A family-friendly twist on classic savory turkey meatballs: Kids approved with alternative ingredients
Elevate your family dinners with this family-friendly turkey meatballs. Not only are they amazingly delicious, they are kids-approved. Moreover, these savory delights taste better than beef meatballs. similar to our outrageously delicious Gluten-free Turkey Meatballs, there are hardly leftovers. However, do know that leftovers tend to elevate the flavors even more. Thus, they make the perfect make ahead dish.
What’s more, invite the kids to sous-chef assist in making these nutrient-packed savory family-friendly turkey meatballs. Expect them to go from turned-up nose when adding shredded zucchini to WOW when savoring these delights. Making these meatballs is an easy and fun activity. Further, the unbelievably easy preparation starts with shredding zucchini, chopping up mixed herbs, garlic and onions. Then add them to a large mixing bowl with turkey ground meat and sausage; mix thoroughly, shape and add to greased oven proof baking dish. We use these clear rectangular by pyrex ($28.99 for a set of 2 on Amazon). Moreover, make a big batch because they will ask for more.
Let’s explore some alternate variations of Turkey Meatballs
Additionally, this beloved recipe encourages indulgence in the freedom to experiment and make it your own. First, using the fresh breadcrumbs makes a world of difference. But, panko bread crumbs, like this 365 by Whole Foods Market make a great substitute. However do remember to soak in the milk of choice. Further, want to make it gluten free? Then use a gluten-free, hearty bread like this Gluten-free baguettes. In addition, leftover bread can be crumbled and put in freezer safe containers and frozen for future use.
Additionally, some excellent vegetables substitutions include, yellow zucchini, broccoli and asparagus chopped very finely. Sweet peas also work perfectly. Besides, ground turkey, ground chicken can be used like in this version of our chicken meatballs with sweet peas in chipotle marinara sauce. Whatever changes take place in this already brilliant version of a savory family-friendly turkey meatballs, they will be a big hit at the dinner table.
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Nutritional information
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For the most precise nutritional data use your preferred nutrition calculator based on the actual ingredients you used in the recipe
Savory Family-friendly Turkey Meatballs
Equipment
- 2 oven proof clear baking dish We love the pyrex 13" x 9"
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs use baguette bread or any hearty bread -white crumbs only
- 1/3 – 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 pound fresh turkey sausage spicy or sweet. Remove casings
- 1 pound ground turkey meat dark or white
- 1 green zucchini washed thoroughly and shredded
- 4 – 6 large cloves garlic
- 1/2 large onion peeled and minced finely
- 1 cup fresh mixed herbs – parsley, dill, rosemary and fresh thyme Go heavy on the parsley.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (can eliminate if using hot sausage)
- 1 tablespoon grey poupon
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil plus more for greasing baking dish
- 1 batch Homemade tomato sauce or two 28 ounces of your favorite jarred tomato sauce
- 1 to 2 cups red wine to add to the sauce. optional
Instructions
Preheat Oven 425F/218C Fahrenheit
- Add the breadcrumbs to a small bowl. Pour in enough milk to saturate the breadcrumbs. Set aside.Note: You want to use enough milk to moisten the breadcrumbs without making it soupy-soggy.1 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs, 1/3 – 1/2 cup whole milk
- In a large mixing bowl, add the turkey sausage, ground turkey, shredded zucchini, garlic, onion, herbs, red pepper flakes, mustard, salt, black pepper, eggs and extra virgin olive oil. Add in the moistened bread crumbs.1 pound fresh turkey sausage, 1 pound ground turkey meat, 1 green zucchini, 4 – 6 large cloves garlic, 1/2 large onion, 1 cup fresh mixed herbs – parsley, dill, rosemary and fresh thyme, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon grey poupon, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 large eggs
- Mix well until ingredients are well combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Lightly grease 2 baking dish – approximately 9” x 13” dishes
- Using an ice scream scoop, scoop out level amounts and for them into balls. Please each balls into the greased baking dish. Note: makes approximately 24 to 27.
- Pop the baking dishes into the oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
Prepare the tomato sauce:
- While the meatballs mixture is marinating in the refrigerator, add the tomato sauce to a Dutch oven 5-quart pot. Use medium heat.
- Pour in the red wine. Stir. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the sauce has darkened a bit.
- Once the meatballs are baked, remove from oven and add them to the sauce, along with any juices. Mix into the sauce. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked.
- Serve over your favorite pasta.
Nutrition
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