Tuscan Turkey Meatballs Simple Saucy

Recipe Introduction: Tuscan Turkey Meatballs, Sorted!

Fancy a taste of Tuscany without forking out for a flight? Me too. These Tuscan Turkey Meatballs bring that rustic, comforting vibe straight to your kitchen.

Plus, they're lighter than the traditional beef version. We're talking healthy and delicious. What’s not to love?

A Little Taste of Italy, From Your Kitchen

These meatballs are inspired by classic Italian Nonna cooking. They use simple ingredients for a right proper flavour explosion. It's a pretty easy recipe.

Prep takes about 20 minutes plus 15 for chilling, and then 30 minutes to cook. You get enough for 4-6 hungry souls.

Trust me, these Turkey Meatballs go down a treat.

Why You'll Love These Meatballs

These ain’t your average bangers. Lean ground turkey means these Low Cal Turkey Meatballs are a guilt free pleasure. Perfect for a cosy night in, or when you're entertaining.

What makes these Best Turkey Meatballs special? The perfect blend of herbs and the rich, simmered sauce.

First Things First: The Shopping List

Alright, let's talk ingredients. For the meatballs themselves, you'll need 1 lb ground turkey. Also, ½ cup panko breadcrumbs and ¼ cup grated Parmesan.

Don't forget 1 egg, 2 cloves garlic (minced), and ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley. Plus, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

A dash of red pepper flakes is optional, if you like it hot.

Now, for that lush sauce . Grab 2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ medium yellow onion (finely chopped), and 2 cloves garlic (minced).

Then, 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, and 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce. Round it out with 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried basil, salt, and pepper.

Water (or red wine for that extra oomph ). Fresh basil for garnish is the cherry on top.

How Long to Cook Turkey Meatballs?

Getting the timing right is key. You want tender, juicy Turkey Meatballs . Not dry, rubbery bullets. The key is simmering them gently in the sauce.

So, how long to cook turkey meatballs in sauce ? About 25- 30 minutes should do it. The turkey meatball internal temperature needs to hit 165° F ( 74° C).

A turkey meatball cooking time chart can be handy, but trust your instincts and a good meat thermometer.

Ingredients & Equipment for Cracking Meatballs

Right, let's talk ingredients for these banging Tuscan Turkey Meatballs . Forget dodgy ready meals. We're doing this proper. You'll need good stuff. Remember, quality in equals quality out.

Main Ingredients Breakdown

First, grab 1 lb (454g) of ground turkey. Go for at least 93% lean . Honestly, it makes a difference. You don't want a pool of grease, do you? Next, 1/2 cup (40g) of panko breadcrumbs.

They give a lovely texture. Don't use that stale stuff at the back of the cupboard! Then, 1/4 cup (25g) of grated Parmesan.

The real stuff. Not the powdered nonsense. A large egg , 2 cloves garlic , 1/4 cup (10g) fresh parsley, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper.

Got it? Good.

For the sauce you want, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 medium yellow onion , chopped. You'll also need 2 cloves of garlic , minced of course, one 28oz (794g) can of crushed tomatoes, and one 15oz (425g) can of tomato sauce.

Then add 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp each of salt and pepper, and 1/4 cup (60ml) of water - or red wine if you're feeling fancy.

A few fresh basil leaves to garnish. Bob's your uncle!

Seasoning Like a Pro

Oregano and basil? Classic Italian. Essential! A little red pepper flake? Adds a cheeky kick. Don't overdo it though. For a bit of umami magic, try a dash of Worcestershire sauce.

It's our little secret. Don’t have oregano? Marjoram will do in a pinch.

Kit You’ll Actually Need

Right, you don’t need a load of fancy gear. A large mixing bowl is essential. For baking, use a baking sheet.

Got a large skillet or Dutch oven? Perfect for the sauce and meatballs. A lid is important! And, of course, measuring cups and spoons.

No rocket science, this. If you ain’t got a skillet, a large frying pan will be the bees knees!

And remember folks turkey meatball internal temperature should reach 165° F ( 74° C) . Knowing how long to cook turkey well is key to success.

Getting that right is a total winner

Honestly, that's all you need! Now get cooking!

Cooking Method: Simmering your Tuscan Turkey Meatballs

Right then, let's talk simmering. It's the way to cook these beauties. Forget frying we’re going for tender, flavour packed Turkey Meatball perfection here. Plus, it keeps them nice and juicy.

Prep Steps

First things first, get your mise en place sorted. Chop your onions and garlic. Grab your can of crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.

Measure out your herbs and spices. Having everything ready saves you a headache later. Time saving organization tips will make your experience smoother.

Next, you want to form your turkey meatballs . Remember, don't overmix the meat! Gently roll about 1 inch meatballs. Pop them on a baking sheet.

step-by-step Process

Alright, follow these steps. This is how long to cook turkey meatballs in sauce.

1. Sauté your chopped onion in olive oil over medium heat until softened. About 5 minutes .
2. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Around 1 minute . Oh my gosh, the smell is divine!
3. Stir in your crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and water (or red wine if you're feeling fancy!).
4. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
5. Carefully place the Turkey Meatball in the simmering sauce. Make sure they're in a single layer.
6. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 25- 30 minutes . Turn them occasionally to cook evenly.
7. Ensure the turkey meatball internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) . Honestly, use a meat thermometer.

Pro Tips

Want Best Turkey Meatballs ever? Then listen closely.

• Don’t boil! A gentle simmer keeps the meatballs tender and prevents them from toughening up.
• Avoid the common mistake of overcrowding the pan. Work in batches if needed.
• You can make the sauce ahead of time! Just store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Then add the meatballs and simmer when ready.

So, there you have it. Simmering is key to Healthy Turkey Meatballs No Breadcrumbs , Low Cal Turkey Meatballs that taste flipping amazing! Enjoy.

Recipe Notes for Brilliant Tuscan Turkey Meatballs

Right, so you're ready to tackle these Tuscan Turkey Meatballs . Before you crack on, let's have a quick chinwag about some helpful hints and tips, shall we? Think of this as the "avoid-a-culinary disaster" section.

Serving Suggestions: Ace Presentation

Honestly, presentation matters. Serve these beauties over spaghetti with a generous dollop of sauce. A sprinkle of parmesan never goes amiss either.

Polenta is another great shout, makes it dead cosy. Or, if you're feeling a bit cheeky, make little sliders with mozzarella.

A simple green salad on the side does the trick. For drinks, a nice glass of Chianti is perfect.

Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh

Got leftovers? No worries. These Healthy Turkey Meatballs No Breadcrumbs can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Just pop them in an airtight container. Fancy making a big batch? You can freeze them! Spread them out on a baking sheet first, then bung them in a freezer bag.

To reheat, either simmer them in the sauce or give them a blast in the microwave. If you are looking for how long to cook turkey meatballs in sauce, usually they just need about 5- 10 minutes to warm through.

Variations: Getting Creative

Fancy a twist? For spicy meatballs, add a pinch of chilli flakes. Or try chicken instead of turkey. If you're avoiding gluten, swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones.

Skipping the parmesan? No sweat. Nutritional yeast works a treat. Here's your list of 10 , and it's good to know that these meatballs can be adapted to your needs!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. These meatballs are fairly healthy as far as meatballs go. Each serving has about 350 calories.

They're packed with protein at 30g. There's a good bit of fat. They also are good Low Cal Turkey Meatballs .

These are fantastic because they contain less fat than beef meatballs. You might be asking yourself how long to cook turkey meatballs in sauce , remember that simmering helps retain the moisture, preventing them from drying out and also that it allows the flavours to meld beautifully, resulting in a much more satisfying and nutritious meal.

So there you have it! These Ground Turkey Meatball Recipes are easy and good for you. Don't fret about making mistakes! Just get in there and have a go.

Best Turkey Meatballs are within your reach. Enjoy! Also remember to check the turkey meatball internal temperature to be at least 165° F .

Now go on, get cooking! You are on your way to becoming a Turkey Meatball master!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to cook turkey meatballs so they're not dry and tough?

For these Tuscan Turkey Meatballs, simmer them gently in the tomato sauce for 25-30 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Simmering, rather than boiling, keeps them tender. Think of it like making a good cuppa - low and slow is the way to go!

Can I cook these turkey meatballs from frozen, and if so, how long do I need to adjust the cooking time?

While technically possible, it's best to thaw the meatballs first for even cooking. Cooking from frozen will significantly increase the time required, potentially leading to uneven cooking and a less desirable texture.

Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, or use the defrost setting on your microwave if you're in a hurry - just be sure to cook them immediately afterwards!

How long to cook turkey meatballs in the oven versus on the stovetop? Which is better?

You can bake the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes. However, simmering them in sauce on the stovetop is the recommended method for this recipe. The sauce keeps them moist and infuses them with flavour, whereas baking might result in drier meatballs.

Like putting Mary Berry in charge of baking, we'll get the most perfect results by simmering them.

I'm trying to watch my weight. Are these turkey meatballs a healthy option, and what are the nutritional considerations?

Absolutely! Using lean ground turkey makes these meatballs a relatively healthy option. They're packed with protein and lower in fat than traditional beef meatballs. Each serving contains roughly 350 calories, 30g of protein, and 20g of fat, but be mindful of your portion sizes and consider serving them with whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles for a lighter meal.

You can also reduce the amount of Parmesan or use a low-fat version.

Can I make a big batch of these turkey meatballs ahead of time, and how long will they keep?

Yes, these meatballs are perfect for meal prepping! You can store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Alternatively, freeze them for up to 2-3 months.

Let them cool completely before freezing, and consider freezing them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag to prevent them from sticking together. Just like a good batch of sausage rolls, these are great to have on hand!