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Ground Turkey

Kid-Friendly Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

Discover the ultimate family-friendly meal with Cheesy Kid-Approved Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce. This delightful recipe combines tender, cheesy turkey meatballs with a rich marinara sauce, making it a hit for both kids and adults. Made with lean ground turkey and whole wheat breadcrumbs, it's a nutritious option that ensures your children get the vitamins they need. Whether served over pasta or in a sandwich, this dish is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Enjoy a comforting, delicious meal that's easy to prepare and packed with flavor!
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Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground turkey

1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Marinara Sauce:

2 cups marinara sauce (you can use store-bought or homemade)

1 teaspoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, depending on your kid's spice tolerance)

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

For Serving:

Cooked pasta or spaghetti

Extra grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C), and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

    Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix all the ingredients gently until just combined, taking care not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.

      Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, take portions of the mixture and shape them into meatballs approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the formed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet with enough space in between each for even cooking.

        Bake the Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are thoroughly cooked and golden brown on the outside.

          Prepare the Marinara Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, pour in the marinara sauce and add the optional red pepper flakes if using. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

            Combine Meatballs with Sauce: Once the meatballs are finished baking, carefully transfer them into the skillet with the simmering marinara sauce. Gently stir the meatballs to ensure they are well-coated in the sauce. Let them simmer together for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

              Serve: Serve the delicious turkey meatballs over a bed of cooked pasta or spaghetti. Garnish with fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor.

                Enjoy: Watch as your kids enjoy every bite of these tasty meatballs, guaranteed to bring smiles all around!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | Serves 4-6