Best 6 Saucy Turkey Meatballs Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary journey with our delectable Saucy Turkey Meatballs, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. These juicy and tender meatballs, crafted with ground turkey, a lean and healthy alternative to traditional beef, are enveloped in a rich and savory sauce, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Accompany these delectable meatballs with three exceptional recipes: a classic marinara sauce, a creamy and flavorful mushroom sauce, and a zesty salsa verde, each adding a unique dimension to this versatile dish. Whether you're seeking a hearty appetizer, a flavorful main course, or an easy weeknight dinner, our Saucy Turkey Meatballs, paired with these diverse sauces, promise a culinary experience that will leave you craving for more.

Let's cook with our recipes!

THE BEST TURKEY MEATBALLS



The Best Turkey Meatballs image

These juicy meatballs with a tender, light texture are packed with flavorful herbs. The meat mixture is softer than you might expect, thanks to the addition of ricotta, but sacrificing a perfectly round shape is worth it. You'll make these turkey meatballs so often you just might forget about your beef meatball recipe.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 55m

Yield 12 meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons canola oil
3/4 cup finely ground fresh breadcrumbs (from 3 to 4 slices white bread, crusts removed)
1/2 cup milk
1 pound ground turkey (93/7 ratio)
1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
1 clove garlic, grated
1/4 cup packed parsley leaves, finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons chopped)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large egg, lightly beaten

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and drizzle the olive oil and canola oil in an even layer over the paper.
  • Pour the breadcrumbs into a large mixing bowl, pour the milk over top and stir to fully moisten the breadcrumbs. Add the remaining ingredients to the mixing bowl and mix with your hands just until combined.
  • Scoop 1/4-cupfuls of meatball mixture and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet; you should have 12 meatballs. Gently roll them into balls. Bake until bottoms are golden brown, about 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F and continue to bake for 15 to 20 minutes more until the meatballs are cooked through.

SAUCY TURKEY MEATBALLS



Saucy Turkey Meatballs image

It's easy to turn lean ground turkey into these moist, tender meatballs. Ideal for informal gatherings of family and friends, the appetizers feature a tangy sauce that my guests find delicious.-Janell Fugitt, Cimarron, Kansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 50m

Yield 15 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 cup old-fashioned oats
3/4 cup fat-free evaporated milk
1 medium onion, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 pounds lean ground turkey
SAUCE:
2 cups ketchup
1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons Liquid Smoke, optional
1/2 teaspoons garlic salt

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Crumble turkey over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-in. balls. Place on a rack coated with cooking spray in a shallow baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 10-15 minutes. , Meanwhile, combine the sauce ingredients; pour over meatballs. Bake 30-35 minutes longer or until meat is no longer pink.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 217 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 36mg cholesterol, Sodium 695mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

TURKEY MEATBALLS IN MARINARA SAUCE



Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce image

A weeknight dinner winner, these turkey meatballs are tender and full of flavor - and cleanup is a snap!

Categories     Dinner

Time 45m

Yield 18 meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 large egg
¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil (plus more for serving)
Heaping ½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon dried oregano
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons minced yellow onion, from 1 small onion
1⅓ pounds 93% lean ground turkey (see note)
⅔ cup dried Italian style bread crumbs (such as Progresso)
⅓ cup freshly grated pecorino Romano cheese (plus more for serving)
2 tablespoons olive oil, for cooking
Large jar (24 oz) good quality Marinara sauce (such as Rao's)

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, basil, salt, pepper, oregano, garlic, and water. Add the onion, turkey, bread crumbs, and cheese, and mix with your hands until the mixture is uniform.
  • Lightly wet your hands with water and form the mixture into balls just slightly larger than golf balls (keep wetting your hands as you go to prevent the meatball mixture from sticking to your hands).
  • In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the meatballs in a single layer and brown on all sides, 7 to 8 minutes total. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover tightly with a lid, and simmer until the meatballs are cooked through, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with more basil and cheese, if desired, and serve.
  • Note: For best results, I recommend using 93% lean ground turkey, which is a combination of light and dark meat, rather than 99% lean ground turkey breast, which is all white meat.
  • Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The meatballs can be frozen in their sauce for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until the meatballs are hot in the center.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 3 meatballs, Calories 347, Fat 18 g, Carbohydrate 19 g, Protein 27 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Sugar 7 g, Fiber 3 g, Sodium 779 mg, Cholesterol 113 mg

TURKEY MEATBALLS AND SAUCE



Turkey Meatballs and Sauce image

My sweetie and I have fought the battle of the bulge forever. This is my less-fattening take on meatballs. They're slow-cooker easy, and so flavorful! - Jane McMillan, Dania Beach, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 6h40m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 21

1/4 cup egg substitute
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt-free seasoning blend
1-1/2 pounds lean ground turkey
SAUCE:
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 small zucchini, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
2 bay leaves
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 package (16 ounces) whole wheat spaghetti

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the egg substitute, bread crumbs, onion, pepper and seasoning blend. Crumble turkey over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-in. balls; place on a rack coated with cooking spray in a shallow baking pan. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until no longer pink., Meanwhile, in a 4- or 5-qt. slow cooker, combine the tomato sauce, tomatoes, zucchini, green pepper, onion, tomato paste, bay leaves, garlic and seasonings. Stir in meatballs. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. Cook spaghetti according to package directions; serve with meatballs and sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 413 calories, Fat 9g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 59mg cholesterol, Sodium 514mg sodium, Carbohydrate 59g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 9g fiber), Protein 30g protein.

TURKEY MEATBALLS WITH QUICK AND SPICY TOMATO SAUCE AND WHOLE-WHEAT SPAGHETTI



Turkey Meatballs with Quick And Spicy Tomato Sauce and Whole-Wheat Spaghetti image

The spicy kick and multiple herbs in this sauce lend layers of flavor without fat. The carrot, onion and Parmesan add volume and moisture.

Provided by Ellie Krieger

Categories     main-dish

Time 50m

Yield 6 servings (1 serving equals about 1 1/3 cups pasta and sauce, plus 2 meatballs)

Number Of Ingredients 23

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can crushed fire roasted tomatoes, liquid included
1 teaspoon finely minced canned chipotle en adobo and sauce, or more to taste
2 teaspoons finely chopped oregano leaves
1 sprig fresh rosemary
Salt
1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves
Cooking spray
1 pound ground turkey meat
1 slice fresh whole-wheat bread, crusts removed, pulsed into crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
1/2 cup finely grated carrot
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 large cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves, plus more for garnish
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 box (16 ounces) whole-wheat spaghetti

Steps:

  • Fill a large stockpot with water and bring to a boil for pasta.;
  • Make Sauce:
  • In a 4-quart saucepan heat the oil over medium heat. Saute the onions until translucent, about 3 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add tomato paste, tomatoes, chipotles, oregano, rosemary, and salt. Bring all the ingredients to a low boil, reduce heat and cook for approximately 15 minutes, until liquid has evaporated slightly. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. While sauce is cooking, make meatballs.
  • Preheat the broiler. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Combine the turkey with all other ingredients in a large work bowl. Form into 2 1/2 -inch balls and place on a baking sheet. Broil for 10 minutes, or until browned and almost entirely cooked through.
  • Meanwhile, remove rosemary sprig from sauce and add fresh basil. Add the meatballs to the sauce, cover, and cook additional 10 minutes, or until sauce has slightly thickened and meatballs have absorbed some of the sauce. While the meatballs are cooking, cook the whole-wheat spaghetti according to package directions.
  • Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add the sauce and meatballs, toss and heat through over medium heat. Divide evenly among 4 pasta bowls and garnish with parsley and 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan.

SLOW COOKER TURKEY MEATBALLS IN TOMATO SAUCE



Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce image

These slow cooker turkey meatballs in tomato sauce are a great alternative to traditional beef meatballs. Can be served over pasta or make meatball sandwiches with sauteed onions and peppers with melted Italian cheese over the top. Fantastic!

Provided by Cheryl

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 4h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

¼ cup minced onion
1 tablespoon Italian-style salad dressing
1 ½ pounds ground turkey
1 ¼ cups Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
5 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 (14.5 ounce) cans Italian-style diced tomatoes
1 (26 ounce) jar marinara sauce
2 teaspoons dried basil

Steps:

  • Saute onion and Italian dressing in a small saute pan over medium heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
  • Combine turkey, bread crumbs, garlic, sauteed onions, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl; mix well.
  • Combine diced tomatoes and marinara in a second bowl; set aside.
  • Form 1/2 of the turkey mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and layer them in the bottom of a slow cooker. Pour 1/2 of the tomato mixture over the meatballs. Form the remaining turkey mixture into meatballs and layer with remaining tomato mixture.
  • Cover and cook until no longer pink in the centers, about 4 hours on High, or 8 hours on Low.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 415.2 calories, Carbohydrate 41.1 g, Cholesterol 86.5 mg, Fat 14.1 g, Fiber 6.4 g, Protein 29.8 g, SaturatedFat 3.5 g, Sodium 1281.2 mg, Sugar 16.1 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh, ground turkey: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, ground turkey. If you can't find ground turkey, you can also use ground chicken or lean ground beef.
  • Add plenty of flavorings: The meatballs are seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices, including garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, thyme, and salt and pepper. You can also add other flavorings, such as grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or crumbled feta cheese.
  • Use a food processor: A food processor makes it easy to combine all of the ingredients for the meatballs. You can also use a stand mixer or a large bowl and a spoon, but a food processor will make the job much easier.
  • Cook the meatballs thoroughly: The meatballs should be cooked until they are browned on all sides and no longer pink in the center. You can cook them in a skillet, in the oven, or in a slow cooker.
  • Serve the meatballs with your favorite sauce: The meatballs can be served with any type of sauce you like. Some popular options include tomato sauce, Alfredo sauce, or pesto sauce. You can also serve them on their own with a dipping sauce.

Conclusion:

These saucy turkey meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or main course. They're perfect for a party or a weeknight dinner. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a dish that your family and friends will love.

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