Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
These Italian-inspired Turkey Meatballs with Sun-dried Tomato and Basil can be baked in the oven or pan-seared on the stovetop. Simmer them in your favorite marinara sauce for a few minutes, then serve over pasta or with veggies, for a quick healthy weeknight meal. #bakedmeatballs #turkeymeatballs #italianmeatballs

Turkey Meatballs with Sun-dried Tomatoes

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 18 reviews
  • Author: Sylvia Fountaine | Feasting at Home
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: main, dinner recipe,
  • Method: stovetop, baked
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These Italian-inspired Turkey Meatballs with Sundried Tomatoes and Basil can be baked in the oven or pan-seared on the stovetop. Simmer them in your favorite marinara sauce for a few minutes, then serve over pasta or with veggies, for a quick healthy weeknight meal.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1/3 cup sundried tomatoes, (packed in olive oil) chopped
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil (use oil from sun-dried tomatoes if you like)
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup basil, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced (or 1 teaspoon granulated garlic)
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/3 cup grated pecorino cheese or parmesan
  • 23 cups marinara sauce

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425F

Place ground turkey in a bowl and break apart with a fork. Add the sundried tomatoes, olive oil, onion, basil garlic, cheese, salt and pepper and mix with the fork until relatively combined.

With a wet hand, knead the mixture a couple of times then roll to 10-12 equal-sized meatballs. This is easiest if the mixture is cold.

Bake or Pan-sear:

  • Bake: Place on a parchment-lined sheet pan and bake at 425F for 10-12 minutes, or until they just start to get golden. Finish cooking them with the marina sauce (capturing all those pan juices) in an oven-proof skillet or baking dish, sprinkling with more pecorino. You cantop simmer them on the stove or place them back in the oven. Meatballs are done when they register 165F.
  • Pan sear: Using a non-stick skillet, over medium heat, heat enough oil to coat the bottom, and lightly brown each side of the meatballs, gently turning or giving the skillet a good shake. Once golden on most sides, stir in the marinara sauce, gently coating the meatballs. Dust with pecorino cheese and either simmer for 5 minutes, or place in a hot oven for 10 minutes, uncovered.

Check that the meatballs are cooked all the way through (internal temp =165F) and when done, let rest a few minutes, while you garnish them with torn basil leaves.

Serve alongside veggies, over pasta or with whole grain.


Notes

If serving this over pasta, increase marinara sauce by 1 cup for “extra saucy”. 😉

For a richer version, feel free to add 1 egg and 1/2 cup bread crumbs.

A little Smoked mozzarella, grated over the saucy meatballs, and baked in the oven is a also delicious option. 😉

 

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 Meatballs with sauce
  • Calories: 312
  • Sugar: 7.4 g
  • Sodium: 1205.9 mg
  • Fat: 16.4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14.8 g
  • Fiber: 3.4 g
  • Protein: 27.2 g
  • Cholesterol: 88.3 mg