Turkey Meatballs with Marinara Sauce is a wholesome and comforting dish that combines lean ground turkey with rich, flavorful marinara sauce.

These meatballs are tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, making them a healthier alternative to traditional beef meatballs without sacrificing taste. Paired with a homemade or store-bought marinara sauce, this dish is ideal for a cozy dinner, weeknight meal, or family gathering. The combination of lean protein and a tomato-based sauce provides a satisfying yet light meal, making it both nourishing and indulgent. This recipe is simple to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or even zucchini noodles.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms simple ingredients into a meal that feels indulgent yet is healthy. The turkey meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with herbs and spices, giving them a depth of flavor. The marinara sauce adds richness and moisture, ensuring every bite is succulent.

It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized for various tastes, and it’s easy to prepare in advance, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The balance of lean protein and flavorful sauce makes this dish both satisfying and wholesome.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it delivers the comforting taste of classic meatballs in a healthier format. The lean turkey ensures a lighter option, while the marinara sauce keeps the meatballs moist and flavorful.

Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even entertaining, these meatballs are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. They pair beautifully with pasta, vegetables, or grains, making them a versatile addition to any menu. The combination of simplicity, nutrition, and flavor makes this a recipe worth trying.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4–6 servings
Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian / American

Ingredients

For the Turkey Meatballs

• 1 lb ground turkey
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing

For the Marinara Sauce

• 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

Cooking Directions

Prepare the Marinara Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer on low for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Prepare the Turkey Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
2. Form mixture into 1–1.5 inch meatballs, about 16–20 pieces.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear meatballs on all sides until golden brown, about 5–7 minutes.

Combine Meatballs and Sauce

1. Add seared meatballs to the simmering marinara sauce.
2. Cover and cook for an additional 10–15 minutes until meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).

Serve

1. Serve meatballs hot over pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles.
2. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Make Marinara Sauce
Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil, add tomato sauce and herbs, simmer for 10–15 minutes.

Step 2: Mix Turkey Meatball Ingredients
Combine ground turkey with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Form Meatballs
Shape mixture into 1–1.5 inch meatballs.

Step 4: Sear Meatballs
Heat olive oil in skillet and sear meatballs on all sides until golden brown.

Step 5: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce
Add meatballs to marinara sauce and cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 6: Serve
Plate meatballs over pasta, rice, or vegetables. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley.

How to Serve

Serve hot over spaghetti, penne, or zoodles. Pair with a side of garlic bread or steamed vegetables. Ideal for a family dinner or meal prep for the week.

Recipe Tips

• Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
• Use a food thermometer to ensure meatballs are fully cooked.
• Simmering meatballs in sauce after searing enhances flavor and keeps them moist.
• Make the marinara sauce a day ahead for deeper flavor.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture.

Variations

• Spicy Meatballs: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
• Cheesy Center: Insert a small cube of mozzarella into each meatball before cooking.
• Herb Variations: Swap parsley with fresh basil or cilantro for a unique twist.
• Baked Version: Bake meatballs at 400°F for 15–20 minutes instead of searing.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store cooked meatballs in sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze meatballs in sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Large skillet
• Spatula or tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Food thermometer (optional but recommended)

FAQ

Q1: Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works similarly, though turkey is slightly leaner.

Q2: Can I make meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, form meatballs and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Q3: Can I bake meatballs instead of pan-frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes.

Q4: How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart?
Use eggs and breadcrumbs in the mixture, and avoid overmixing.

Q5: Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, it’s a convenient option. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Conclusion

Turkey Meatballs with Marinara Sauce is a healthy, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Lean ground turkey makes these meatballs tender and protein-rich, while the rich marinara sauce keeps them moist and full of flavor. Quick to prepare, versatile, and customizable, this recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a delicious, nutritious, and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.