Ready for a wholesome, comforting meal that’s also incredibly easy to make? These Turkey Meatball Marinara Bowls are exactly that – tender, flavorful turkey meatballs simmering in a rich marinara sauce, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. It’s a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, without any fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ground Turkey: Use lean ground turkey for a healthier option. Ground chicken works well as a substitute.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko or regular breadcrumbs are fine. For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oat flour.
- Marinara Sauce: Your favorite jarred marinara sauce makes this super quick. You can also make your own from scratch.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for flavor, but pre-grated works too. Nutritional yeast can be a dairy-free alternative.
- Fresh Basil: Adds a pop of fresh flavor. Dried basil can be used in a pinch (use less), or parsley.
Ingredients:
For the Turkey Meatballs:
* 1 lb lean ground turkey
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
* 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 large egg
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Marinara Bowls:
* 24 oz jarred marinara sauce
* 1/2 cup water or chicken broth (optional, for thinning sauce)
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
* Additional Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 (varies by ingredients)
- Tools Needed: Large mixing bowl, large skillet or Dutch oven, baking sheet (optional, for baking meatballs)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can make the meatballs tough.
2. Form the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 1-inch size meatballs. You should get about 18-20 meatballs. Placing them on a plate or baking sheet as you go helps keep them organized.
3. Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes; they don’t need to be cooked through at this stage.
4. Simmer in Marinara
Once browned, pour the jarred marinara sauce over the meatballs. If the sauce seems too thick, add 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth to thin it out slightly. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let the turkey meatballs cook for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Serve Your Marinara Bowls
Uncover the skillet, give the sauce a gentle stir, and check the meatballs are cooked through. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese before serving. These Turkey Meatball Marinara Bowls are wonderful on their own or with a side of crusty bread.
Storage Instructions:
Leftover Turkey Meatball Marinara Bowls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through, or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
-
Can I bake the meatballs instead of browning them?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through, then add to the simmering marinara. -
What can I serve with these turkey meatball marinara bowls?
They are great on their own, with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or even over pasta or zucchini noodles. -
Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes, both cooked and uncooked meatballs can be frozen. Freeze cooked meatballs in the sauce for up to 3 months. Freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. -
How do I know if my turkey meatballs are cooked through?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). They will also no longer be pink in the center. -
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, omit the Parmesan cheese in the meatballs, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Ensure your marinara sauce is also dairy-free. -
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
You can use dried herbs! As a general rule, use about one-third of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. For this recipe, about 1-2 teaspoons of dried parsley would work.