Herbed Turkey Quinoa Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
These Herbed Turkey Quinoa Meatballs are a healthy and delicious twist on a classic favorite. Packed with lean ground turkey and nutrient-rich quinoa, these meatballs are not only flavorful but also a wholesome meal option. Infused with fresh herbs and garlic, they are baked to perfection and served in a luscious tomato sauce. Ideal for meal prep, these meatballs can be enjoyed with lettuce wraps for a refreshing and low-carb experience or served over pasta or rice for a heartier option. Don’t miss out on making these crowd-pleasers that are perfect for a family dinner or gathering with friends!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground turkey
1 lb (ground)
cooked quinoa
2/3 cup (cooked)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
egg
1 (beaten)
red onion
1/4 cup (diced)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
dried basil
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
tomato sauce
2 cups (warmed)
salt
1 pinch (to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground turkey, cooked quinoa, diced red onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried basil, and oregano. Add the egg, a pinch of salt, and black pepper to the mixture.
4
Use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
5
Form the mixture into 1 to 1.5 inch meatballs and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are firm and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
7
While the meatballs are baking, heat the tomato sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
8
Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the saucepan with the tomato sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
9
Sprinkle additional chopped parsley on top for garnish and serve the meatballs alongside fresh lettuce leaves for a creative, low-carb option.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in these meatballs?
The primary protein used is 1 lb of lean ground turkey.
What nutrient-rich grain is included in the meatball mixture?
Cooked quinoa is used in the mixture, providing a healthy twist to the recipe.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the turkey quinoa meatballs need to bake?
The meatballs should bake for approximately 30 minutes.
What is the target internal temperature for the meatballs?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are cooked through.
What size should I form the meatballs?
You should form the mixture into meatballs that are 1 to 1.5 inches in size.
How much cooked quinoa is required?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of cooked quinoa.
What type of onion is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of diced red onion.
How many garlic cloves are used?
Three minced garlic cloves are used in the meatball mixture.
What herbs are needed for the meatballs?
The recipe uses chopped fresh parsley, dried basil, and dried oregano.
Is an egg necessary for this recipe?
Yes, one beaten egg is used to help bind the ingredients together.
How much tomato sauce is needed?
You will need 2 cups of tomato sauce.
How should I prepare the baking sheet?
Line it with parchment paper or lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Can these meatballs be used for meal prep?
Yes, these meatballs are ideal for meal prep and can be enjoyed throughout the week.
What is a good low-carb serving suggestion?
Serving the meatballs alongside fresh lettuce leaves as wraps is a great low-carb option.
What are heartier serving options for these meatballs?
You can serve them over pasta or rice for a more filling meal.
How do I ensure the meatballs are flavorful?
The recipe uses fresh herbs, garlic, salt, and black pepper to infuse them with flavor.
What is the recommended garnish?
Sprinkle additional chopped parsley on top before serving.
Should the tomato sauce be heated separately?
Yes, heat the sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat while the meatballs are baking.
When do I combine the meatballs with the sauce?
Transfer the meatballs to the saucepan with the warmed tomato sauce once they have finished baking.
Is it important not to overwork the meat?
Yes, you should mix the ingredients thoroughly but be careful not to overwork the meat to maintain a good texture.
What type of turkey is best for this recipe?
Lean ground turkey is recommended for a healthier profile.
How much dried basil is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil.
How much dried oregano is included?
The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a wholesome meal option featuring lean protein and nutrient-rich quinoa.
What amount of black pepper is suggested?
1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper is suggested.
How much fresh parsley goes into the mix?
1/4 cup of chopped parsley is added to the meatball mixture.
Can I bake these meatballs without parchment paper?
Yes, you can use cooking spray directly on the baking sheet instead.
Does the quinoa need to be cooked beforehand?
Yes, ensure the quinoa is already cooked before mixing it with the turkey.
Are these meatballs suitable for a family dinner?
Absolutely, they are described as crowd-pleasers perfect for family gatherings.