Classic Italian Turkey Meatballs
Classic Italian Turkey Meatballs
Servings
14
Prep Time
40 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Calories
264
Author:
Giada De Laurentiis
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan (plus more for serving)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
- 1/4 cup whole milk (at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 pound ground dark turkey meat
- 1 pound spicy Italian turkey sausage links (casings removed)
-
Extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 large cloves garlic (smashed and peeled)
- 1 large onion (finely chopped 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to season)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus more to season)
- 3/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 teaspoons finely ground fennel seeds
-
2 teaspoons dried oregano
-
Two 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (optional)
For the Meatballs:
For the Sauce:
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- For the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, basil, parsley, milk, ketchup if using, tomato paste, salt, pepper, eggs, garlic and onions. Using a wooden spoon, stir to blend. Add the ground turkey and sausage meat. Using fingers, gently mix all the ingredients until thoroughly combined.
- Using a 1-ounce cookie scoop or a small ice cream scoop, form the meat mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls (22 to 24 meatballs). Place the meatballs on a heavy nonstick baking sheet, spacing apart. Drizzle with olive oil and bake until cooked through, 15 minutes.
- For the tomato sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet with 2-inch-high sides over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, onions, salt and pepper. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of the basil, the fennel, oregano and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a simmer. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup basil. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
- Add the meatballs to the tomato sauce and simmer until the meatballs are heated through, about 10 minutes. Thin the sauce with chicken stock, 1/4 cup at a time, if needed.
- Serve with grated Parmesan alongside.
Nutrition
Nutrition
- Nutrition Serving Size
- 14
- per serving
- Calories
- 264
Amount/Serving
% Daily Value
- Carbs
- 18 grams
- Protein
- 20 grams
- Fat
- 13 grams
- Saturated Fat
- 3 grams
- Cholestrol
- 77 milligrams
- Sodium
- 607 milligrams
- Fiber
- 3 grams
- Sugar
- 7 grams
1 comment
Hi, Giada, as fall settles in here in the northeast, these comfort foods, are the backbone of my diet, thanks, just.Lynn.kraft