This hearty yet simple pasta with tomato sauce and turkey meatballs will satisfy your pasta cravings. Perfect for weeknights or lazy weekends, this comforting meal brings together the classic combination of pasta, a rich and flavorful tomato sauce and tender turkey meatballs.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it is perfect for large groups. It's so easy to double the recipe for both the sauce and the meatballs - perfect for big get-togethers.
I like it over spaghetti or rotini noodles. For the sauce this weekend, I added a half cup of red wine to the onions and cooked it down, just for a little extra flavor. Skip it if you want. I like mine with fresh basil and fresh Parmesan cheese on to top also.
Ingredients + Substitutions
For the sauce:
- onion and garlic: for a base flavor
- tomatoes: I like a mix of crushed and diced tomatoes. Use whichever you prefer. The diced tomato gives bit of texture.
- dried herbs: oregano and basil for Italian-inspired savory flavor. Red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- sugar: to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- for serving: fresh basil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese
For the meatballs:
- ground turkey: I prefer ground turkey but you can use ground beef instead.
- breadcrumbs and milk: for binding the meatballs and giving a soft texture.
- Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning for flavor.
Tips for making pasta sauce with meatballs
- Let the pasta sauce simmer on low for an hour or longer for really deep flavor. Stir occasionally.
- The sauce is great for groups or for meal prepping.
- Use a cookie scoop when making meatballs for consistent portions. This helps them cook evenly.
What to serve with pasta and meatballs
I love pasta and meatballs with a simple side salad or my favorite side dish - bread. Try cheese-stuffed garlic bread, easy focaccia bread, simple but classic dinner rolls, or go all out with jalapeno cheddar swirl bread.
Storage
Store the leftover sauce and meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. If meal prepping, make just the sauce and meatballs and make fresh pasta when serving as it tastes better fresh.
Recipe
Turkey Meatballs with Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta cooked to your liking
For the Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup red wine optional
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 28 oz diced tomatoes or whole canned tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 teaspoon granulated white sugar
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- black pepper to taste
- fresh basil or parsley, for serving
- grated Parmesan cheese for serving
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb. ground turkey or beef if you prefer
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
For the Sauce
- Heat oil and butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Cook the onions for about 5 minutes, or until soft. And the garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, and cook for one more minute. (If using red wine, add now and then cook until most of the moisture is gone. Then continue.)
- Add all tomatoes, oregano, basil, and sugar. salt and pepper. Bring to almost boil, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, make the meatballs, if using. Cook pasta to your preference.
- After 30 minutes, stir in parsley and basil into the sauce.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the pot. Serve sauce and meatballs on top of noodles with parmesan cheese.
For the Meatballs
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Mix the breadcrumbs and spices, then add the milk. Let the breadcrumbs absorb the milk for a minute or two.
- And the ground turkey and mix well.
- Scoop, using a 1½ tablespoon scoop, onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Roll into round balls with slightly wet hands.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through with a bit or color on the outside.
Notes
Nutritional information is an estimate. Values vary based on products used. Read our full Nutrition Disclaimer.
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Quinn Caudill says
I always like trying new recipes with ground turkey. Thanks for sharing with us at Throwback Thursday! Pinned and shared!