Authentic Italian-Style Turkey Meatballs
These Authentic Italian-Style Turkey Meatballs bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen. Made with lean ground turkey (or a mix of pork sausage and sirloin for extra flavor), these meatballs are infused with traditional Italian herbs and spices. Perfect for tossing in your favorite marinara sauce or serving over spaghetti, they deliver comforting flavors in every bite. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, these meatballs are not just delicious, but also a healthier alternative to classic meatballs. Gather your loved ones and enjoy sharing this hearty dish together!
N/A
Servings
37
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground turkey
1 lb (or 1/2 lb ground Italian pork sausage and 1/2 lb ground sirloin)
Dried basil
2 teaspoons
Dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon
Large egg
1 (beaten)
White unseasoned breadcrumbs
3/4 cup
Water
1/2 cup
Garlic powder
2 teaspoons
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Salt
1 teaspoon
Black pepper
1 teaspoon
Dried parsley
2 teaspoons
Olive oil
2 teaspoons (for browning meatballs)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, dried basil, dried oregano, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, water, garlic powder, grated parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley.
3
Using your hands, mix the ingredients gently until well combined, being careful not to overmix.
4
Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
5
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs to the pan.
6
Brown the meatballs on all sides, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
7
Once browned, transfer the meatballs to the simmering Old World Italian spaghetti sauce (recipe #139406), about half an hour into the cooking time.
8
Allow the meatballs to cook in the sauce for an additional 20 minutes, stirring gently to avoid breaking them apart.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
3g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Authentic Italian-Style Turkey Meatballs?
They are a lean and healthy version of traditional Italian meatballs made with ground turkey or a mix of pork and beef, seasoned with classic Italian herbs.
What meat can I use for this recipe?
You can use 1 lb of ground turkey, or a combination of 1/2 lb ground Italian pork sausage and 1/2 lb ground sirloin for extra flavor.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How many calories are in each serving?
Each serving contains approximately 37 calories.
How much fat is in these meatballs?
There are 2 grams of fat per serving.
What are the protein details?
Each serving provides 3 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in the meatballs?
There are 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe calls for dried basil, dried oregano, and dried parsley.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
Use 3/4 cup of white unseasoned breadcrumbs.
Do I need to add any liquid to the meat mixture?
Yes, the recipe requires 1/2 cup of water to help keep the meatballs moist.
What type of cheese is included?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
How should I mix the ingredients?
Mix the ingredients gently by hand until well combined, but be careful not to overmix to maintain a good texture.
What size should the meatballs be?
The mixture should be shaped into golf ball-sized meatballs.
How do I cook the meatballs initially?
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides for 4 to 5 minutes.
What kind of oil is best for browning?
Olive oil is used for browning the meatballs in the skillet.
How long do the meatballs cook in the sauce?
They should simmer in the sauce for an additional 20 minutes.
Which sauce is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using Old World Italian spaghetti sauce.
When should I add the meatballs to the sauce?
Add them to the simmering sauce about half an hour into the sauce's cooking time.
How can I prevent the meatballs from breaking?
Stir them gently while they are simmering in the sauce to avoid breaking them apart.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, these meatballs are ideal for meal prep and family dinners.
How much garlic powder is needed?
You will need 2 teaspoons of garlic powder.
Do I need to beat the egg before adding it?
Yes, one large egg should be beaten before being mixed with the other ingredients.
Are these meatballs considered healthy?
Yes, they are described as a healthier alternative to classic meatballs.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include Italian meatballs, turkey meatballs, healthy meatballs, pasta, Italian cuisine, comfort food, and family meal.
Can I serve these meatballs with spaghetti?
Yes, they are perfect for serving over spaghetti or with your favorite marinara sauce.
How much salt and pepper is required?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
Why is it important to make the meatballs uniform in size?
Ensuring they are uniform in size allows for even cooking across all meatballs.
What makes these meatballs 'Italian-style'?
The use of Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, and parsley provides the traditional Italian flavor profile.
Is there any fiber or sugar in this recipe?
The provided nutritional data indicates that fiber and sugar levels are not specified or are negligible.