Turkey Meatballs And Veg
Tender baked turkey meatballs tossed in a flavorful marinara sauce, served alongside perfectly roasted zucchini and bell peppers. A simple, healthy, and satisfying meal ready in under an hour.
For 1 serving
Preheat oven and prepare ingredients.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash and chop the zucchini and bell pepper.
Mix and form the turkey meatballs.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ground turkey, beaten egg, minced onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
- Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
- Form the mixture into six evenly sized meatballs.
TIPAvoid overworking the meat to ensure the meatballs remain tender and juicy after baking.Roast the meatballs and vegetables.
- Arrange the meatballs on one side of the prepared baking sheet.
- On the other side, toss the zucchini and bell pepper with olive oil.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
TIPCutting the vegetables into uniform sizes helps them cook evenly alongside the meatballs.Warm the sauce and coat the meatballs.
While the meatballs are finishing, gently warm the low-sodium marinara sauce in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the sauce and toss gently to coat.
TIPUse a wide pan to warm the sauce so the meatballs can be tossed easily without breaking.Plate and serve.
Arrange the roasted vegetables on a plate, top with the sauced meatballs, and finish with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Wet your hands slightly before rolling the meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking.
- 2For extra flavor without salt, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the dish before serving.
- 3Roast the vegetables on a separate tray if you prefer them extra crispy.
- 4Double the batch of meatballs and freeze half (before baking) for a quick future meal.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Ensure your Italian seasoning and marinara sauce are certified gluten-free.
dairy freeDairy free
Omit the parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative to make this recipe dairy-free.
high proteinHigh protein
Increase the portion of ground turkey to 200g to boost the protein content of the meal.
low carbLow carb
Serve the meatballs and sauce over a bed of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of with the roasted vegetables.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Ground turkey provides high-quality protein essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function, while being lower in saturated fat than red meat.
Rich in Vitamins and Fiber
Bell peppers and zucchini are loaded with vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and immunity.
Heart-Healthy Fats
The use of olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health by helping to reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this is a very healthy dish. It's high in lean protein from the turkey, packed with fiber and vitamins from the vegetables, and is prepared with minimal oil. Using low-sodium marinara and no added salt makes it a heart-healthy choice.
