These turkey meatballs are tender and flavorful thanks to the Parmesan, garlic, and Italian herbs. Simmering them in marinara sauce infuses the meatballs with rich, savory flavors while keeping them moist. The lightly spiced marinara adds a comforting, tangy balance to the dish. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy family meals. It’s also a great option for entertaining, as it’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to pair with sides like garlic bread or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or regular)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Marinara Sauce

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 tsp dried basil or oregano (optional)

Directions

1. Make the Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined (avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender).
2. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1–1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 16–20 meatballs.

2. Cook the Meatballs

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary) and brown on all sides, about 5–7 minutes.
2. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet, as they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.

3. Prepare the Marinara Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir in dried basil or oregano, if desired. Simmer the sauce for 2–3 minutes.

4. Simmer the Meatballs

1. Gently place the browned meatballs into the marinara sauce. Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).

5. Serve

Serve the turkey meatballs and marinara over spaghetti squash, zucchini noodles, whole-grain pasta, or alongside a fresh salad. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.