Introduction
If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious dish, these turkey meatballs with a crispy topping and rich tomato sauce may just be the answer. Made from lean ground turkey, ricotta, and Parmesan, these meatballs are both flavorful and satisfying. They are perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this delightful meal.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Meatballs:
– 1 lb. ground turkey (93/7 lean)
– 1/2 cup full-fat ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Sauce:
– 1 jar (28–32 ounces) tomato sauce (marinara or pasta sauce)
For the Crispy Topping:
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 teaspoons olive oil
– Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 20-24 meatballs
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and Italian seasoning. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Shape the mixture into 20-24 small meatballs. Lightly grease the bottom of a shallow Dutch oven or oven-safe pan with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the meatballs in the pan.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Place the pan on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and have a nice browning on the outside.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Pour the tomato sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated.
Step 6: Prepare the Crispy Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 teaspoons olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the sauced meatballs.
Step 7: Final Bake and Broil
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes to warm the sauce. Then, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy topping. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with a green salad and garlic bread for dipping into the sauce.
Notes
Note 1: Meatball Size
Ensure the meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking.
Note 2: Sauce Preference
Feel free to use your favorite variety of tomato sauce, whether it be marinara or a specialty blend.
Note 3: Broiling Safety
Always monitor the broiling process closely to avoid burning the topping.
Note 4: Serving Ideas
Pair with sides like pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Mixing Ingredients
Thoroughly combine the ground turkey, cheeses, breadcrumbs, and seasonings to ensure even flavor distribution in the meatballs.
Forming Meatballs
Use your hands to shape the mixture into small, even-sized meatballs for uniform cooking. Aim for a size of about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Baking
Bake the meatballs in a preheated oven to achieve a cooked-through and golden exterior. Use a shallow Dutch oven or oven-safe pan for optimal heat distribution.
Layering Sauce
Pour the tomato sauce over the baked meatballs to allow them to absorb the flavor while also keeping them moist during the final baking phase.
Preparing Crispy Topping
Combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and olive oil to create a crispy topping that enhances texture when baked and broiled.
Broiling
Use the broiler at the end of baking to achieve a golden, crispy finish on top of the meatballs. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
FAQ
Can I use different types of meat for the meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground beef, chicken, or pork, but cooking times may vary.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
Meatballs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are no longer pink in the center.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and shape the meatballs in advance. Store them in the refrigerator or freeze them for later use.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
You can use cottage cheese, cream cheese, or a vegan alternative if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
How can I make the dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and ensure your tomato sauce is gluten-free as well.
Conclusion
These turkey meatballs are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional beef meatballs, combining the richness of ricotta and Parmesan with the crunch of panko breadcrumbs. They bake to perfection, topped with a crispy layer that elevates the dish. Serve them with tomato sauce for a comforting meal that the whole family will love.
Turkey Meatball Sub
Transform the meatballs into a hearty sub sandwich by placing them in a toasted hoagie roll, adding extra marinara and melted cheese on top.
Pasta with Meatballs
Serve the meatballs over your favorite pasta, drizzled with marinara sauce and garnished with fresh basil for a classic Italian meal.
Meatball Salad Bowl
Create a wholesome salad bowl by adding meatballs to a base of mixed greens, roasted vegetables, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
Meatball Skewers
Thread cooked meatballs onto skewers with cherry tomatoes and bell peppers, then grill or broil for a fun appetizer.
Stuffed Peppers
Use the meatball mixture to stuff bell peppers, top with sauce and cheese, and bake until the peppers are tender.
Meatball Soup
Simmer the meatballs in broth with your choice of vegetables for a comforting and hearty soup.
Meatball Casserole
Layer meatballs, marinara sauce, and cheese in a dish, then bake until bubbly for a comforting casserole.
