Description
This Turkey Meatball recipe with Zucchini Noodles is a healthy, quick, and kid-friendly meal perfect for meal prep. Juicy turkey meatballs baked to perfection pair wonderfully with fresh, lightly cooked zucchini noodles and marinara sauce, making a delicious low-carb, nutritious dinner or lunch option ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- Nonstick spray
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 sweet onion, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound ground turkey
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Sides
- 3 pounds zucchini, spiralized
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Parmesan cheese, as needed for garnishing
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced onion and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to a medium bowl and allow to cool slightly. Stir in the fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, and ground turkey. Season the mixture with kosher salt and black pepper. Mix everything together well.
- Form and Bake Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs about 2 tablespoons each and arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the meatballs in the oven for 17 to 20 minutes until fully cooked through and juicy.
- Prepare Zucchini Noodles: While meatballs are baking, toss the spiralized zucchini with kosher salt in a large colander and let it sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Blanch Zucchini Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the zucchini noodles to the boiling water and cook for just 1 minute to soften slightly. Drain thoroughly to remove all water.
- Assemble the Dish: Divide the zucchini noodles evenly among four plates or containers. Top with baked turkey meatballs and spoon ½ cup marinara sauce over each serving. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese to taste.
- Serve or Store: Serve immediately while warm or refrigerate in airtight containers for up to four days for easy meal prep lunches or dinners.
Notes
- For a toddler-friendly option, consider swapping zucchini noodles for softer spiralized veggies or traditional pasta.
- Make sure to drain the zucchini noodles well to avoid watery sauce.
- Using a meat thermometer can help ensure the meatballs reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prepping and storing for up to four days in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: turkey meatballs, zucchini noodles, healthy dinner, low carb, meal prep, kid-friendly, baked meatballs, easy recipe
