Low-Carb Mains

Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

Name: Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground turkey, 90% lean; 1/2 cup (60g) whole-grain breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh basil; 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 2 cups (475ml) marinara sauce; 1 cup (115g) grated Parmesan cheese

By Ruth Feldman · June 18, 2026 · Low-Carb Mains

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total45 min

Serves4

Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce — Savory meatballs in homemade marinara

When my father was diagnosed with type-2 diabetes, I knew I had to learn how to cook in a way that would help him manage his condition. That's when I discovered the joy of balanced, blood-sugar-friendly cooking. One of our favorite dishes is Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce, a recipe that's not only delicious but also easy to make and packed with nutrients.

This recipe is special because it's made with lean protein, high-fiber vegetables, and a measured portion of slow whole-food carbohydrates. The turkey meatballs are flavored with herbs and spices, and the marinara sauce is made from scratch with fresh tomatoes and garlic. It's a dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

I love making this recipe because it's so versatile. You can serve it with whole-grain pasta, zucchini noodles, or even as a sub sandwich. And the best part is that it's a crowd-pleaser - everyone in my family loves it, and I'm sure you will too.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make the turkey meatballs from scratch, including how to choose the right ingredients and how to cook them to perfection. I'll also share my tips for making the marinara sauce, including how to use fresh tomatoes and how to add depth of flavor with herbs and spices.

So if you're looking for a delicious and healthy recipe that's perfect for any occasion, look no further than Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce. It's a dish that's sure to become a favorite in your household, just like it has in mine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions
The turkey meatballs are lean and packed with protein, making them a great option for health-conscious eaters
The marinara sauce is made from scratch with fresh tomatoes and garlic, giving it a rich and depthful flavor
This recipe is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, including whole-grain pasta, zucchini noodles, or as a sub sandwich
It's a great option for meal prep, as the meatballs and sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated as needed

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great turkey meatballs is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook them with care. That means using fresh herbs and spices, and taking the time to brown the meatballs properly before adding them to the marinara sauce.

The marinara sauce is also crucial to the success of this recipe. By using fresh tomatoes and garlic, we can create a sauce that's not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. And by cooking the sauce slowly over low heat, we can bring out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and create a depth of flavor that's just amazing.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the balance of flavors. By combining the savory flavor of the turkey meatballs with the bright, acidic flavor of the marinara sauce, we can create a dish that's both satisfying and delicious. And by serving the meatballs with a side of whole-grain pasta or zucchini noodles, we can add some extra fiber and nutrients to the dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, and marinara sauce. You'll also need some fresh herbs and spices, including parsley, basil, and oregano.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality options that are fresh and flavorful. For the ground turkey, look for a lean option that's at least 90% lean. For the breadcrumbs, choose a whole-grain option that's low in added sugars and preservatives.

1 lb (450g) ground turkey, 90% leanChoose a high-quality ground turkey that's at least 90% lean to keep the dish healthy and flavorful
1/2 cup (60g) whole-grain breadcrumbsUse whole-grain breadcrumbs to add fiber and nutrients to the dish
1 eggThe egg helps bind the meatballs together and adds moisture and richness to the dish
1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to the dish and pairs well with the turkey and marinara sauce
1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh basilFresh basil adds a sweet, slightly spicy flavor to the dish and pairs well with the tomatoes and garlic in the marinara sauce
1 tsp (5g) dried oreganoDried oregano adds a pungent, earthy flavor to the dish and pairs well with the turkey and marinara sauce
1/2 tsp (2g) saltUse a high-quality salt that's low in added preservatives and flavorings
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp, spicy flavor to the dish and pairs well with the turkey and marinara sauce
2 cups (475ml) marinara sauceUse a high-quality marinara sauce that's made with fresh tomatoes and garlic, and is low in added sugars and preservatives
1 cup (115g) grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese adds a rich, salty flavor to the dish and pairs well with the turkey and marinara sauce

Ingredients for Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlMeatball scoop or small ice cream scoopBaking sheet lined with parchment paperLarge skillet or sauté panWooden spoon or silicone spatulaCheese grater or microplaneCutting board

How to Make Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C)
2
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined
3
Use a meatball scoop or small ice cream scoop to form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. You should end up with around 20-25 meatballs
4
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each meatball to allow for even cooking
5
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned on the outside
6
While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-low heat
7
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and carefully place them in the skillet with the marinara sauce
8
Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 5-10 minutes, or until they're fully coated and the sauce has thickened slightly
9
Serve the meatballs hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley or basil
10
You can serve the meatballs with a side of whole-grain pasta, zucchini noodles, or as a sub sandwich

Expert Tips

Make sure to not overmix the meatball mixture, as this can make the meatballs dense and tough
Use a meatball scoop or small ice cream scoop to form the meatballs, as this will help them cook evenly and prevent them from becoming misshapen
Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can cause the meatballs to steam instead of brown
Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for at least 5-10 minutes, as this will help them absorb all the flavors and become fully coated
Use a high-quality marinara sauce that's made with fresh tomatoes and garlic, as this will give the dish a rich and depthful flavor
Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to find the combination that you like best
Consider making a double batch of the meatballs and freezing them for later use

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the meatball mixture, which can make the meatballs dense and tough
Not cooking the meatballs long enough, which can result in undercooked or raw meat
Overcrowding the baking sheet, which can cause the meatballs to steam instead of brown
Not letting the meatballs simmer in the sauce long enough, which can result in a lack of flavor and texture
Using low-quality ingredients, such as ground turkey that's too fatty or marinara sauce that's too sugary
Not serving the meatballs hot, which can result in a less flavorful and less satisfying dish

Variations and Substitutions

Using different types of meat, such as beef or pork, to change the flavor and texture of the dish
Adding other ingredients to the meatball mixture, such as chopped onions or bell peppers, to add flavor and texture
Using different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, to change the flavor and texture of the dish
Serving the meatballs with different sides, such as whole-grain pasta or roasted vegetables, to change the flavor and texture of the dish
Making the dish more spicy by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meatball mixture or marinara sauce
Making the dish more substantial by adding other ingredients, such as cooked sausage or mushrooms, to the meatball mixture or marinara sauce

What to Serve With Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

This recipe is perfect for serving with a variety of sides, including whole-grain pasta, zucchini noodles, or as a sub sandwich. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts, for a more substantial and nutritious meal.

Some other ideas for serving this recipe include:

Whole-grain pastaZucchini noodlesSub sandwichRoasted vegetablesGarlic bread

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store, simply place the cooked meatballs and marinara sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze.

To reheat, simply place the meatballs and sauce in a skillet or sauté pan over medium-low heat and simmer until hot and bubbly. You can also reheat the dish in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat the meatballs or sauce.

Some tips for storing and reheating this recipe include:

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of ground turkey should I use for this recipe?

You should use a lean ground turkey that's at least 90% lean. This will help keep the dish healthy and flavorful.

Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of meat, such as beef or pork, to change the flavor and texture of the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?

You can check if the meatballs are cooked through by cutting into one of them and checking if it's no longer pink in the center. You can also use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatballs, which should be at least 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Simply place the cooked meatballs and marinara sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze.

How do I reheat the meatballs and sauce without drying them out?

To reheat the meatballs and sauce without drying them out, simply place them in a skillet or sauté pan over medium-low heat and simmer until hot and bubbly. You can also reheat the dish in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat the meatballs or sauce.

Can I serve this recipe with different sides?

Yes, you can serve this recipe with a variety of sides, including whole-grain pasta, zucchini noodles, or as a sub sandwich. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts, for a more substantial and nutritious meal.

Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

This recipe is suitable for people with gluten-free and low-carb dietary restrictions, but it may not be suitable for people with dairy or meat restrictions. You can easily substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative, and you can also use a meat substitute or vegetarian option if desired.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply brown the meatballs in a skillet and then transfer them to the slow cooker with the marinara sauce. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours.

The Full Recipe

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