This turkey meatball marinara with spaghetti is a satisfying and flavorful homemade dinner recipe that comes together easily. You can enjoy a wholesome and delicious meal perfect for any night of the week.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ground Turkey: Use lean ground turkey for lighter meatballs. Ground chicken works as a substitute.
- Breadcrumbs: Plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs are fine. You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs if preferred.
- Marinara Sauce: A good quality jarred marinara sauce saves time. You can also make your own from canned tomatoes.
- Spaghetti: Any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine can be used.
Ingredients
For the Turkey Meatballs:
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
For the Marinara Sauce & Spaghetti:
- 24 oz jarred marinara sauce
- 12 oz spaghetti
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Tools Needed: Large mixing bowl, large skillet, large pot
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, parsley, egg, minced garlic, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
2. Form the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 1-inch size meatballs. You should get approximately 20-24 meatballs from this recipe. Place them on a plate as you form them.
3. Cook the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs to the skillet in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides.
4. Simmer in Marinara Sauce
Once the meatballs are browned, pour the marinara sauce over them in the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Cook the Spaghetti
While the meatballs are simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti thoroughly once it’s cooked.
6. Serve Your Homemade Dinner
Divide the cooked spaghetti among serving plates. Top generously with the turkey meatballs and marinara sauce. Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, for a truly satisfying homemade dinner recipe.
Variation Ideas
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Stir in some chopped bell peppers or spinach to the marinara sauce for extra vegetables.
- Serve over zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option.
- Use whole wheat spaghetti for added fiber.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover turkey meatball marinara with spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until thoroughly heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying them?
Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through, before adding them to the marinara sauce.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and cook the meatballs, then store them in the marinara sauce in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
What if my meatballs fall apart?
Ensure you don’t overmix the turkey, and that the egg and breadcrumbs are well incorporated to act as binders. Chilling the mixture for 15 minutes before forming can also help.
Is this a good homemade dinner recipe for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is excellent for meal prep. You can store individual portions for quick and easy lunches or dinners.
Can I freeze the cooked turkey meatballs?
You can freeze cooked meatballs without the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before adding to warmed marinara sauce.
How can I make the marinara sauce richer?
You can simmer the sauce for a longer period (up to an hour) to deepen its flavor, or add a tablespoon of tomato paste.