Smoky BBQ Turkey Meatballs in Marinara

Looking for a delicious and healthy dish to brighten your spring brunch? These Smoky BBQ Turkey Meatballs in Marinara are your answer! This easy weeknight dinner combines lean turkey with a flavorful smoky BBQ twist, all enveloped in rich, tangy marinara sauce. Perfect for family gatherings, these meatballs are a comforting treat that everyone will love. Try this recipe tonight and enjoy a nourishing meal that feels like a celebration!

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Ingredients

For the Turkey Meatballs:

1 lb ground turkey

1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup smoky BBQ sauce

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Marinara Sauce:

2 cups crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)

2 tbsp olive oil

1/2 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, smoky BBQ sauce, beaten egg, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until the ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overmix, which helps keep the meatballs tender.

Shape the Meatballs:

- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Using your hands, form the turkey mixture into meatballs, aiming for a size between 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should yield about 20 meatballs.

Bake the Meatballs:

- Place the formed meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until cooked through, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Make the Marinara Sauce:

- While the meatballs are baking, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

- Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, and optional red pepper flakes to the saucepan. Season with salt and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to blend the flavors.

Combine Meatballs with Sauce:

- Once the meatballs are baked, carefully add them to the simmering marinara sauce. Gently stir to coat each meatball with sauce and let them simmer together for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Serve:

- Serve the smoky BBQ turkey meatballs with marinara over your favorite pasta, creamy polenta, or in a toasted sub roll for a delightful meatball sandwich. For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 50 mins | 4-6 servings