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One Pot Turkey Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 135 reviews

This One Pot Turkey Meatballs recipe combines lean ground turkey with fresh herbs and Italian seasonings to create tender, flavorful meatballs cooked gently in a rich tomato sauce. Perfectly browned and simmered to perfection, these meatballs make a hearty and satisfying meal 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

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, beaten egg, chopped fresh basil, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, fennel seed, minced garlic, minced onion, panko bread crumbs, and freshly grated Parmesan. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Fill a small bowl with water and wet your hands lightly to prevent sticking. Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, ensuring they hold together well.
  3. Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer and brown them evenly on all sides, about 8 minutes total. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.
  4. Prepare and Simmer in Sauce: In the same skillet, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, granulated sugar, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and bay leaves. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Return the meatballs to the pan, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked through and the sauce thickens.
  5. Serve: Remove and discard the bay leaves. Serve the meatballs hot over spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the meatball ingredients to keep them tender.
  • Wetting your hands before shaping the meatballs helps prevent sticking.
  • Browning the meatballs first adds depth of flavor and helps them hold their shape.
  • If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Serve with spaghetti or any pasta of your choice for a complete meal.

Keywords: turkey meatballs, one pot meal, Italian meatballs, healthy meatballs, turkey recipes, stovetop meatballs, easy dinner

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/one-pot-turkey-meatballs-recipe/