are particularly famous worldwide. Originating from Italy, these meatballs are typically made with beef or pork. However, in this recipe, ground turkey is used as a leaner alternative, offering the same delicious flavors without the extra fat. The marinara sauce, known for its use in a variety of Italian dishes, adds an extra layer of depth to the meatballs, making this dish a healthy yet authentic Italian classic.
Ingredients for Italian Turkey Meatballs with Marinara
This recipe serves 4-6 people and is designed to be simple, yet packed with flavor. Below are the ingredients you’ll need for both the turkey meatballs and the marinara sauce.
For the Turkey Meatballs
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean preferred)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style or plain)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp finely chopped onion or shallot
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
For the Marinara Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (or tomato puree)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, torn (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
1️⃣ Make the Meatballs
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Optionally, add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice.
- Combine gently: Mix the ingredients together, but make sure not to overmix. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so it’s essential to be gentle. The mixture should be just combined, with a slightly sticky texture.
- Form the meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into 1 ½-inch balls. You should end up with about 16 meatballs.
2️⃣ Brown the Meatballs
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat.
- Brown the meatballs: Add the meatballs to the skillet in a single layer. If you need to work in batches, that’s perfectly fine. Cook the meatballs for about 6-8 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they’re browned on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this point; they will finish cooking in the marinara sauce.
3️⃣ Make the Marinara Sauce
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes and seasoning: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
- Simmer the meatballs: Carefully add the browned meatballs to the marinara sauce. Cover the skillet and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through. You can check the internal temperature of the meatballs to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C).
4️⃣ Serve
Once the meatballs are cooked through, serve them with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese. These meatballs pair perfectly with spaghetti, zoodles (zucchini noodles), or polenta for a healthy and delicious meal.
Tips & Variations for Italian Turkey Meatballs with Marinara
There are several ways to adjust this recipe based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for variations:
Gluten-Free Option
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or use almond flour as a substitute.
Add Extra Flavor
If you want to give your marinara sauce an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce as it simmers. This will infuse the sauce with rich, savory notes.
Meal Prep-Friendly
These meatballs are great for meal prep. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, but it’s best to freeze them separately from the marinara sauce. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat the meatballs in the sauce for a quick and easy meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Italian Turkey Meatballs with Marinara
Can I use ground beef or pork instead of turkey?
Yes, you can substitute the ground turkey with ground beef or pork. However, turkey is leaner and provides a healthier alternative. If you choose beef or pork, you may need to adjust the cooking time, as these meats tend to take longer to cook.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a chopped fresh chili to the marinara sauce. You can also add hot sauce to taste.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove.
Can I use jarred marinara sauce?
While homemade marinara sauce is recommended for the best flavor, you can substitute it with jarred marinara sauce if you’re short on time. However, adding fresh herbs and seasoning will elevate the flavor of store-bought sauce.
Conclusion: Italian Turkey Meatballs with Marinara
Italian Turkey Meatballs with Marinara is the perfect combination of health, flavor, and comfort. By swapping traditional beef with lean turkey and preparing the marinara sauce from scratch, you’re not only making a healthier choice but also creating a delicious meal the whole family will enjoy. Whether you’re serving these meatballs over spaghetti, zoodles, or polenta, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. Enjoy the tender, juicy meatballs paired with a rich, savory tomato sauce, and savor every bite of this Italian-inspired dish!
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Classic Italian Turkey Meatballs with Marinara: A Cozy, Healthy Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Italian Turkey Meatballs with Marinara is a delicious dish that combines juicy turkey meatballs with a rich, tangy tomato sauce. The meatballs are flavored with Italian seasonings like garlic, onion, and fresh herbs, then browned and simmered in a marinara sauce made from crushed tomatoes, olive oil, and aromatic herbs. The result is a warm, comforting meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
🦃 For the Turkey Meatballs
1 lb ground turkey (93% lean preferred)
½ cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style or plain)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp finely chopped onion or shallot
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
🍅 For the Marinara Sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (or tomato puree)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, torn (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Mix gently until combined — do not overmix (keeps them tender).
Form into 1 ½-inch balls (about 16 meatballs).
2️⃣ Brown the Meatballs
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add meatballs in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
Cook 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
(They don’t need to be fully cooked through — they’ll finish in the sauce.)
3️⃣ Make the Marinara
In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a simmer, then add the browned meatballs.
Cover and simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, until meatballs are fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
4️⃣ Serve
Sprinkle with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Serve over spaghetti, zoodles, or polenta.
Notes
For added flavor, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or chopped basil before serving. These meatballs pair perfectly with spaghetti, zucchini noodles, or a side of garlic bread. You can also freeze leftovers for an easy weeknight meal later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking & Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3–4 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 310
Keywords: Turkey meatballs, Italian turkey meatballs, turkey meatballs recipe, healthy turkey meatballs
