Delicious Turkey meatballs with zucchini noodles
Hello there and welcome! Today we’re making delicious turkey meatballs with zucchini noodles.
As a seasoned chef and nutritionist, I’ll walk you through crafting the perfect turkey meatballs bursting with Italian herbs and spices. Then we’ll spiralize fresh zucchini to create healthy, veggie-based “zoodles”.
In this easy-to-follow tutorial, I’m sharing my simple secrets for making irresistibly flavorful turkey meatballs plus quick tips for getting picture-perfect zucchini noodles every time.
If you’re seeking a protein-packed, lower-carb dinner, this stress-free 20-minute turkey meatballs with zucchini noodles recipe is a must-try.
Why turkey meatballs with zucchini noodles
This turkey meatballs with zucchini noodles combo is a delicious and healthier alternative to carb-heavy pasta. I adore pasta too, but I’ve realized cutting back on refined carbs helps me feel better. These protein-packed turkey meatballs and vitamin-rich zucchini noodles provide a satisfying, lower-calorie option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
With just 20 stress-free minutes of prep, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dinner made right at home. The hearty turkey meatballs flavored with Italian herbs and spices perfectly complement the crisp-tender zucchini noodles.
This easy yet nutritious recipe helps me eat healthier without missing out on the pastas I love. Give it a try for your next weeknight dinner!
Ingredients And Their Benefits
Turkey mince
The lean protein provides plenty of filling protein with less fat than other ground meats. It also takes on an Italian herb flavor easily.
Zucchini
Zucchini makes the perfect pasta substitute. It has very few carbs but tons of nutrients like vitamin C and manganese. Spiralizing it mimics noodles.
Canned tomatoes
Canned tomatoes add tangy flavor and moisture while skipping the preservatives of jarred sauce. They bring acidity that complements the turkey.
Olive oil
A healthy plant-based fat, olive oil allows flavorful browning of the meatballs and noodles without lots of saturated fat.
Garlic
In addition to its signature flavors, garlic boasts antioxidants that can provide health benefits.
Parmesan cheese
This optional garnish adds a sharp, savory flavor contrast. A little goes a long way.
Spices
Oregano, basil, and paprika lend the traditional Italian taste without weighing down the dish. Their antioxidants are a health bonus.
Recipe step-by-step
Now it’s time to make this beautiful dish. Prepare all spices, peel and mince your garlic, and put your minced turkey into a bowl.
Make the Turkey Meatballs
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped onion, parsley, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper
- Heat a skillet, and add a tablespoon of olive oil
- Mix well until fully combined
- Form into 1-inch balls, rolling between palms. This makes about 20 meatballs
- Brown meatballs in the preheated oven, for about 8-10 minutes
- Remove meatballs to a plate when fully cooked through
Prepare the Sauce
- In a saucepan, stir together crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper
- Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until thickened
Spiralize the Zucchini
- Use a spiralizer or veggie peeler to turn zucchini into long noodle shapes
- Boil your zucchini noodles in the boiling water with a little salt
Put It All Together
- Place zucchini noodles in a pasta bowl
- Top with turkey meatballs
- Pour over tomato sauce
- Garnish with Parmesan and parsley if desired
Turkey Meatballs With Zucchini Noodles
2
servings20
minutes20
minutes524
kcalIngredients
450 g Ground turkey lean
40 g Breadcrumbs whole wheat, if available
40 g Parmesan cheese
50 g Onion
5 g Parsley
1 Egg
2 cloves Garlic
Pinch of Dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
500 g Zucchini
20 g Olive oil
2 cloves Garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
350 g Canned tomatoe
10 g Olive oil
Pinch of Dried basil
Pinch of Dried oregano
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, parsley, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, rolling them between your hands. You should get approximately 20 meatballs.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and lightly coat it with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. Place the meatballs in the skillet and cook until they are browned on all sides and cooked through about 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
- While meatballs are cooking, in a separate saucepan add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Place it on stove over medium heat.
- Simmer and stir well for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Spiralize the zucchinis to create zucchini noodles (zoodles).
- In the same skillet used for the meatballs, add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
- Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until they are slightly softened but still crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the zucchini noodles in a pasta bowl
- Put the meatballs on the zoodles
- And pour over the sauce
- Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
How to store leftovers?
Leftovers from this delicious one-pan dinner can easily be stored for lunches and quick meals later in the week. Allow the cooked turkey meatballs and zucchini noodles to cool to room temperature before transferring them to airtight glass or plastic food storage containers.
Storing in airtight containers locks in moisture and flavor for high-quality leftovers all week long.
Conclusion
And there you have it, friends! My easy, peasy turkey meatballs with zucchini noodles. Low-calorie and delicious meal less than in 30 minutes! Try it at home and, hope you and your family love this protein-packed, lower-carb comfort food like we do!
This is a great and easy meal that you can make quickly and effortlessly. This recipe is super easy and doesn’t require any chef skills. But if like to learn some cheffing, check out this post!
Remember, one bite at a time, and healthy, wholesome, delicious meals can become an everyday reality. Check out my other healthy recipes for inspiration, and I hope to see you soon!
