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–+ servings
Pasta in a bowl topped with red sauce and three meatballs.
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5 from 1 vote

Turkey Meatballs with Tomato Sauce

Serve these tender baked turkey meatballs smothered in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce with your favorite pasta for a comforting dinner.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian Inspired
Servings: 6
Calories: 522kcal
Author: Jacqueline Piper

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
US Customary - Metric

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

Substitute ground beef for the turkey if you prefer.

Nutrition

Calories: 522kcal | Carbohydrates: 79g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 13g | Calcium: 154mg | Iron: 5mg