One Pot Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe
This One Pot Turkey Meatballs recipe features tender, flavorful turkey meatballs simmered in a rich homemade tomato sauce. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs, basil, and a touch of fennel seed, these meatballs are browned for extra depth and then cooked through in a savory sauce enriched with garlic, onion, and Parmesan. Ideal for a comforting weeknight meal, they are delicious served over spaghetti with added fresh basil and Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon fennel seed
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 1 small yellow onion (finely minced)
- ⅔ cup panko bread crumbs
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, lightly beaten egg, finely chopped fresh basil, salt, freshly cracked black pepper, Italian seasoning, fennel seed, minced garlic, minced yellow onion, panko bread crumbs, and grated Parmesan. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Shape the Meatballs: Fill a small bowl with water and lightly wet your hands. This helps prevent sticking as you form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the meatballs in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, to brown all sides evenly. This should take about 8 minutes. After browning, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.
- Prepare and Simmer the Sauce: Using the same skillet, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, granulated sugar, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and bay leaves. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Cook Meatballs in Sauce: Reduce heat to low, return the browned meatballs to the skillet, cover, and let simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. This will ensure the meatballs are cooked thoroughly and the sauce thickens and develops rich flavor.
- Finish and Serve: Remove and discard the bay leaves. Serve the meatballs and sauce hot over cooked spaghetti, garnished with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for best flavor.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- Wetting your hands before shaping helps prevent sticking and creates uniform meatballs.
- Browning the meatballs before simmering adds flavor and color.
- Simmer the meatballs gently to avoid breaking them apart.
- Optional crushed red pepper flakes add a mild heat, adjust to preference.
- Serve with your favorite pasta or a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: turkey meatballs, one pot, Italian meatballs, healthy meatballs, tomato sauce, easy dinner, weeknight meal
