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A close-up shot of juicy turkey meatballs simmering in a rich marinara sauce, garnished with parsley.

Turkey Meatballs In Marinara

Enjoy a lighter take on a classic comfort food with these flavorful turkey meatballs simmered in marinara sauce. Perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Simmer Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 347

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil plus more for serving
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt heaping
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 3 tablespoons minced yellow onion from 1 small onion
  • 1.33 pounds 93% lean ground turkey
  • 2/3 cup dried Italian style bread crumbs such as Progresso
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated pecorino Romano cheese plus more for serving
For Cooking and Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
  • 1 jar good quality Marinara sauce 24 oz, such as Rao's

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Large nonstick skillet
  • Lid

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, basil, salt, pepper, oregano, garlic, and water. Add the onion, turkey, bread crumbs, and cheese. Mix with your hands until the mixture is uniform.
  2. Lightly wet your hands with water and form the mixture into balls slightly larger than golf balls. Continue wetting your hands as you go to prevent sticking.
  3. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the meatballs in a single layer and brown on all sides, about 7 to 8 minutes total.
  4. 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.
  5. Sprinkle with more basil and cheese, if desired, and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 347kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 27gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 113mgSodium: 779mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7g

Notes

For best results, use 93% lean ground turkey, which is a combination of light and dark meat. To make ahead, prepare and cook meatballs as instructed, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, let meatballs cool completely, then transfer them with the sauce to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.

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