Italian Turkey Meatball Recipe in Tomato Sauce

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Meatballs are always a crowd pleaser. The ones in this Italian Turkey Meatball recipe happily wallow in a pan of homemade tomato sauce. 336 calories and 5 Weight Watchers Freestyle SP
Meatballs are always a crowd pleaser. The ones in this Italian Turkey Meatball recipe happily wallow in a pan of homemade tomato sauce. 336 calories and 5 Weight Watchers Freestyle SP #meatballs #recipe #cleaneating

When my husband and I lived in New York City years ago, we regularly hit various Italian restaurants around the city, from the authentic joints in Little Italy to the family-style place near our apartment. While we had our fair share of risotto and shrimp Parmesan (one of my favorites), what sticks in my mind is the tomato sauce. Simple, fresh and beyond flavorful! Even though I’m sure the sauces were being whipped up by some twenty-something chef phenoms, I liked to imagine that an Italian nonna was back in the kitchen, putting together our meals with a pinch of love.

Healthy Italian Turkey Meatballs are a fantastic healthy dinner option. Serve over pasta or go low carb with cauliflower rice. 336 calories and 5 Weight Watchers Freestyle SP #meatballs #recipe #dinner #healthy

Ground turkey meatballs on a baking sheet, ready to be baked.

These turkey meatball recipe in homemade tomato sauce remind me of those New York experiences, though I can’t claim to have the touch of an Italian nonna. That being said, this is one of those meals that will appeal to everyone in the family, and is rather forgiving. Lopsided meatballs…no big deal! Too much sauce…fuh-get about it!

Homemade tomato sauce in a skillet, with fresh parsley sprinkled over top.

Typically when I make meatballs, such as my Baked Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs or Baked Turkey, Quinoa & Zucchini Meatballs, I make morsels that can be consumed in one or two bites. But these…these are serious meatballs. They bake in about 20 minutes, which gives you just enough time to whip up the tomato sauce.

These ground turkey meals can be served over pasta or cauliflower rice. An easy, healthy dinner recipe that the whole family will love. 336 calories and 5 Weight Watchers Freestyle SP

These meatballs can be served over pasta, rice or cauliflower rice, or eaten solo – whatever appeals to you.

Other healthy ground turkey recipes:

Ground Turkey Stir-Fry with Greens Beans & Kale {Cookin’ Canuck}
Turkey Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes {Cookin’ Canuck}
Low-Carb Enchilada Casserole with Ground Turkey & Chiles {Kalyn’s Kitchen}
Heartwarming Turkey & Bean Chili {Foolproof Living}

Instagram-button If you make this recipe, I’d love to see it on Instagram! Just use the hashtag #COOKINCANUCK and I’ll be sure to find it.

5.0 rating
3 reviews

Italian Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe

Loading nutrition data...
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 40 mins

Meatballs are always a crowd pleaser. The ones in this Italian Turkey Meatball recipe happily wallow in a pan of homemade tomato sauce. 336 calories and 5 Weight Watchers Freestyle SP

Serves 4

Ingredients

    The meatballs

  • 1 lb. lean ground turkey
  • 1/2 medium onion, grated
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup minced flat-leaf parsley
  • 1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp ground oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground pepper

    • The sauce

  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp ground oregano
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground pepper
  • 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (14 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup minced flat-leaf parsley
  • 4 basil leaves, thinly sliced

Directions

    The meatballs:

    1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
    2. In a large bowl, stir together the ground turkey, onion, garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, egg, oregano, salt and pepper.
    3. Divide the mixture into 8 portions, form into balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
    4. Bake until the meatballs are firm to the touch and cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.

    The sauce:

    1. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet set over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
    2. Stir in the garlic, oregano, salt and pepper, and cook for 1 minute.
    3. Add the crushed tomatoes, bring the sauce to a boil, and then simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the parsley and basil.
    4. Nestle the meatballs into the sauce and spoon sauce over to coat the meatballs.
    5. Serve over pasta or rice, or on their own.

    by

    Recipe Notes

    Weight Watchers Points: 5 (Freestyle SmartPoints), 8 (Points+)

    This recipe was originally posted on March 2, 2015, and has been updated.

    Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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    Comments

    18. Allis says

      I saw your recipe just before my weekly trip to the store yesterday and I am so glad that I did. I made this dish last night for dinner and it was fantastic! Both the meatballs and the sauce were very flavorful. I will be making this again. Thanks!

      Reply

    21. Susan says

      There is nothing as satisfying as a really good meatball in red sauce. Looking at these photos and I think yours would do the trick.

      Reply

    24. Kim Beaulieu says

      I’m not sure I knew you lived in New York for awhile. Such a fun city. I love these meatballs so much. There is nothing more comforting than a big helping of meatballs. And you’ve made them healthier so I can eat more and not feel guilty.

      Reply

    25. Claudia ellis says

      Made these turkey meatballs and tomato sauce with spaghetti pasta for dinner last night. It was a huge hit with the family. Love love love the turkey meatball version, so juicy and flavorful! And best of all, it came together so quickly! Won’t be buying frozen meatballs ever again!!!

      Reply

    27. Liz says

      Recipe is great, tastes good but meatballs took well over 20 minutes to cook through at that temperature more like 30-35 minutes.

      Reply

      • Dara says

        Hi Tara, I apologize for the confusion. So, there should be a total of 42 ounces of canned crushed tomatoes, which equals one 28 oz. can plus one 14 oz. can. I hope that makes sense!

        Reply

    29. Kathy says

      I have made these several times now. I also forwarded the recipe along to my daughter and two nieces and it has gotten rave reviews.
      It really is a wonderful way to make meatballs healthy without giving up flavor.. I also use the sauce when I need a quick sauce even when I don’t make the meatballs. Thanks!

      5.0 rating

      Reply

    30. Natalie says

      I’ve made these before and they are absolutely delicious! So tender and flavorful! I have a question about making them ahead of time. If I were to freeze the uncooked meatballs, how long would you suggest to cook them if they went straight into the oven from out of the freezer. Thanks!

      5.0 rating

      Reply

      • Dara says

        Hi Natalie, I’m so glad you enjoy the meatballs! The general rule of thumb that I use is to cook frozen meatballs about 50% longer than unfrozen ones. That being said, be check them along the way to make sure that they’re not becoming overcooked.

        Reply

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