Description
This One Pot Turkey Meatballs recipe combines lean ground turkey with a flavorful blend of herbs, spices, and Parmesan cheese, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfectly browned and tender, these meatballs are easy to make and ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner served over spaghetti.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon fennel seed
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 1 small yellow onion (finely minced)
- ⅔ cup panko bread crumbs
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, lightly beaten egg, chopped fresh basil, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, fennel seed, minced garlic, minced onion, panko bread crumbs, and grated Parmesan. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Form meatballs: Fill a small bowl with water and wet your hands lightly to prevent sticking. Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs to ensure even cooking.
- Brown the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange meatballs in a single layer and brown on all sides, about 8 minutes total. Once browned, transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Prepare and simmer the sauce: In the same skillet with browned bits, add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, granulated sugar, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
- Cook meatballs in sauce: Lower heat to a simmer, return meatballs to the skillet, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes until meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
- Finish and serve: Remove and discard bay leaves. Serve meatballs and sauce over cooked spaghetti, garnishing with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an elevated presentation.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and juicy.
- Wet your hands before rolling meatballs to prevent sticking.
- Make sure to brown the meatballs well for added flavor and texture.
- Simmer meatballs covered to keep them moist and infused with the tomato sauce flavors.
- Serve immediately over your favorite pasta or substitute with zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: turkey meatballs, one pot meal, Italian meatballs, healthy meatballs, easy dinner, ground turkey recipe
