Italian turkey meatballs are juicy turkey meatballs smothered in a rich marinara sauce then topped with fresh basil and a sprinkling of nutty parmesan cheese!
Step aside, traditional beef meatballs – introducing Italian turkey meatballs, a deliciously lean alternative that will leave your taste buds utterly satisfied. Packed with vibrant flavors and a healthier twist, these meatballs are sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
With a blend of herbs, spices, and savory turkey, Italian turkey meatballs offer a mouthwatering experience that will make you forget about calorie-laden options. They are a fantastic choice for those seeking a lighter dish without sacrificing taste.
Not only are they incredibly flavorful, but Italian turkey meatballs also provide a leaner source of protein. Made with lean ground turkey, these meatballs are a nutritious option that can easily be incorporated into a balanced diet.
So, why not give your taste buds a treat and dive into the flavors of these scrumptious and healthier meatballs?
How To Make Italian Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients needed
- Ground turkey
- Marinara sauce
- Breadcrumbs
- Grated parmesan
- Buttermilk
- Herbs & spices (listed below)
Helpful tips before making the meatballs
- If possible, choose ground turkey with a little more fat. Having 99% lean will work but for flavor and juiciness a fattier ground turkey will be the best.
- Buttermilk or milk can be used but the buttermilk really shines in the finished texture of the turkey meatballs.
Making the Italian turkey meatballs recipe
- To start, add the ground turkey and the rest of the meatball ingredients into a bowl. Mix well then cover the bowl and allow to sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to do their thing.
- After that time, form the meatballs into little golf sizes. Heat up a pan to medium high heat, pour in a little oil, then sear a side or two of the meatballs.
- Lower heat to low-medium and wait until the pan cools, then pour in the marinara sauce. Cover the Italian turkey meatballs and allow them to finish cooking all the way through.
- Once done, remove the lid and turn off the heat. Stir in fresh chopped basil and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese across the top before serving.
What to serve with Italian turkey meatballs
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Italian Turkey Meatballs
Equipment
- 10-12 inch pan with a lid
Ingredients
- 16 ounce jar of marinara sauce
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped basil (optional )
Meatballs
- 16 ounces ground turkey
- 3/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- To start, add the ground turkey and the rest of the meatball ingredients into a bowl. Mix well then cover the bowl and allow to sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to do their thing.
- After that time, form the meatballs into little golf sizes. Heat up a pan to medium high heat, pour in a little oil, then sear a side or two of the meatballs.
- Lower heat to low-medium and wait until the pan cools, then pour in the marinara sauce. Cover the Italian turkey meatballs and allow them to finish cooking all the way through.
- Once done, remove the lid and turn off the heat. Stir in fresh chopped basil and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese across the top before serving.