Italian Turkey Meatballs

 I love anything pasta, so when I found this recipe for a healthy turkey spaghetti, I was all over it. I normally don't make meatballs, so it was a nice change from my traditional spaghetti. I was also surprised at how easy making homemade meatballs is. Plus, the addition of fresh herbs really takes it to a new level! I have made this recipe quite a few times now, an each time we are reminded of how delicious it is. I hope you will give this fresh and tasty recipe a try! It's definitely a keeper! Recipe adapted from SkinnyTaste.

In a large bowl mix ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, basil, salt, pepper, italian seasoning until well combined. I used a fork to get everything mixed.

Lightly grease a baking pan lined with aluminum foil. Roll meat mixture into golf-ball sized balls (or size of your liking). They don't expand, so you can pack them pretty closely. Bake at 400 degree for about 15 minutes.

Transfer the meatballs to a large saucepan along with the spaghetti sauce of your choice. I like to use organic tomato basil sauce. I used one large container of sauce, but if you like your spaghetti very saucy, you might want to add half of an extra jar of sauce. *If you were wanting to use a slowcooker this is the point you would put everything in the crockpot for a few hours.*

Cover the saucepan and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until meatballs are completely cooked. 

Serve plain, over spaghetti, or as a meatball sub! I like to top it with fresh grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil. Pair it with a salad and some toasted whole grain bread and you have a perfect meal!

Italian Turkey Meatballs

Makes about 20 small/med meatballs

Serves about 5

1 lb lean ground turkey

1 egg

1/4 c. whole wheat bread crumbs

1/4 Parmesan cheese

1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley

2 TBSP chopped fresh basil

1 clove minced garlic

1 tsp salt 

1/2 tsp. pepper

1/4 tsp. Italian seasoning

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes(optional)

1 large jar(or more) spaghetti sauce of your choice(we use organic tomato basil)

whole wheat spaghetti noodles

Preheat oven to 400. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined. Line a baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease with olive oil. Roll meat mixture into golf-ball sized balls and place on baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes. Transfer meatballs to a large saucepan with spaghetti sauce and simmer covered for another 15 minutes, or until meatballs are finished cooking. Top cooked spaghetti noodles and garnish with Parmesan cheese and more fresh chopped herbs.  

To Make in a Slowcooker: After you take the meatballs out of the oven, transfer to your slow cooker along with spaghetti sauce. Cook on low for a few hours, or until you are ready to eat.