Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

Name: Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup finely chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Highlighted under: Global Taste Adventures

I love making Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce because they’re a comforting, hearty dish that brings everyone together. The juicy turkey meatballs paired with robust marinara sauce create a symphony of flavors that are irresistible. Plus, they’re quick and easy to prepare, making them a perfect weeknight dinner option. I enjoy serving them over spaghetti or with a side of garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s one of my favorites!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-21T20:50:19.644Z

When I first started making Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce, I experimented with various ingredients until I found the perfect combination. The key to incredibly flavorful meatballs is seasoning the turkey well and letting them marinate for a bit. I also noticed that baking them instead of frying keeps them moist while reducing the amount of oil needed.

My family loves that these meatballs are not only delicious but also healthier than traditional beef options. I often add fresh herbs and spices to elevate the flavor. It’s a simple recipe that yields impressive results, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner night!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Juicy turkey meatballs packed with flavor
Rich, savory marinara sauce that warms your soul
Easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights

Perfecting Your Meatballs

To achieve the ideal meatball texture, it’s crucial to combine your ingredients gently without overmixing. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Aim for a spongy yet firm texture; if they feel too wet after mixing, a sprinkle of breadcrumbs can help balance it. Use your hands to form the meatballs to ensure even consistency and moisture retention, which contributes to their juiciness during cooking.

When it comes to baking, ensure your meatballs are spaced apart on the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around them, resulting in even cooking and a nicely browned exterior. A parchment-lined sheet not only promotes easy cleanup but also helps to prevent sticking, ensuring you get perfectly shaped meatballs every time.

Enhancing the Marinara Sauce

The marinara sauce is a crucial component of this dish, providing depth and flavor that complements the meatballs beautifully. For an extra zing, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when heating the sauce; this will introduce a pleasant warmth that elevates the overall taste. Also, simmer the sauce gently (medium heat) for a richer flavor profile, allowing the ingredients to meld together harmoniously for about 10 minutes.

If you're short on time, using store-bought marinara sauce works well, but for a homemade-style touch, try sautéing some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms before adding the sauce. This adds a unique twist while integrating extra vegetables into your meal. An additional sprinkle of Parmesan can be stirred in just before serving to enrich the sauce's creaminess.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These turkey meatballs shine when served over al dente spaghetti, as the sauce clings beautifully to the pasta. To serve, ladle the meatballs and sauce generously atop the spaghetti and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for a restaurant-style presentation. A side of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce, adding a delightful crunch as a contrast to the tender meatballs.

For a fun variation, try these meatballs in a sub sandwich! Simply place a few meatballs in a crusty hoagie roll, top with marinara sauce, and melt some mozzarella cheese over the top in the oven. This creates a fantastic meatball sub that’s perfect for lunch or a casual dinner. If you’re looking to lighten the dish, substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or even a plant-based alternative for the same delicious experience!

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients for the meatballs and the marinara sauce to make this dish a breeze.

For the Meatballs

1 pound ground turkey
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Marinara Sauce

2 cups marinara sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
2 tablespoons olive oil

Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl before proceeding with the cooking instructions.

Instructions

Preheat your oven and get ready to create these delicious meatballs.

Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Form mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Bake the Meatballs

Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes or until cooked through.

Heat the Marinara Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add oregano and basil for extra flavor.

Combine and Serve

Once the meatballs are done, add them to the marinara sauce. Let them simmer together for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy over pasta or with crusty bread!

Now that the meatballs are ready, plate them up and enjoy a hearty meal!

Pro Tips

For even more flavor, let the meatballs sit in the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows them to absorb the delicious marinara flavors.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the turkey meatballs and marinara sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This allows the flavors to meld, often making the dish even more delicious when reheated. To freeze, lay the meatballs out on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored this way for up to three months.

When reheating, gently warm the meatballs in the sauce over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much during storage, simply add a splash of water or broth to restore the desired consistency. This ensures that the meatballs remain juicy and the sauce remains luscious, ready to be enjoyed again!

Dietary Adjustments

This recipe is easily adaptable for different dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even ground oats in place of traditional breadcrumbs. Additionally, to keep this dish low-carb, consider using zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash instead of pasta, which will provide the same satisfying base without the extra carbs.

If you're aiming for a higher protein content, adding a small amount of grated sweet potato or finely chopped spinach into the meatball mixture can enhance nutrition without compromising flavor. These additions not only boost the health factor but also keep the meatballs moist and tender, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to up their veggie intake.

Common Troubleshooting

If you find your meatballs falling apart during cooking, it might be due to insufficient binding. Ensure each meatball has enough egg and breadcrumbs to hold them together effectively. If your mixture feels too loose, consider adding a bit more of each until you reach a better consistency before baking.

Another common pitfall is overcooking the meatballs, which can lead to dryness. Using a meat thermometer can be helpful to check doneness; you’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This method allows for perfect meatball preparation with juicy, flavorful outcomes every time, avoiding the frustration of a dry texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef or even a mix of different meats if you prefer.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the meatballs?

Absolutely! Cooked meatballs can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat them in a sauce when ready to eat.

→ What can I serve with these meatballs?

These meatballs are great with pasta, in a sub sandwich, or even on their own with a side salad.