Great Meatballs
Juicy, flavorful meatballs made from turkey, seasoned with Italian herbs, simmered in rich spaghetti sauce—perfect for a comforting family meal or casual dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground turkey, egg, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings in a large mixing bowl.
- Shape the mixture into 16 meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in a Pam-sprayed skillet until evenly cooked.
- Add one bottle of spaghetti sauce and one-third of a bottle of water to the skillet.
- Simmer the meatballs in the sauce until heated through and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or chopped onions directly into the meatball mixture. If you don't have bread crumbs, crushed crackers or oats can work as a substitute. Additionally, feel free to swap the ground turkey for ground chicken or beef depending on your preference. For a fun twist, try serving the meatballs with a side of Baked Cavatelli.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over a bed of spaghetti or with crusty bread for a hearty meal. They pair beautifully with a side salad or roasted vegetables. For a complete Italian-inspired dinner, enjoy them alongside Best Lasagna or a refreshing Antipasto Tortellini Salad to round out the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to prevent drying out, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs in a single layer and transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great Meatballs contains roughly 100 calories, with 8g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value) and calcium (12% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground turkey is a lean option, you can use ground beef, chicken, or pork. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat's fat content and cooking temperature.
How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
To make gluten-free meatballs, substitute regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Always check the labels for any hidden gluten ingredients in sauces and seasonings as well.
Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time. Shape them and store in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze uncooked meatballs and cook them straight from frozen, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).