Herbed Italian Turkey Meatballs

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Herbed Italian Turkey Meatballs are a deliciously savory twist on a classic comfort food. These tender meatballs are packed with fresh herbs and a hint of spice, making them perfect for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering. Let's dive into how you can whip up this flavorful dish in no time!

Ingredients for Herbed Italian Turkey Meatballs

Ground turkey is the star here, offering a lean protein option with a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with herbs. Breadcrumbs act as a binder, providing structure to the meatballs. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty depth, while a lightly beaten egg helps hold everything together. Garlic, parsley, and basil bring a fresh, aromatic quality, perfectly complemented by dried oregano. A sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances all these flavors. Olive oil is used for searing, giving the meatballs a golden crust. The sauce is a delightful blend of tomato sauce, chicken broth, and optionally, white wine, enriched with a touch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Tips & Tricks

  • Chill the meatball mixture for a few minutes before forming the balls; this makes them easier to handle.
  • If you don't have fresh herbs, you can substitute dried ones, but use about a third of the amount since they're more concentrated.
  • Deglaze the skillet with the white wine before adding other sauce ingredients to capture all those flavorful browned bits.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs are fantastic over a bed of spaghetti or your favorite pasta. You can also serve them with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce or alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter meal. For a cozy, family-style dinner, consider serving them in a shallow dish with plenty of extra sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze these meatballs?
Absolutely! You can freeze them after searing. Let them cool, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 3 months.
What if I don't have white wine?
No worries, just add a bit more chicken broth or water to the sauce. The wine adds depth, but it's not essential.
Can I use ground chicken instead?
Sure, ground chicken works well too. Just ensure it's not too lean, or the meatballs might dry out.

Herbed Italian Turkey Meatballs Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking. In a large bowl, combine your ground turkey with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Get your hands in there and mix until everything is just combined — you don’t want to overwork it, or the meatballs might turn out tough.

Next, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Try to keep them uniform in size so they cook evenly. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, ready for searing. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Carefully sear the meatballs until they're browned on all sides, about 5 minutes should do it. Once they're nicely browned, transfer them back to the baking sheet.

Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let the meatballs bake for 12-15 minutes. Meanwhile, turn your attention to the sauce. In the same skillet, pour in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, white wine if you're using it, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes — this will thicken the sauce and meld the flavors beautifully.

When your meatballs are done baking, gently transfer them to the simmering sauce. Make sure each one is well-coated, then let them simmer together for an additional 5 minutes. This final step infuses the meatballs with the rich, savory sauce. Serve them hot, with a sprinkle of extra parsley and Parmesan cheese for a lovely finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Loaded with fresh herbs, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.
  • Lean turkey makes it a healthier alternative to traditional beef meatballs.
  • The sauce is rich and savory, with a hint of heat from crushed red pepper flakes.

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup white wine (optional)
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
3. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sear the meatballs until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
5. Transfer the seared meatballs to the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, in the same skillet, add tomato sauce, chicken broth, white wine, and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes to thicken the sauce.
7. Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the sauce and coat evenly. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese.

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