Turkey Meatballs Zucchini Noodles (Printable version)
Savory turkey meatballs paired with fresh zucchini noodles and a flavorful tomato sauce.
# What you need:
→ Meatballs
01 - 1 lb ground turkey
02 - 1 large egg
03 - 1/3 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
06 - 1 tsp dried oregano
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
09 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
→ Tomato Sauce
10 - 1 tbsp olive oil
11 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
12 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
13 - 14 oz crushed tomatoes
14 - 1/2 tsp dried basil
15 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
16 - 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
17 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Zucchini Noodles
18 - 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized
19 - 1 tbsp olive oil
20 - Salt, to taste
# How To:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Combine ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and Parmesan in a large bowl; mix until just incorporated.
03 - Shape mixture into 16 equal meatballs and arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
05 - Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; sauté onion for 3 to 4 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook 30 seconds more. Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper; simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Gently transfer baked meatballs into the tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
07 - Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat; sauté zucchini noodles for 2 to 3 minutes until just tender. Season with salt.
08 - Plate zucchini noodles and top with meatballs and sauce. Garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan as desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- High in protein and naturally low-carb, so you feel full and energized for hours.
- Comes together in under 45 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners when you're tired but hungry.
- The meatballs stay juicy and tender, never dry or dense like some turkey recipes.
02 -
- Don't overhandle the meatball mixture or they'll become tough and dense instead of tender and juicy.
- Pat your spiralized zucchini dry with paper towels before cooking, or they'll release water and the noodles become soggy instead of tender.
- Taste the tomato sauce and adjust seasoning before serving—canned tomatoes vary, so salt generously.
03 -
- Brown the meatballs in a hot skillet for 2 minutes per side before baking if you want extra golden color and deeper flavor.
- A splash of the meatball baking liquid whisked into the sauce adds savory depth without any fuss.