Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles: A Delicious and Healthy Meal

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Last updated on April 19th, 2023 at 10:57 am

One of my favorite dishes is turkey meatballs with zucchini noodles, a flavorful and satisfying meal with protein and nutrients.

I will provide the best tips for preparing and serving this dish in this recipe for turkey meatballs with zucchini noodles.

Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles

Meg

This recipe features healthy turkey meatballs served on a bed of zucchini noodles, all smothered in a delicious homemade tomato sauce. The meatballs are seasoned with breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper, then baked to perfection. The zucchini noodles are spiralized and quickly cooked in a separate skillet. The tomato sauce is made with garlic, crushed tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano. The result is a flavorful and healthy meal that is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 36

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet

Parchment paper
Spiralizer or vegetable peeler
Large skillet

Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Oven

Stovetop

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano

4-5 medium zucchinis, spiralized
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Using your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.

While the meatballs are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano to the skillet with the garlic. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes until it has thickened slightly.

While the sauce is simmering, spiralize the zucchinis into noodles using a spiralizer. You can also use a vegetable peeler to make thin, ribbon-like noodles.
Heat a separate large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and cook for 2-3minutes until they are tender.
Season the zucchini noodles with salt and pepper to taste.

To serve, divide the zucchini noodles among four plates. Top each plate with meatballs and a generous spoonful of tomato sauce.

Video

Notes

If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to make thin, ribbon-like noodles.
Don’t overcook the zucchini noodles, as they can become mushy and lose their texture. Cook them just until tender, about 2-3 minutes.

You can use any type of ground meat you prefer in place of turkey, such as chicken, pork, or beef.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or a breadcrumb substitute such as almond flour or oat flour.
To make this recipe even healthier, you can use a low-sodium tomato sauce and add more veggies to the sauce, such as diced bell peppers or spinach.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Keyword Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles

Why Turkey Meatballs?

Turkey meat is an excellent protein source, essential for building and repairing muscles, bones, and other tissues in the body. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, niacin, and selenium, which support immune function and protect against oxidative stress.
In addition, turkey meat is low in fat and calories, making it a great choice for anyone watching their weight or trying to maintain a healthy diet.

Compared to beef and pork, turkey is also lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, which can help lower the risk of heart disease and other chronic illnesses.

Why Zucchini?

Zucchini is a type of summer squash rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is low in calories and carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for anyone trying to lose weight or manage their blood sugar levels.
Zucchini is also rich in antioxidants, which protect against free radical damage and inflammation in the body.

These antioxidants include vitamins C, A, and beta-carotene, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin, eyes, and immune function.

Tips for Making the Perfect Turkey Meatballs

Use high-quality ground turkey, at least 93% lean, to ensure your meatballs are moist and flavorful.
Add almond flour to the meatball mixture to help bind the ingredients together and create a tender, juicy texture.

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken for turkey in this recipe.

What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?

You can use almond flour, oat flour, or panko breadcrumbs as a substitute for breadcrumbs.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I use canned zucchini noodles instead of making them myself?

You can use canned zucchini noodles if you prefer not to spiralize your zucchini.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes, and you’ll need to chop them up and simmer them until they’re saucy.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of parmesan?

Yes, you can use any grated cheese you like.

How do I prevent the zucchini noodles from getting watery?

One way to prevent the zucchini noodles from getting watery is to salt them before cooking. Simply sprinkle the zucchini noodles with salt and let them sit for 10-15 minutes before cooking. Then, rinse them off and pat them dry before cooking.