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One Pot Turkey Meatballs Recipe

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4.1 from 8 reviews

This One Pot Turkey Meatballs recipe features tender, flavorful turkey meatballs simmered in a rich homemade tomato sauce. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs, fresh basil, and a hint of fennel, these meatballs are browned to a golden crisp and then simmered to juicy perfection in a savory sauce, all made in one skillet for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
  • ¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon fennel seed
  • 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • 1 small yellow onion (finely minced)
  • ⅔ cup panko bread crumbs
  • ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan

Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions

  1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, chopped fresh basil, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, fennel seed, minced garlic, minced onion, panko bread crumbs, and freshly grated Parmesan. Mix just until combined to avoid tough meatballs.
  2. Form the Meatballs: Fill a small bowl with water and wet your hands lightly to prevent sticking. Shape the turkey mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
  3. Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes. Once browned, transfer them to a plate and set aside.
  4. Prepare the Sauce and Simmer: Using the same skillet, add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, sugar, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and bay leaves. Stir and bring the sauce to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, return the browned meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
  5. Serve: Remove and discard the bay leaves. Serve the turkey meatballs with sauce over cooked spaghetti. Garnish with additional fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Be careful not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
  • Wetting your hands before shaping helps prevent the mixture from sticking.
  • You can substitute panko bread crumbs with regular bread crumbs if needed.
  • Cooking the meatballs in the skillet sauce infuses them with extra flavor and keeps cleanup easy.
  • Optional crushed red pepper flakes add a mild heat; omit them if you prefer a milder taste.

Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/one-pot-turkey-meatballs-recipe/