Turkey Meatballs & Spaghetti: A healthier Twist on A Classic Comfort Food
There's something forever comforting about a piping hot plate of tender meatballs drenched in savory marinara sauce, nestled atop a bed of al dente spaghetti. Today's recipe is about rekindling your love for this classic dish, with a lighter touch. By swapping traditional beef for lean ground turkey, you can indulge without the extra guilt.
My family loves this dish. It's in heavy rotation in our household, always met with eager forks and satisfied "mmm's." My toddler gives it an enthusiastic double thumbs up, and even my husband—who fancies himself a meatball connoisseur—can't help but heap on the praise. Whether it's a bustling weekday or a lazy Sunday dinner, these turkey meatballs with spaghetti are a hit!
In this blog post, I'm walking you through the steps to create this comforting yet guilt-free meal that will become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients
1 pound ground turkey
8 ounces spaghetti
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large onion, grated (Grating the onion brings additional juiciness to the meatballs!)
1 cup Panko bread crumbs (You can use seasoned or plain but I’ve found panko holds together better
2 large eggs
24 ounces marinara sauce
1/2 Tbsp Pepper
1/2 Tbsp Salt
2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
4 cloves garlic, minced
Cooking Instructions
Prep the Meatball Mix
Begin by placing the ground turkey in a large mixing bowl. To this, add the grated Parmesan cheese, grated onion for that hidden punch of flavor, and Panko bread crumbs for the perfect meatball texture. Now, season the mix with a dash of salt, pepper, and a healthy sprinkle of Italian seasoning that gives it that authentic taste.
prepare the Eggs
In a separate small bowl, crack the eggs. Whisk them into a scramble. This will serve as your binding agent, holding all the deliciousness together. Don’t skip this step of scrambling them before adding them to your mix because the scramble helps with even distribution.
Combine and Mix
Now, pour the scrambled eggs over your turkey mixture. Using your hands (don't shy away—it's the best way to mix!), combine all ingredients until just incorporated. The panko bread crumbs give these meatballs a lovely bounce when combined with the grated onion. It’s important not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender. I remove my rings and use gloves for this step and I have found that it’s the most efficient way!
Roll the Meatballs
With your mixture ready, start rolling out your meatballs. I rub my hands with olive oil before I start in order to give the meatballs an extra layer of flavor and hold in the moisture. Aim for about a golf ball size, ensuring they're uniform to cook evenly. Lay them out on a sheet pan as you go.
Cook the Meatballs
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs on all sides. You're not trying to cook them through just yet—simply get that golden crust for deeper flavor. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a baking dish.
Simmer in Sauce
Pour your favorite marinara sauce over the meatballs, and let them simmer in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until they’re cooked through. This step infuses the meatballs with the rich tomato flavor and ensures they’re juicy and tender.
Pasta Time
While the meatballs are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Bringing it Together
Once everything is ready, serve the spaghetti on plates or in bowls, topped with a generous portion of turkey meatballs and sauce. Sprinkle a bit more Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.
Adding fresh parmesan to homemade turkey meatballs
Enjoy
Gather around the table, serve up this delightful dish, and watch as the flavors and textures win over everyone—even those skeptical of the lighter turkey twist. This is the perfect dish to make when you’re entertaining guests because you can make it ahead of time and reheat the meatballs in the oven.
Conclusion
And just like that, you’re done! A mouthwatering plate of turkey meatballs and spaghetti that hits the spot for traditional Italian fare but also keeps your health in check. It’s warm, comforting, and brimming with flavor. Who said wholesome couldn't taste fantastic?
Cook this for dinner tonight and watch it become a new, lighter staple at your family gatherings. “Buon appetito!”
