Baked Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles
Baked Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles offers a healthier twist on the classic meatball and pasta dish, replacing traditional pasta with zucchini noodles. The flavorful and tender turkey meatballs pair perfectly with the freshness of zucchini noodles, creating a satisfying and wholesome meal that’s rich in protein and vegetables.
INGREDIENTS
For Baked Turkey Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground turkey (lean or extra-lean)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Zucchini Noodles:
- 3-4 medium zucchini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Tomato Sauce (optional):
- 1 cup tomato sauce (canned or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or marjoram)
- Salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Baked Turkey Meatballs:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
Shape the mixture into meatballs of your desired size and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
Zucchini Noodles:
Wash the zucchini and trim the ends.
Using a spiralizer or a julienne peeler, create zucchini noodles.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are slightly softened but still maintain their crunch. Season with salt and pepper.
Tomato Sauce (optional):
In a small saucepan, heat tomato sauce over medium heat.
Add dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes to warm up the sauce and infuse it with the herbs.
Assembling the Dish:
Divide the Zucchini Noodles among serving plates.
Place Baked Turkey Meatballs on top of the zucchini noodles.
If using, drizzle Tomato Sauce over the meatballs and zucchini noodles.
TIPS
Customize the meatballs by adding chopped fresh herbs, grated carrots, or diced bell peppers to the mixture.
Feel free to use your favorite sauce or dressing to complement the dish.
Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
NUTRITION VALUE
- Calories: Approximately 300-350 kcal (for 4-5 meatballs and zucchini noodles)
- Protein: About 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: Around 10-15g
- Fat: Approximately 15-18g
