Meatballs sit on a white plate covered with red tomato sauce, garnished with black olives and parsley, set on a wooden table with a softly lit kitchen background.

TURKEY MEATBALLS ITALIAN-STYLE

This hearty, flavor-packed recipe combines tender turkey meatballs with a rich tomato sauce and the savory tang of black olives.

Perfect for a wholesome family dinner, these meatballs are easy to prepare and ideal for serving with crusty bread or your favorite side dish.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Healthy and Delicious: Ground turkey is a lean protein packed with nutrients.
  • Rich Mediterranean Flavors: Black olives and tomato sauce bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your table.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Versatile: Serve with bread, pasta, or a fresh green salad.

Ingredients

  • For the Meatballs:
  • 300 g (10.5 oz) Turkey breast, ground
  • 1 Egg
  • 30 g (1 oz) Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, grated
  • 30 g (1 oz) Breadcrumbs
  • 1 clove Garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • For the Sauce:
  • 200 g (7 oz) Tomato pulp
  • 60 g (2 oz) Black olives, sliced
  • 1 clove Garlic
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • Salt, to taste

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

  • Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat.
  • Add the garlic clove and sauté until golden brown.
  • Pour in the tomato pulp, season with salt, and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes. If desired, remove the garlic clove before proceeding.

Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture

  • In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, grated Parmigiano cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  • Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

  • Form small meatballs about the size of a walnut.

Step 4: Cook the Meatballs

  • Gently place the meatballs into the simmering tomato sauce.
  • Cover and cook on low heat for 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Add the Black Olives

  • Stir in the sliced black olives during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.
  • Allow the olives to warm and their flavors to meld into the sauce.

Step 6: Serve

  • Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired, and accompanied by bread croutons or your favorite side.

Suggestions

  • Pairings: Serve these meatballs with crusty bread, over a bed of spaghetti, or alongside a simple arugula salad.
  • Customization: Add chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick, or swap black olives for green ones for a different flavor profile.
  • Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

NutrientAmount
Calories240 kcal
Protein18 g
Carbohydrates9 g
Fat13 g
Saturated Fat4 g
Fiber2 g
Sodium450 mg

Buon Appetito!

Enjoy this comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor and made with love. Perfect for sharing with family and friends!

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