Best 7 Turkey Meatballs And Sauce Recipes

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Are you looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion? Look no further than turkey meatballs in sauce! These tender and succulent meatballs are infused with a variety of herbs and spices, providing a delightful taste experience. Nestled in a rich and savory tomato sauce, these meatballs offer a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, main course, or party snack, these turkey meatballs are sure to impress your family and friends.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

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.

TURKEY AND PORK MEATBALLS WITH TOMATO SAUCE



Turkey and Pork Meatballs With Tomato Sauce image

Provided by Pierre Franey

Categories     dinner, weekday, main course

Time 50m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

3/4 pound lean ground turkey
3/4 pound lean ground pork
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onions
1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
1/2 cup fresh, fine bread crumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg, beaten
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
1 pound ripe plum tomatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup finely chopped onions
1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
1 bay leaf
2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Combine the turkey and pork in a mixing bowl.
  • Heat 1 teaspoon of the olive oil in a saucepan. Add the onions and garlic; cook briefly until wilted. Set aside.
  • Combine the bread crumbs and milk in a large bowl. Add the meat, onions and garlic, and the egg, nutmeg, cumin, salt, pepper and parsley. Blend well.
  • Shape the meat into 24 or more meatballs. Set aside.
  • For the sauce, first cut a small x in the core of the tomatoes, drop the tomatoes into boiling water for about 10 seconds and peel the skins. Cut out and discard the core, chop the tomatoes coarsely. There should be about 3 cups.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a saucepan; add the onions. When the onions are wilted, add the garlic. Cook briefly, add the tomatoes, bay leaf, thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 10 minutes stirring occasionally. Remove the bay leaf and the thyme sprig. Set aside.
  • Heat the remaining teaspoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet. Add the meatballs; cook over medium heat, turning them carefully so they brown evenly. Browning should take about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain the fat.
  • Add the tomato sauce to the skillet, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. Serve over noodles.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 267, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 14 grams, Fat 12 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 27 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 568 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams

TURKEY MEATBALLS IN APRICOT SAUCE WITH MINT AND ALMONDS



Turkey Meatballs in Apricot Sauce with Mint and Almonds image

Kids will love the sweetness that apricots lend these spiced turkey meatballs-and the soft, almost fluffy consistency, since they don't get seared. The dried fruit steeps with cinnamon and chicken broth, then gets puréed with onion, melding into a bubbling sauce with a subtle spice. Don't bypass chilling the formed balls before plunking them in-this gives the breadcrumbs time to hydrate, and the meat a chance to firm up.

Provided by Greg Lofts

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Turkey Recipes     Ground Turkey Recipes

Time 1h50m

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium red onion, finely chopped (2 cups)
2 tablespoons minced garlic (from 4 to 5 cloves)
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger (from a 2-inch piece)
1 1/4 teaspoons coriander seeds, crushed
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/3 cup dried breadcrumbs or matzo meal
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 pound ground turkey (preferably dark meat)
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, plus more whole leaves for serving
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup dried Turkish apricots (3 ounces)
1 small cinnamon stick
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 cup sliced almonds

Steps:

  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large straight-sided skillet or braiser over medium. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft but no color has developed, about 5 minutes. Remove half of onion and reserve. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil, garlic, ginger, coriander, turmeric, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper to onion in skillet, stirring to combine. Cook until fragrant, about 45 seconds. Transfer to a large bowl, reserving skillet (do not wipe clean); stir breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup broth into bowl with spiced onion. Let cool slightly.
  • Add turkey, mint, egg, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt to bowl, gently stirring to combine (do not overwork, or meatballs with be tough). With dampened hands, form into golf-ball-size meatballs and transfer to a parchment-lined tray (you should have about 20, each roughly 2 inches in diameter). Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes or, loosely covered, up to 1 day.
  • Meanwhile, combine apricots, cinnamon stick, and remaining 2 3/4 cups broth in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until apricots are very soft and plump, about 15 minutes. Let cool slightly; discard cinnamon. Transfer to a blender with reserved onion and purée until smooth.
  • Melt 2 tablespoons butter in reserved skillet over medium-high. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in apricot mixture and bring to a boil. Gently nestle meatballs into sauce. Lower heat, partially cover (leaving about a 1-inch steam vent), and simmer, turning meatballs a few times, until almost cooked through and sauce has thickened and darkened slightly, 15 to 17 minutes.
  • Uncover and continue to simmer until sauce reduces to a thick gravy, about 5 minutes more. Meanwhile, melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add almonds and cook, stirring occasionally, until nutty and golden in places, 2 to 3 minutes. Top meatballs with almonds and mint leaves; serve.

TURKEY MEATBALLS W/ SPICY TOMATO SAUCE AND WHOLE-WHEAT SPAGHETTI



Turkey Meatballs W/ 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. Copyright 2006, Ellie Krieger, All rights reserved Food Network Show: Healthy Appetite with Ellie Krieger

Provided by Darrinw2001

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 50m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 23

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28 ounce) can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, liquid included
1 teaspoon finely minced adobo seasoning, to taste (or more)
2 teaspoons chopped oregano leaves
1 sprig fresh rosemary
salt
1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaf
cooking spray
1 lb ground turkey
1 slice fresh whole wheat bread, crusts removed, pulsed into crumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/2 cup finely grated carrot
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 large garlic cloves, 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
fresh ground black pepper
1 (16 ounce) box 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.
  • 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.

TURKEY AND CORN MEATBALLS WITH ROASTED PEPPER SAUCE



Turkey and Corn Meatballs with Roasted Pepper Sauce image

Provided by Robert Irvine : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h5m

Yield 1 serving

Number Of Ingredients 23

1/3 pound ground turkey breast
1/3 pound ground turkey dark meat
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon thinly sliced green onion
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1/3 teaspoon cumin
1 slice sourdough bread, diced and dried out overnight
1 large egg, whisked
4 tablespoons corn kernels
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
1 roasted red bell pepper, chopped
1 clove garlic minced
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1/3 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
2 tablespoons corn kernels
1 tablespoon diced red bell pepper
1/2 tablespoon diced red onion
2 teaspoons lime juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, 1 chopped and 1 left whole for garnish

Steps:

  • For the turkey and corn meatballs: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Combine the turkey breast, dark meat, cilantro, green onions, parsley, cumin, bread, egg, corn and salt and pepper to taste in a large bowl until well mixed. Form into 3 balls.
  • Heat the grapeseed oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the meatballs until browned all over, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to the oven and cook to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 12 minutes.
  • For the roasted pepper sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, saute the roasted peppers, garlic, cilantro, vinegar and salt and pepper to taste in the grapeseed oil until the peppers are soft, 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a blender and puree until smooth. Taste and season.
  • For the corn salsa: In a mixing bowl, combine the corn, bell peppers, onions, lime juice and 1 tablespoon of the cilantro. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
  • To serve: Place the pepper sauce on a plate. Add the salsa and then the meatballs. Garnish with some extra cilantro leaves.

MINI TURKEY MEATBALLS WITH GNOCCHI AND TOMATO SAUCE



Mini Turkey Meatballs With Gnocchi and Tomato Sauce image

Make and share this Mini Turkey Meatballs With Gnocchi and Tomato Sauce recipe from Food.com.

Provided by rickoholic83

Categories     Poultry

Time 25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

salt
1 1/2 lbs ground turkey
1 tablespoon McCormick's Montreal Brand steak seasoning
1 teaspoon fennel seed
1/4 cup sun-dried tomato (not the ones in oil)
1 cup fresh basil, divided
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus some to drizzle
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
pepper
1 lb gnocchi
1/2 cup parmigiano-reggiano cheese, grated
crusty bread

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  • Place turkey in a large bowl with grill seasoning and fennel seeds.
  • Pile sun-dried tomatoes on top of each other in small stacks then slice into thin strips. Coarsely chop the thin strips and add to bowl.
  • Stack the basil leaves together then roll them up into a log. Shred the basil by thinly slicing the log. Add half the basil to the bowl.
  • Drizzle some olive oil over the bowl.
  • Mix turkey together, roll into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and arrange on a nonstick cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until firm and lightly golden.
  • Bring a pot of water to a boil for the gnocchi.
  • While the water is coming to a boil, heat a large skillet over medium heat. To the hot skillet, add 2 T olive oil, garlic, onion and red pepper flakes. Cook until tender, about 5-6 minutes.
  • Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce and season with salt and pepper.
  • Drop gnocchi into pot of boiling water and cook 5 minutes (or to package directions.).
  • Stir remaining basil into sauce to wilt it.
  • Drain gnocchi and arrange on a platter. Remove meatballs from oven and add to gnocchi, equally distributing them. Sprinkle cheese over the meatballs and gnocchi then top with sauce.
  • Serve with bread.
  • Note: The tomato sauce is very basic. Feel free to add additional spices.

Tips:

  • Prep your ingredients: Chop vegetables, meat, and herbs before you start cooking. This will make the process go faster and smoother.
  • Use a large skillet or pot: This will help ensure that the meatballs have enough room to cook evenly.
  • Brown the meatballs in batches: Don't overcrowd the pan, or the meatballs will steam instead of brown.
  • Simmer the meatballs in sauce: This will help infuse them with flavor and keep them moist.
  • Serve the meatballs with your favorite sides: Mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta are all great options.

Conclusion:

Turkey meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They're easy to make, and they can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like your meatballs mild or spicy, cooked in a red or white sauce, or served with pasta or mashed potatoes, you're sure to find a recipe that you'll love. Try out one of the recipes from this article today, and you won't be disappointed.

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