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For these meatballs, you need: - 1 lb ground turkey - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped The ground turkey keeps the meatballs moist and light. Sun-dried tomatoes add strong flavor and a bit of sweetness. Choosing high-quality sun-dried tomatoes makes a big difference. You can find them in jars or bags. Just make sure they are finely chopped to mix well. You’ll also need these simple ingredients: - 1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 large egg - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking) Whole wheat breadcrumbs help hold the meatballs together. Parmesan cheese gives a salty, nutty flavor. Garlic and fresh basil add freshness. Oregano, salt, and pepper enhance the taste. The egg binds everything, while olive oil helps them brown. If you want to boost flavors, consider these options: - Crushed red pepper flakes for heat - Chopped spinach for added greens - Zucchini or mushrooms for extra moisture These optional ingredients let you customize your meatballs. Add just a bit of red pepper for a kick. Spinach or zucchini keeps them moist and healthy. Feel free to mix and match these options to create your favorite version! First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the meatballs cook evenly. Next, prepare your baking sheet. You can use parchment paper or spray it lightly with cooking spray. This makes cleanup easy and prevents sticking. Grab a large mixing bowl. Add 1 pound of ground turkey. Then, finely chop 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes and add them to the bowl. Next, mix in 1/4 cup of whole wheat breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. For flavor, add 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Finally, crack in 1 large egg. Using your hands, mix everything gently. Be careful not to overmix, or the meatballs may become tough. Now it's time to shape the meatballs. Take about 2 tablespoons of the turkey mixture. Roll it into a ball with your hands. Place each meatball on the lined baking sheet. Continue this until you’ve used all the mixture. You should have about 16 meatballs. To get a nice brown color, drizzle olive oil over each meatball. Alternatively, you can spray them lightly with cooking spray. Now, it's time to bake! Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The meatballs should be fully cooked and golden brown. When done, serve them hot with marinara sauce on top. For added flavor, sprinkle more chopped basil or Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your tasty creation! To keep your turkey meatballs juicy, do not overmix the meat. Mix until just combined. Use fresh ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and basil for moisture. Adding an egg helps bind the mix and adds moisture. Baking at the right temperature also helps. Aim for 400°F for a golden brown finish. When mixing your ingredients, use your hands for the best results. Gently combine the ground turkey, sun-dried tomatoes, breadcrumbs, and spices. If you press too hard, the meatballs become tough. The goal is to have a soft, cohesive mixture. Shape them with a light touch to keep them airy. A simple marinara sauce works best with these meatballs. Look for a sauce that is rich and has a good flavor balance. You can make your own or choose a brand with no added sugars. Fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan adds a nice touch to the sauce. Pairing is key for a delicious meal! {{image_4}} You can make your meatballs even healthier by adding vegetables. Finely chopped spinach or zucchini works great. You can also try grated carrots for a sweet touch. Adding veggies boosts the nutrition and flavor of the meatballs. Plus, they stay moist and tender. Just make sure to chop them small, so they mix well. If you want to try different proteins, ground chicken or beef works well. You can also use plant-based options like lentils or chickpeas for a meatless version. Just be aware that cooking times may change. The flavors will still shine through, keeping the dish delightful. For a gluten-free recipe, swap whole wheat breadcrumbs for gluten-free crumbs or oats. To make it dairy-free, leave out the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. These swaps keep the meatballs tasty, while catering to dietary needs. Enjoying this dish is easy, no matter your diet! To keep your sun-dried tomato turkey meatballs fresh, place them in an airtight container. This will help keep them moist and tasty. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, freezing is a great option. To freeze your meatballs, let them cool completely first. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. They will stay good for up to three months. When you're ready to eat your meatballs, you have a few options. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. Another way is to microwave them. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for about one to two minutes, checking to make sure they are warm throughout. Enjoy them with marinara sauce for the best flavor! Sun-dried tomato turkey meatballs last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in a sealed container. They may lose some texture but still taste great. Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. Form them and store them uncooked in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them for later use. Just thaw them before baking. Serve these meatballs with marinara sauce over pasta or zucchini noodles. They also pair well with a fresh salad or crusty bread. For a fun twist, place them in a sub roll for a meatball sandwich. Absolutely! You can use ground chicken or lean beef as a substitute. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or chickpeas. Just adjust cooking times as needed. In this blog post, we covered how to make tasty sun-dried tomato turkey meatballs. We discussed the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfect meatballs. I shared different variations and storage tips too. These meatballs can be a healthy and flavorful option for your meals. Try them with your favorite sauce or side. Enjoy experimenting with the recipes. You’ll create something special!

Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Meatballs

Looking for a delicious and healthy dinner idea? Try these sun-dried tomato turkey meatballs! Packed with flavor and easy to make, they combine ground turkey, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs for a mouthwatering dish. Perfect with marinara sauce, these meatballs are sure to impress your family and friends. Click through for the full recipe and delight in a quick, nutritious meal that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground turkey

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped

1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 large egg

1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

Marinara sauce (for serving)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or spraying it lightly with cooking spray for easy cleanup.

    In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey with the finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and the large egg.

      Using your hands, gently mix the ingredients together until they are just combined, ensuring that you do not overmix, as this could result in tough meatballs.

        With your hands, scoop out approximately 2 tablespoons of the turkey mixture and roll it into a ball shape. Carefully place each meatball on the lined baking sheet. Continue this process until all the mixture has been formed into meatballs.

          To achieve a beautifully browned finish, drizzle olive oil over each meatball or lightly spray them with cooking spray.

            Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and exhibit a lovely golden brown color.

              Once cooked, serve the meatballs hot, generously topped with marinara sauce. For an extra touch of freshness, consider garnishing with additional chopped basil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

                Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 40 min | Servings: 4