Delicious and Healthy Spaghetti with Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Are you tired of the same old pasta dishes? Want to add some excitement to your weekly menu? Look no further than this Spaghetti and Turkey Meatballs recipe!
I am a home chef who loves throwing parties, and believe me, this dish always steals the show. The simple yet flavorful combination of spaghetti and juicy turkey meatballs will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Not only is this recipe easy to prepare, it’s also a healthier alternative to traditional meatball dishes. By using ground turkey instead of beef, you’ll get all the protein without as much saturated fat. And don’t even get me started on the aroma that will fill your kitchen as these meatballs bake in the oven!
So grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking! Your family and friends will thank you for adding this delicious twist to their dinner routine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Friends, let’s face it, we all love a classic spaghetti and meatballs dinner. It’s hearty, comforting, and soul-satisfying. But what sets this recipe apart from others? Let me tell you – this is the holy grail of turkey meatballs recipes. Trust me; you will love it!
Firstly, this recipe uses ground turkey instead of beef, making it a healthier option without compromising on taste or texture. The secret to juicy and tender meatballs lies in the addition of old-fashioned oats, which not only adds fiber to your dish but also makes the meatballs more filling.
Secondly, this recipe is so easy to make! No complicated techniques or fancy equipment required; all you need is a large bowl and a baking sheet. Simply mix together the ingredients for the meatballs and bake them in the oven while the spaghetti cooks on the stovetop.
Thirdly, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Not a fan of spaghetti? Substitute it for spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles. Want to make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. The possibilities are endless!
Lastly, let’s talk about flavor. This dish boasts a variety of herbs like fresh basil and parsley that enhance its savory profile. The meatballs are coated in a rich tomato sauce with a hint of red wine that takes things to another level.
To sum it up, this Spaghetti and Turkey Meatballs Recipe offers a healthier take on a classic dish without compromising on taste or comfort. It is effortless to prepare, customizable to fit any dietary need, and full of amazingly tasty goodness. So why wouldn’t you fall in love with it?
Ingredient List
Before delving into the recipe, let’s take a look at what you’ll need. This recipe yields succulent turkey meatballs in tomato sauce perfectly paired with spaghetti. Be sure to gather all the necessary ingredients before beginning the cooking process.
For the meatballs:
- 1-pound ground turkey
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup of bread crumbs
- 1/3 cup of milk
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup of old-fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the tomato sauce:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups of crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1/4 cup of red wine
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil or oregano, finely chopped
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of the recipe. I have broken down The Recipe How-To into two parts for easier understanding. We’ll start with creating the turkey meatballs from scratch.
Making the Turkey Meatballs
-
In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground turkey, 1/2 cup of old fashioned oats, 1 finely chopped small onion, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of milk, 1 egg and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
-
Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
-
Use your hands to form mixture into approximately 22 meatballs.
-
Place them on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
Next, we will proceed to cooking the spaghetti in part two.
Cooking the Spaghetti
-
Boil a large pot of water over medium-high heat before adding a pinch of salt to enhance flavour.
-
Cook according to package instructions until al dente`.
-
Using tongs, transfer the cooked spaghetti into a separate bowl/container. Don’t strain out all the water yet!
-
Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water for future use.
After completing this stage, we can now bring both elements together.
Combining everything
-
For every pound of cooked spaghetti, pour half jar/tin (approx. equivalent to 2 cups) of tomato sauce over it.
-
Over low heat, stir frequently until one uniform mixture is achieved.
Tip: To make this dish extra indulgent, mix in some grated Parmesan cheese or sprinkle on top when serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Now that you know how to make homemade turkey meatballs and cook spaghetti while bringing them together with your own tomato sauce.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about cooking is the ability to customize and tweak recipes to suit your preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations you can make to this Spaghetti and Turkey Meatballs recipe:
– Ground beef or pork: If you don’t have ground turkey on hand, you can substitute it with ground beef or pork. Keep in mind that these options may have a stronger flavor than turkey, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.
– Gluten-free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute them with almond flour. You can also use brown rice spaghetti instead of regular spaghetti.
– Spicier: If you prefer a spicier dish, add some red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or sprinkle some over the finished dish.
– Vegetarian: To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the turkey meatballs and replace them with vegetarian meatballs or sliced mushrooms that have been sautéed in olive oil and seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs.
– Meat sauce: Instead of making meatballs, you can brown ground turkey (or beef or pork) in a pan and then add tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, and seasonings to create a meat sauce. Serve it over spaghetti for an equally delicious meal.
Whether you want to accommodate dietary restrictions, add some heat or switch up the protein source, these variations offer endless possibilities to experiment with flavors and textures. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Serving and Pairing
It’s time to get ready to dig into this delicious spaghetti and turkey meatballs dish! To serve, simply spoon the meatballs and tomato sauce over a bed of spaghetti, and sprinkle it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and chopped fresh parsley.
When it comes to pairing, a nice glass of red wine such as Chianti or Merlot is always a great complement to the richness of the dish. However, if you are more into non-alcoholic beverages, a refreshing iced tea or lemonade can also work well.
If you want to get fancy for your guests, consider adding some garlic bread on the side of the pasta for an extra touch of indulgence. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try serving it over spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for a gluten-free and low-carb twist.
Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy this comforting classic Italian-style dinner with your loved ones over some felicitous conversations!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Ah, leftovers. The unsung heroes of the culinary world. You know what I mean. That rich spaghetti and turkey meatballs recipe that you concocted last night doesn’t have to be a one-hit wonder. Since you already put in the effort to create it, why not have it for lunch or dinner tomorrow as well? Here are some great tips for making the most of your recipe while ensuring it lasts long and remains delicious.
One thing you can do is cook a double batch of spaghetti and turkey meatballs and store them for future consumption. Make sure to cool them down rapidly using shallow containers and store them in the fridge or freezer in airtight containers with enough space for expansion. Stored this way, your spaghetti and meatballs can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer.
When reheating your dish, always ensure that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The best way to reheat spaghetti is by adding some water, oil, or tomato sauce on top to bring back the moisture lost during refrigeration, and stir occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you could reheat your spaghetti and turkey meatballs recipe in the microwave or oven. However, beware of overcooking as it can drain out all the moisture leaving you with drier pasta.
If you are planning on keeping this dish warm for a longer time period or serving it at a party, be sure to use a slow cooker or chafing dish over low heat instead of direct stove-top heat. That will keep your cheese melty and sauce at optimal temperature so that your guests can enjoy a perfect meal.
Following these simple tips can help take your leftover spaghetti meatballs from drab to fab!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making spaghetti and turkey meatballs, achieving perfection can be a little tricky but with a few tips, you can make it happen. Here are some tips that can help you improve the quality of your dish and enjoy a perfect meal.
Firstly, ensure that you use fresh and high-quality ingredients. The taste of the dish depends on the ingredients used, so getting fresh herbs, vegetables, and meat is crucial. Use fresh oregano, basil, parsley for the best aroma and flavor. Also, ensure that you use crushed tomatoes instead of tomato sauce as it adds more texture and depth to your sauce.
Secondly, use the right amount of seasoning in the dish. While kosher salt works perfectly well for most dishes, make sure that you don’t under or overdo it with other spices. For instance, if you use garlic cloves in your meatballs, ensure that you don’t overpower the dish with garlic by using just enough to get that perfect taste.
Thirdly, shape your meatballs into small pieces to allow them to cook evenly. You might think bigger is better when it comes to meatballs but smaller bite-sized meatballs cook faster without burning on the outside or remaining raw inside.
Fourthly, after boiling your spaghetti, add it immediately into your sauce while hot. The hot spaghetti will absorb more sauce for better flavor penetration.
Fifthly, let your meatballs rest before serving. Allowing them a few minutes to rest in their juices heightens the flavors and keeps them tender & juicy.
Implementing these simple tips will take your spaghetti and turkey meatballs from just okay to an amazing meal every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal that will impress your guests, then this Spaghetti and Turkey Meatballs Recipe should definitely be on your list. With its flavorful and juicy turkey meatballs, accompanied by the savory tomato sauce, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Not only is this recipe tasty, but it also provides some healthy substitutions such as using turkey instead of beef and whole wheat spaghetti to make it a little more waist-friendly. And with versatile serving options such as spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles, this dish can cater to any dietary needs.
So why not give it a try? With simple steps and the potential for customization, this recipe is perfect for an experienced chef or a beginner cook alike. Don’t forget to add some fresh herbs like basil or parsley, and sprinkle on some parmesan cheese for an extra authentic Italian touch.
In summary, this Spaghetti and Turkey Meatballs Recipe is the perfect meal to impress your guests or indulge in for a cozy night at home. So grab your apron and get cooking – you won’t regret it!
Spaghetti and Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
For the Turkey Meatballs
- 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh baby spinach leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 large egg
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 4 -8 tablespoons grapeseed oil
For the Quick Marina Sauce
- one 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 3 tablespoons red wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 lb spaghetti
- chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- chopped fresh basil, for garnish
- grated parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- For the turkey meatballs: Add the oats to a food processor and pulse a few times. The consistency should resemble breadcrumbs. Add the oats and milk to a small bowl and set aside for 5 minutes.
- Add the onions, spinach, Parmesan, salt, pepper, garlic and egg to a large bowl and mix well. Add the oat mixture and combine. Lastly, add the turkey and gently fold into the wet mixture. Keep the mixture light by not over-mixing. Form into bite-size balls using a small cookie scoop for uniform meatballs.
- Heat 4 tablespoons of the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add half of the meatballs and brown on all sides, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and repeat with the second batch, adding more oil if needed. Set the meatballs aside but reserve the Dutch oven for the sauce.
- For the quick marinara sauce: Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, pepper and garlic to the Dutch oven and stir. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover and let simmer for about 10 minutes. Gently add the browned meatballs to the sauce. Do not overcrowd. Simmer until the meatballs are cooked thoroughly, another 10 to 15 minutes. If making the optional spicy version, add the red wine and chile flakes in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season with a generous pinch of salt. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.
- Combine some of the sauce with the cooked spaghetti. Plate the spaghetti and meatballs and add the remaining sauce over everything. Garnish with parsley, basil and grated Parmesan. Serve hot.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!