Italian Turkey Meatball Recipe in Tomato Sauce

Jun 21, 2018 by Dara 33 Comments

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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

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.

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!

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 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}

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.

3 reviews

Italian Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe

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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:

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

The sauce:

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

by From the kitchen of cookincanuck.com

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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