Baked Turkey Meatballs in Marinara
Baked Turkey Meatballs in Marinara offers a simple dinner recipe solution that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. You’ll love how quickly this comforting meal comes together, perfect for any weeknight.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ground Turkey: You can use lean ground chicken for a similar result.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work well.
- Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought brand or homemade version.
- Parmesan Cheese: Nutritional yeast can offer a dairy-free alternative.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely grated or minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Marinara:
- 24 oz jar marinara sauce
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Tools Needed: Large mixing bowl, baking sheet, large oven-safe dish or skillet.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Meatball Mixture
Combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, parsley, Parmesan cheese, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Gently mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your simple dinner recipe meatballs tough.
2. Form the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 1 ½-inch balls. Aim for approximately 18-20 meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly browned and cooked through. This initial baking step helps them hold their shape and creates a delicious crust.
4. Combine with Marinara
Pour the marinara sauce into a large oven-safe dish or skillet. Carefully add the baked meatballs to the sauce. Ensure they are mostly submerged in the marinara.
5. Finish Baking
Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the meatballs to finish cooking in the sauce. Serve your simple dinner recipe hot.
Variation Ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the marinara sauce.
- Hidden Veggies: Grate zucchini or carrots into the meatball mixture for added nutrition.
- Cheesy Center: Press a small cube of mozzarella into the center of each meatball before baking.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Baked Turkey Meatballs in Marinara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can you freeze these meatballs? Yes, you can freeze cooked meatballs in their sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Do you have to bake the meatballs first? Baking them first helps them brown nicely and prevents them from falling apart in the sauce.
- What should you serve with this simple dinner recipe? These meatballs are delicious with pasta, a side of crusty bread, or a simple green salad.
- Can you use ground beef instead of turkey? Absolutely, ground beef can be used following the same instructions for a different flavor.
- How do you prevent dry meatballs? Be careful not to overmix the meatball mixture. The egg and breadcrumbs help keep them moist.
- Is this recipe good for meal prepping? Yes, it’s an excellent simple dinner recipe for meal prepping as it reheats wonderfully.
