This authentic Italian recipe for skinny turkey meatballs is a lower-fat alternative to the traditional Italian beef and pork meatballs. Bursting with flavor thanks to the addition of reggiano parmigiano cheese, parsley, and garlic, these meatballs make a delicious and satisfying meal. Served with a homemade marinara sauce, they are perfect over pasta or as a meatball hero in whole wheat Italian bread.
While most of the ingredients are pantry staples, some may not be a common presence. One key ingredient in this recipe is reggiano parmigiano cheese, which lends a unique flavor to the meatballs. It's a high quality parmesan cheese from Italy, and its rich, nutty flavor is hard to substitute. It's readily available at gourmet supermarkets or international food sections.
Turkey Meatballs and Marinara Sauce Ingredients
Ground turkey breast: Leaner than regular ground turkey, turkey breast is low in fat and a healthy choice for meatballs.
Whole wheat breadcrumbs: These add texture to the meatballs and help them hold together.
Reggiano parmigiano cheese: This cheese lends a unique flavor to the meatballs.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Garlic: Garlic adds a robust flavor.
Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Olive oil: Used to sauté the garlic for the marinara sauce.
Tomatoes: The base for the marinara sauce.
Onion: Onion adds a sweet, caramelized flavor to the sauce.
Bay leaf: Adds a subtle bitterness that balances out the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Oregano: This herb adds an earthy flavor to the sauce.
Basil: Fresh basil leaves add a sweet, peppery flavor to the sauce.
Pepper: Adds a bit of heat to the sauce.
One reader, Glenn Wesley says:
These skinny Italian turkey meatballs are a game-changer! The flavors are so rich and satisfying, and the turkey makes them a guilt-free indulgence. The marinara sauce is a perfect complement, and the whole wheat breadcrumbs add a lovely texture. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a healthier twist on a classic dish.
Techniques Required for Making Skinny Italian Turkey Meatballs
How to make turkey meatballs: Combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, garlic, and cheese in a large bowl. Mix well and form small meatballs.
How to make marinara sauce: Heat olive oil in a pot, sauté garlic, then add crushed tomatoes, onion, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and bay leaf. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
How to cook meatballs in marinara sauce: Add the meatballs to the simmering marinara sauce and cook for about 20 minutes.
How to serve: Discard the bay leaf and serve the meatballs and marinara sauce over pasta or on whole wheat Italian bread for a meatball hero.
How To Make Skinny Italian Turkey Meatballs
Have lightened-up, family-friendly Italian turkey meatballs for dinner! These meatballs use lean turkey instead of beef and served with marinara sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Turkey Meatballs:
- 20ozground turkey breast,99% lean
- ¼cupwhole wheat breadcrumbs,seasoned, or gluten-free crumbs
- ¼: 5px; letter-spacing: 2px”>¼cupparsley,finely chopped
- 1egg
- 1clovegarlic,large, crushed
- 1tspkosher salt,plus fresh pepper
For Marinara Sauce:
- 2tspolive oil
- 4clovesgarlic,smashed
- 56oztomatoes,like Tuttorosso, crushed
- ½smallonion,keep whole
- 1bay leaf
- 1tsporegano
- ¼cupfresh basil,chopped
- salt and fresh pepper,to taste
Instructions
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In a medium-size pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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Add garlic and sauté until golden, being careful not to burn. Add crushed tomatoes, onion, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and bay leaf.
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Stir and reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer on low for 5 to 10 minutes.
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Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, garlic, and cheese.
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Using wet hands, mix all the ingredients well until everything is combined. Form small meatballs, about the size of a ping pong ball with ⅛th cup each.
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Add the meatballs to the sauce and cook for about 20 minutes.
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Discard the bay leaf and serve over pasta or on whole wheat Italian bread for a meatball hero. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 270.49kcal
- Fat: 11.54g
- Saturated Fat: 3.46g
- Trans Fat: 0.07g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.48g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.29g
- Carbohydrates: 16.15g
- Fiber: 4.02g
- Sugar: 7.59g
- Protein: 26.31g
- Cholesterol: 93.69mg
- Sodium: 909.34mg
- Calcium: 108.38mg
- Potassium: 963.57mg
- Iron: 2.67mg
- Vitamin A: 152.88µg
- Vitamin C: 41.02mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Skinny Italian Turkey Meatballs Recipe
When forming the turkey meatballs, it's important to not overwork the mixture. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense meatballs. Instead, gently combine the ingredients until they're just mixed. This will ensure your meatballs remain tender and juicy. Additionally, wetting your hands before shaping the meatballs can prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands, making the process easier and cleaner.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Skinny Italian Turkey Meatballs
Prep ahead: Prepare the meatball mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of cooking.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly chop the garlic, parsley, and onion for the meatballs and marinara sauce.
Double the batch: Make a double batch of meatballs and marinara sauce and freeze the extra for a quick and easy meal in the future.
Organize ingredients: Before starting, gather all the ingredients and utensils needed for the recipe to streamline the cooking process.
Invest in a good knife: A sharp knife will make chopping and mincing ingredients quicker and more efficient.
Multi-task: While the sauce is simmering, prepare the meatballs to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and dishes as you cook to minimize the cleanup time after the meal.
Use kitchen gadgets: Utilize kitchen tools like a garlic press or cheese grater to save time on prep work.
Substitute Ingredients For Skinny Italian Turkey Meatballs Recipe
ground turkey breast - Substitute with ground chicken breast: Ground chicken breast can be used as a lean alternative to ground turkey breast, providing a similar texture and flavor profile.
whole wheat breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute for whole wheat breadcrumbs, providing a lighter and crispier texture to the meatballs.
reggiano parmigiano cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano cheese: Pecorino romano cheese can be used as a substitute for reggiano parmigiano cheese, offering a similar salty and nutty flavor to the meatballs.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can be used as a substitute for parsley, providing a fresh and vibrant flavor to the meatballs.
egg - Substitute with flaxseed egg substitute: Flaxseed egg substitute can be used as a vegan alternative to eggs, providing binding properties to the meatballs.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for garlic, offering a milder and sweeter flavor to the meatballs.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the meatballs.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil, offering a mild and buttery flavor to the marinara sauce.
tomatoes - Substitute with canned crushed tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute for fresh tomatoes, providing a convenient and consistent base for the marinara sauce.
onion - Substitute with shallot: Shallots can be used as a substitute for onion, offering a sweeter and milder flavor to the marinara sauce.
bay leaf - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil can be used as a substitute for bay leaf, providing a similar aromatic and herbaceous flavor to the marinara sauce.
oregano - Substitute with thyme: Thyme can be used as a substitute for oregano, offering a slightly earthy and floral flavor to the marinara sauce.
fresh basil - Substitute with flat-leaf parsley: Flat-leaf parsley can be used as a substitute for fresh basil, providing a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the marinara sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Skinny Italian Turkey Meatballs
Elevate the plating: When presenting the turkey meatballs, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing plate. Use clean lines and minimalistic design to showcase the beauty of the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a pop of color and freshness to the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and basil. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a layer of flavor complexity.
Incorporate negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the turkey meatballs and marinara sauce to stand out. This technique creates a sense of balance and sophistication.
Utilize high-quality serving ware: Opt for porcelain or ceramic serving dishes to present the dish. The use of premium serving ware adds a touch of refinement to the overall presentation.
Focus on symmetry: Arrange the turkey meatballs and marinara sauce with precision, paying attention to symmetry and balance. This attention to detail demonstrates a high level of culinary expertise.
Consider the color contrast: Select serving dishes that provide a contrast to the colors of the turkey meatballs and marinara sauce, creating a visually striking presentation that catches the eye.
Highlight the ingredients: Showcase the individual components of the dish by arranging them thoughtfully on the plate. This allows the turkey meatballs and marinara sauce to take center stage.
Emphasize the sauce: Use a delicate drizzle or artistic swipe of the marinara sauce to draw attention to its importance in the dish. This technique adds a touch of artistry to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Turkey Meatballs
- Medium-size pot: A pot that is suitable for cooking sauces, soups, and boiling ingredients.
- Olive oil: A healthy cooking oil used for sautéing, frying, and dressing salads.
- Garlic: A flavorful ingredient used in many dishes, known for its aromatic and pungent taste.
- Tomatoes: Fresh or canned tomatoes are commonly used in cooking for sauces, soups, and stews.
- Onion: A versatile ingredient that adds flavor to dishes and is often used as a base for sauces and soups.
- Bay leaf: A fragrant leaf used to add subtle herbal notes to dishes, often used in soups and stews.
- Oregano: A popular herb with a robust flavor, commonly used in Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine.
- Fresh basil: A fragrant herb that adds a sweet and slightly peppery flavor to dishes, often used in Italian cuisine.
- Salt and fresh pepper: Essential seasonings used to enhance the flavor of dishes.
- Ground turkey: Lean turkey meat that is commonly used as a healthier alternative to ground beef in various recipes.
- Whole wheat breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs made from whole wheat bread, used as a binding and thickening agent in recipes.
- Reggiano parmigiano cheese: A high-quality Italian cheese with a nutty and savory flavor, often used for grating over dishes.
- Parsley: A versatile herb used to add color and flavor to dishes, commonly used as a garnish or seasoning.
- Egg: A staple ingredient used for binding, leavening, and enriching various recipes.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining and mixing ingredients.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
Storing and Freezing Skinny Italian Turkey Meatballs
- To store leftover meatballs and marinara sauce, allow them to cool completely to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, place the cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to enjoy the frozen meatballs, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.
- If you prefer to freeze the meatballs and sauce separately, cook the meatballs in the sauce as directed, then remove the meatballs and allow both the meatballs and sauce to cool completely. Place the meatballs in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, and pour the sauce into another container or bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to serve, thaw both the meatballs and sauce overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat them together in a saucepan or microwave until heated through.
- For optimal quality and flavor, consume the frozen turkey meatballs within 2-3 months. After that, they may still be safe to eat but might experience a slight change in texture and taste.
How To Reheat Leftover Skinny Italian Turkey Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain the meatballs' shape and texture while reheating.
Stovetop reheating is another excellent option. Place the meatballs and marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cover the pan and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through. This method allows the flavors to meld together and keeps the meatballs moist.
For a quick and easy reheating method, use your microwave. Place the meatballs and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. Stir the meatballs and sauce, then continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the meatballs to become tough.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your turkey meatballs. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the meatballs in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the meatballs are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a delicious twist, slice the meatballs in half and place them on a toasted whole wheat Italian bread with extra marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Broil the open-faced sandwiches in the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This method creates a satisfying and comforting meal that feels like a brand new dish.
Interesting Fact About Skinny Italian Turkey Meatballs
The recipe for skinny Italian turkey meatballs is a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs. Ground turkey breast is a lean source of protein and using whole wheat breadcrumbs adds fiber. Additionally, the marinara sauce is made with fresh ingredients, providing essential nutrients. This recipe is a great way to enjoy a classic Italian dish while maintaining a balanced diet.
Is Making Skinny Italian Turkey Meatballs at Home Cost-Effective?
This turkey meatball recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Ground turkey is an affordable and lean protein, while pantry staples like breadcrumbs, eggs, and garlic are budget-friendly. The marinara sauce utilizes basic ingredients like canned tomatoes, onion, and spices, keeping the overall cost low. The total cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $15-20. Rating: 8/10.
Are Skinny Italian Turkey Meatballs Healthy?
The skinny Italian turkey meatballs recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional beef meatballs. Here's why:
- Ground turkey breast is a lean protein source, lower in fat and calories compared to ground beef.
- Whole wheat breadcrumbs provide more fiber than regular breadcrumbs.
- The recipe includes a good amount of fresh herbs and spices, adding flavor without extra calories.
- The homemade marinara sauce is made with wholesome ingredients and without added sugars or preservatives.
However, there are a few aspects that could be improved:
- The recipe calls for a considerable amount of cheese, which can add significant amounts of saturated fat and sodium.
- While the recipe is lower in fat compared to traditional meatballs, it may still be relatively high in sodium due to the added salt and cheese.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of cheese used in the meatballs or opt for a low-fat cheese alternative.
- Use a combination of ground turkey breast and lean ground turkey thigh for added moisture and flavor without excessive fat.
- Increase the amount of fresh herbs and spices to boost flavor while reducing the need for added salt.
- Add more vegetables to the marinara sauce, such as grated carrots or chopped spinach, to increase the nutrient content.
- Serve the meatballs with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to create a balanced meal.
- If serving with pasta, choose whole grain or legume-based pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
Editor's Opinion on This Skinny Italian Turkey Meatballs Recipe
This recipe for Skinny Italian Turkey Meatballs is a delightful and healthier twist on a classic dish. The use of ground turkey breast and whole wheat breadcrumbs reduces the fat content without compromising on flavor. The addition of reggiano parmigiano cheese and fresh herbs elevates the taste profile, while the marinara sauce brings a burst of rich, tangy flavors. The meatballs are tender and juicy, making them a perfect addition to pasta or a sandwich. Overall, this recipe is a winner for those seeking a lighter, yet still satisfying, Italian meal.
Enhance Your Skinny Italian Turkey Meatballs Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Skinny Italian Turkey Meatballs Recipe:
This recipe features ground turkey breast for a lean and healthy protein source, combined with whole wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber. The use of reggiano parmigiano cheese adds a rich and savory flavor, while fresh parsley and garlic enhance the aromatic profile. The marinara sauce is made with olive oil and fresh tomatoes, providing essential nutrients and antioxidants. The inclusion of fresh basil and oregano adds depth and freshness to the dish. These turkey meatballs are a nutritious and delicious option for a satisfying meal.
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