Craving a comforting and easy meal you can enjoy now or later? These Baked Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce are a delicious and freezer friendly dinner recipe, perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll love how simple they are to prepare, making meal prep a breeze.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ground Turkey: Use lean ground turkey. Ground chicken also works well.
- Breadcrumbs: Plain breadcrumbs are fine; whole wheat or gluten-free breadcrumbs are also great options.
- Egg: Acts as a binder. For an egg-free alternative, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, let sit 5 minutes).
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds flavor. Nutritional yeast can be a dairy-free substitute.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred marinara for convenience, or make your own.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1.5 lbs lean ground turkey
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Baking:
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350 calories
- Tools Needed: Large mixing bowl, baking dish (9×13 inch recommended), parchment paper (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
2. Mix Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
3. Form the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 1-inch to 1.5-inch balls. Aim for about 20-24 meatballs. Place them in a single layer in your prepared baking dish.
4. Add Marinara Sauce
Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs, ensuring they are mostly submerged. You can gently stir to coat them if needed.
5. Bake the Meatballs
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink in the center. The sauce will also be bubbly.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let stand for a few minutes. These Baked Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce are a perfect freezer friendly dinner recipe to serve over pasta, with a side of vegetables, or in a sub roll.
Variation Ideas:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a little heat.
- Stir in some finely chopped bell peppers or grated carrots into the meatball mixture for extra veggies.
- Top with a sprinkle of fresh basil before serving.
Storage Instructions:
Allow the baked turkey meatballs to cool completely before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For a great freezer friendly dinner recipe, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can you prepare these meatballs ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the meatballs and store them raw in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze them unbaked.
- What if you don’t have fresh parsley? You can substitute with 1 tablespoon of dried parsley, though fresh offers a brighter flavor.
- Can you cook these in a slow cooker? Yes, after browning the meatballs lightly in a pan, you can transfer them to a slow cooker with the marinara and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
- How do you know when the turkey meatballs are cooked? The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). They should also be firm and no longer pink in the center.
- Are these good for meal prepping? Absolutely, these are a fantastic freezer friendly dinner recipe. Make a big batch and portion them out for quick meals throughout the week.
- Can you make these gluten-free? Yes, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatball mixture.