Turkey and Veggie Meatballs with Marinara (Printer View)

Juicy turkey meatballs with zucchini, carrot, and onion baked then simmered in bright homemade marinara sauce.

# Components:

→ For the Meatballs

01 - 1 pound lean ground turkey
02 - 1 cup zucchini, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
03 - 1/2 cup carrot, finely grated
04 - 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
07 - 1/3 cup gluten-free rolled oats or almond flour
08 - 1 large egg
09 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ For the Marinara Sauce

12 - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
13 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
14 - 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
15 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
16 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
17 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
18 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
19 - 1 teaspoon honey or coconut sugar, optional
20 - Fresh basil for garnish

# Method steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, zucchini, carrot, onion, garlic, parsley, oats or almond flour, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
03 - Use a tablespoon or small scoop to form 18 to 20 meatballs. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through.
05 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and honey if using. Simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Transfer baked meatballs to the marinara sauce. Simmer together for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
07 - Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil. Pair with zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, brown rice, or whole grain pasta of choice.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Hidden Veggies: A perfect way to sneak extra nutrients into a meal with grated zucchini and carrots.
  • High Protein: Lean ground turkey provides 28g of protein per serving.
  • Clean Ingredients: Free from processed fillers and refined sugars, using gluten-free oats or almond flour instead.
02 -
  • Moisture Control: Be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated zucchini to ensure the meatballs hold their shape and don't become soggy.
  • Gentle Handling: When mixing the turkey and vegetables, use a light hand. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense meatballs.
  • Acidity Balance: If your canned tomatoes are particularly acidic, the optional teaspoon of honey or coconut sugar helps create a more balanced, mellow sauce.
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