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Baked Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 11 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Baked Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce recipe offers a healthy and family-friendly dinner option. Made with heart-healthy oats and lean ground turkey, these meatballs are baked in a flavorful marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect served over pasta, on their own, or alongside vegetables, this dish combines wholesome ingredients into a satisfying and easy-to-make meal.

Ingredients

Meatball Mixture

  • ¼ cup old fashioned/rolled oats
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon fresh parsley (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 pound ground turkey

Sauce & Topping

  • 12 ounces marinara sauce (1 ½ cups)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400º F (204º C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the meatballs.
  2. Soften Oats: In a mixing bowl, combine the oats and milk. Let them rest for 2 to 3 minutes so the oats can absorb the milk and soften slightly.
  3. Mix Ingredients: Add the egg, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, fresh or dried parsley, and salt to the oats and milk mixture. Stir a few times to combine ingredients lightly.
  4. Add Turkey and Combine: Place the ground turkey on top of the wet mixture. Gently mix everything together until the mixture just holds together. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
  5. Prepare Casserole Dish: Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a casserole dish to create a flavorful base for the meatballs.
  6. Form Meatballs: Using a tablespoon, scoop the turkey mixture and roll into meatballs. Place the meatballs evenly on top of the sauce layer in the casserole dish.
  7. Initial Bake: Cover the dish with tin foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to begin cooking the meatballs.
  8. Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the foil, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
  9. Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly, the cheese is melted and slightly golden, and meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165º F (74º C) for safe consumption.
  10. Serve: Serve the meatballs hot over your favorite pasta, alongside steamed vegetables, or on their own for a protein-packed meal.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the turkey mixture to keep meatballs tender and juicy.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach safe internal temperature of 165º F.
  • The oats help bind the meatballs and add heart-healthy fiber.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute cheese with non-dairy alternatives or omit.

Find it online: https://dishrise.com/baked-turkey-meatballs-in-tomato-sauce-recipe/