Skinny Italian Turkey Meatballs

These meatballs use turkey so that they are lighter and healthier than their heartier beefier brother. Their smaller size makes them great as an appetizer with toothpicks inserted, or inside an Italian bread sandwich. But of course, we think they are best for a classic meal with pasta.

These come in at 230 calories and 21g of protein per serving. These will serve 6 and take a total of 35 minutes to make.

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

• 20 oz 1.3 lb ground turkey breast 99% lean
• 1/4 cup whole wheat seasoned breadcrumbs, or gluten-free crumbs
• 1/4 cup Reggiano Parmigiano cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 1 large clove garlic, crushed
• 1 tsp kosher salt + fresh pepper

For the marinara sauce:

• 2 tsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes, I like Tuttorosso
• 1/2 small onion, keep whole
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil
• salt and fresh pepper to taste

Instructions

• In a medium size pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and saute until golden, being careful not to burn. Add crushed tomatoes, onion, salt, pepper, oregano, basil and bay leaf. Stir and reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer on low 5-10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, garlic and cheese. Using wet hands, mix all the ingredients well until everything is combined. Form small meatballs, about the size of a ping ping ball (1/8th cup each).
• Add the meatballs to the sauce and cook about 20 minutes. Discard the bay leaf and serve over pasta or on whole wheat Italian bread for a meatball hero.