Best 11 Turkey Meatballs In Tomato Sauce Recipes

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For those seeking a succulent and flavorful dish, turkey meatballs in tomato sauce offer a delectable culinary experience. This versatile dish combines the tender texture of ground turkey with a rich, savory tomato sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for a weeknight meal, turkey meatballs in tomato sauce are sure to impress. With a variety of recipe variations to choose from, you can tailor the dish to your personal taste preferences and dietary needs. So, get ready to embark on a journey of flavors as we explore the secrets to creating the most delicious turkey meatballs in tomato sauce.

Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!

TURKEY MEATBALLS IN TOMATO SAUCE



Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce image

Provided by Nigella Lawson : Food Network

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 onion, peeled
1 celery stalk
2 tablespoons garlic flavoured oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 x 14 ounce cans diced plus approx. 3 1/3 cups (2 full cans) water
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt flakes or 1/2 teaspoon table salt
Pepper, to taste
1 pound ground turkey
1 egg
3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons of finely chopped onion and celery (from the tomato sauce ingredients above)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (such as Lea and Perrins)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Steps:

  • Put the peeled onion and celery into a processor and blitz to a mush. Or you can chop as finely as humanly possible by hand. Reserve 2 tablespoons for the meatball mixture.
  • Warm the garlic flavoured oil in a heavy saucepan or Dutch oven, add the onion and celery mixture, along with the thyme, and cook at moderate to low heat, stirring every now and again, for about 10 minutes.
  • Add the cans of tomato, filling up each empty can with water to add to the pan. Season with the sugar, salt and pepper, stir and then leave to come to a bubble, and then turn down to let it simmer gently while you get on with the meatballs.
  • Put all the ingredients for the meatballs, including the reserved chopped onion and celery, and salt according to preference, into a large bowl and mix together, gently, with your hands, wearing disposable vinyl gloves if you feel so inclined. Don't over-mix, as that will make the meatballs dense-textured and heavy.
  • When all the meatball ingredients are not too officiously amalgamated, start rolling. The easiest way really to do this is to pinch out an amount about the size of a generously heaped teaspoon and roll into a bowl between the palms of your hands. Put the meatballs on a baking tray, lined with baking parchment or greaseproof paper, as you go. You should get about 50 little meatballs.
  • Drop these gently into the simmering sauce; I try and let these fall in concentric circles working around the pan from the outside edge inwards, in only the vaguest of fashions.
  • Let the meatballs cook for 30 minutes, until cooked through. Serve with rice or pasta or however you so please.

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

ITALIAN TURKEY MEATBALLS IN TOMATO SAUCE RECIPE



Italian Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe image

Meatballs are always a crowd pleaser. These Italian Turkey Meatballs happily wallow in a pan of easy, homemade tomato sauce.

Provided by Dara Michalski | Cookin' Canuck

Categories     Entrees

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 pound lean ground turkey
1/2 medium onion (grated)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1/4 cup minced flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 teaspoon ground oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 small onion (chopped)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1 teaspoon ground oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 14 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup minced flat-leaf parsley
4 basil leaves (thinly sliced)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl, stir together the ground turkey, onion, garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, egg, oregano, salt and pepper.
  • Divide the mixture into 8 portions, form into balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake until the meatballs are firm to the touch and cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet set over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the garlic, oregano, salt and pepper, and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes, bring the sauce to a boil, and then simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the parsley and basil.
  • Nestle the meatballs into the sauce and spoon sauce over to coat the meatballs.
  • Serve over pasta or rice, or on their own.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 2 Meatballs + 3/4 Cup Sauce, Calories 336.2 kcal, Carbohydrate 31.3 g, Protein 30.1 g, Fat 12.5 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Cholesterol 126.5 mg, Sodium 946 mg, Fiber 7.4 g, Sugar 16.1 g

TURKEY MEATBALLS IN TOMATO SAUCE



Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce image

Tender meatballs filled with onions and Parmesan, bathed in plenty of tomato sauce, are classics in every way except for one: They call for turkey instead of the usual beef (or beef-veal-pork combination). Serve them over spaghetti or polenta, or stuff them into a hero roll for a sandwich. Try to use ground dark meat turkey here if you can, it has a deeper, richer flavor than ground white meat.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     dinner, lunch, meatballs, main course

Time 50m

Yield 28 meatballs, 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, more for serving, if desired
1/2 cup panko or other plain dried bread crumbs
1/4 cup minced onion
1/4 cup chopped chives or basil
2 garlic cloves, grated on a microplane or minced
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
1 1/2 pounds ground turkey, very cold
1 large egg, beaten
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, more as needed
3 cups marinara sauce, more to taste

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine cheese, bread crumbs, onion, chives, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano and red pepper flakes, if using, and mix well. Add turkey and egg and blend with your hands until well mixed. If you've got time, cover mixture and chill for an hour or up to 24 hours. These are easiest to form into balls while very cold. Form into 28 meatballs, each about 1 1/4-inches in diameter.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large sauté pan. When hot, add enough of the meatballs to fit in one layer without crowding, and brown on all sides, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate, add another tablespoon of oil to pan and brown another layer of meatballs, transferring them to the plate as they brown. Repeat until all meatballs are browned, adding more oil to the pan as needed.
  • When meatballs are all browned, add marinara sauce to pan and bring to a simmer, scraping up the browned bits on the pan bottom. Return meatballs and their juices to pan, shake pan to cover the meatballs with sauce, and lower heat. Partly cover pan and simmer until the meatballs are cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Serve hot, drizzled with more olive oil and sprinkled with more cheese, if you like.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 382, UnsaturatedFat 14 grams, Carbohydrate 18 grams, Fat 21 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 30 grams, SaturatedFat 5 grams, Sodium 827 milligrams, Sugar 8 grams, TransFat 0 grams

TURKEY MEATBALLS WITH SPAGHETTI SQUASH IN TOMATO SAUCE



Turkey Meatballs with Spaghetti Squash in Tomato Sauce image

Provided by Michele Ragussis, Food Network Star Season 8 Finalist

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h10m

Yield about 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds spaghetti squash
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
One 16-ounce can San Marzano diced tomatoes
One 16-ounce can San Marzano tomato sauce
2 pounds ground turkey meat
1 loaf Italian bread, chopped
1 cup milk
1 cup grated Parmesan
1 bunch fresh basil, large stems removed, chopped
1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
Vegetable oil, for frying

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Halve the squash lengthwise and remove the seeds.
  • Place on a baking sheet, cut-side up. Roast the squash until softened, 30 to 40 minutes depending on size.
  • Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Saute the garlic and onions until translucent. Add the tomatoes and simmer on low heat, about 45 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the turkey, bread, milk, Parmesan, basil and parsley and mix well. Form into 2-inch meatballs.
  • Heat a few tablespoons of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Pan-fry the meatballs until browned on all sides. Cook in batches if needed. Transfer the meatballs to the tomato sauce and simmer until cooked through.
  • Using a fork, remove the squash flesh from the skin and stir the squash into the tomato sauce. Serve the squash topped with meatballs.

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 IN TOMATO SAUCE



Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce image

Categories     Bread     Sauce     Tomato     turkey     Side     Simmer     Boil

Yield makes about 3 dozen meatballs; serves 4-6 over a pound of pasta as a main course

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/4 cup plain dried bread crumbs
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons whole milk
3/4 cup grated Romano cheese
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound ground turkey, preferably dark meat
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
5 cups Marinara Sauce (page 59)

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, stir together the bread crumbs, parsley, eggs, milk, 1/2 cup of the cheese, and the salt and pepper. Add the turkey and gently stir to combine, being careful not to overwork the meat. Shape the meat mixture into bite-size balls.
  • In a large skillet, heat the oil over a medium-high flame. Working in batches, add the meatballs and cook without moving or turning the meatballs until brown on the bottom, about 3 minutes. Turn the meatballs over and brown the other side, about 3 minutes longer. Continue to cook until all the sides are golden brown. Add the marinara sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the flavors blend, about 5 minutes. (The meatballs can be made up to this point 1 day ahead. Cool, then cover and refrigerate. Rewarm before continuing.)
  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meatballs to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese. Place the cooked pasta in the skillet with the remaining sauce and toss to coat. Transfer the pasta to a separate large serving bowl, and serve with the meatballs.

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 TOMATO SAUCE - NIGELLA LAWSON



Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce - Nigella Lawson image

A great dish for a crowd or a buffet - make 'em tiny and pile 'em into a crock pot to stay hot. Adapted from a recipe from Nigella Kitchen on Food Network. Serves 4 as a main course, or 8-12 as an appetizer.

Provided by DrGaellon

Categories     Meatballs

Time 55m

Yield 50 meatballs, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 onion, peeled
1 celery rib
2 tablespoons garlic oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 (14 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
3 1/3 cups water (use the tomato cans, you need 2 full cans)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt, flakes or 1/2 teaspoon table salt
fresh ground black pepper, to taste
1 lb ground turkey
1 egg
3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
salt, to taste

Steps:

  • Puree onion and celery to mush in food processor. Remove 2 tbsp of puree and set aside in a small bowl for the meatballs.
  • Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. (If you don't have garlic oil, saute 1 thinly sliced garlic clove in 2 tbsp oil until golden brown and very fragrant, about 3 minutes; remove and discard garlic before proceeding.) Reduce to medium-low, add vegetable puree and thyme, and cook, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
  • Add tomatoes, water, sugar, salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer and let cook while prepping the meatballs.
  • Add all meatball ingredients to reserved vegetable puree. Mix gently to combine; avoid over-mixing to prevent the meatballs from being leaden and heavy.
  • Form mixture into approximately 50 meatballs (each should be about one heaping teaspoon). Once all the meatballs are formed, add them to the simmering sauce. Continue to simmer 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 158.3, Fat 6.3, SaturatedFat 1.9, Cholesterol 72.9, Sodium 576.5, Carbohydrate 12.6, Fiber 2, Sugar 5.4, Protein 13.1

TURKEY MEATBALLS IN TOMATO & FENNEL SAUCE



Turkey meatballs in tomato & fennel sauce image

This quick, tasty and economical supper is a healthy way of getting the family fed

Provided by Good Food team

Categories     Dinner, Main course, Pasta

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 10

400g turkey mince
25g fresh white breadcrumbs
2 garlic cloves , crushed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion , chopped
1 carrot , diced
1 tsp fennel seeds
400g can chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato purée
400g spaghetti , cooked, to serve

Steps:

  • Put the mince in a mixing bowl with the breadcrumbs and half the garlic. Season and mix well to combine. Using your hands, shape the mixture into 12 balls, then chill for 10 mins.
  • Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan. Add the onion, carrot and remaining garlic. Cook for 5-6 mins until softened. Add the fennel seeds and cook for a few secs. Tip in the tomatoes with half a can of water, then stir in the tomato purée. Season and simmer for 15 mins until thickened. Using an electric hand blender, whizz until roughly smooth.
  • Meanwhile, heat the remaining oil in a non-stick frying pan and fry the meatballs for 8-10 mins until cooked through. Transfer to the sauce and simmer until piping hot. Serve with spaghetti.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 216 calories, Fat 8 grams fat, SaturatedFat 1 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 12 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 6 grams sugar, Fiber 2 grams fiber, Protein 26 grams protein, Sodium 0.46 milligram of sodium

TURKEY MEATBALLS IN TOMATO SAUCE



Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce image

This is a healthier and lighter version of traditional Italian meatballs, without sacrificing any great flavours! This is of course, one of my favorites. Courtesy of Giada de Laurentiis.

Provided by Morning Biscotti

Categories     Poultry

Time 35m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons whole milk
3/4 cup grated romano cheese
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 lb ground turkey (dark meat)
1/4 cup olive oil
5 cups tomato sauce or 5 cups other pasta sauce

Steps:

  • Mix together bread crumbs,parsley, eggs, milk, 1/2 cup of the cheese, salt and pepper.
  • Add ground turkey, stir gently to combine. Be careful not to overwork the meat.
  • Shape into bite size balls.
  • Heat oil in a large skiller under medium high heat.
  • Add meatballs until browned, about 3 minutes.
  • Add tomato sauce and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer, about 5 minutes.
  • Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 698, Fat 38.2, SaturatedFat 10.2, Cholesterol 195.1, Sodium 2101.3, Carbohydrate 50.7, Fiber 8.9, Sugar 29.4, Protein 37.5

Tips:

  • Use a combination of ground turkey and ground pork for a more flavorful meatball.
  • Soak the bread crumbs in milk before adding them to the meatball mixture. This will help to keep the meatballs moist and tender.
  • Season the meatballs generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  • Brown the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the tomato sauce. This will help to develop their flavor and prevent them from falling apart.
  • Use a good quality tomato sauce for the best flavor. You can either use a store-bought sauce or make your own.
  • Simmer the meatballs in the tomato sauce for at least 30 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
  • Serve the meatballs over spaghetti, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Conclusion:

Turkey meatballs in tomato sauce is a delicious and easy-to-make dish. It is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a meal that your family and friends will love. So next time you're looking for a quick and tasty recipe, give these turkey meatballs a try.

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