Description
This Zucchini Turkey Meatball recipe is a healthy, flavorful, and easy meal prep option featuring moist turkey meatballs combined with grated zucchini and red onion, baked to perfection and served in a rich homemade marinara sauce. Perfect for a low-fat, nutritious dinner that can be enjoyed fresh or saved for later.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 2 pounds ground turkey meat (ground beef will work too!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 3 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt, about 1 1/4 teaspoons
- Ground black pepper, about 1/2 teaspoon
- 2 cups zucchini, finely grated and drained (yields about 1 cup drained)
- 1 small red onion, grated
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, olive oil, minced garlic, eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, grated and drained zucchini, and grated red onion. Use your hands to mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture is moist but holds its shape.
- Form Meatballs: Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into firm balls. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are evenly browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare Marinara Sauce: While meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until golden and fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add Sauce Ingredients and Simmer: Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, sugar, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Once meatballs are cooked, gently add them to the simmering marinara sauce, stirring to coat them well. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes or pasta.
Notes
- The zucchini must be finely grated and well-drained to prevent meatballs from becoming soggy.
- Use ground turkey for a leaner option or ground beef if preferred, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Allow meatballs to rest briefly after baking for juicier texture.
- Simmer the sauce on low to develop deeper flavors.
- These meatballs freeze well; store cooked meatballs in sauce in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
