Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles For Easy Meal Prep

This turkey meatballs recipe paired with zucchini noodles offers a healthy and satisfying meal option. It's perfect for meal prep, providing a nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and store for the week.

The recipe is simple and utilizes fresh ingredients, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet while enjoying delicious flavors.

Creating the Perfect Turkey Meatballs

Crafting turkey meatballs is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. Start with high-quality ground turkey, as this will be the base of your dish. Mixing in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese adds texture and flavor, while the egg binds everything together.

Seasoning is key; garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper create a savory profile that complements the turkey beautifully. For those who enjoy a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes. Once combined, shape the mixture into uniform meatballs for even cooking.

Preparing Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, serve as a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. Using a spiralizer, transform fresh zucchini into long, thin strands that mimic spaghetti. This not only adds a vibrant color to your plate but also infuses the dish with nutrients.

When sautéing the zoodles, keep it brief. A quick cook in olive oil ensures they remain tender yet firm, preventing a soggy texture. This step is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the noodles while allowing them to absorb the flavors of the marinara sauce.

Combining Flavors with Marinara Sauce

The marinara sauce is the finishing touch that brings the entire dish together. Choose a quality sauce or make your own for a fresh taste. As the zucchini noodles cook, incorporate the marinara sauce into the skillet, allowing the flavors to meld.

This combination creates a warm, inviting base for the turkey meatballs. The sauce not only enhances the flavor but also adds moisture, making each bite satisfying. Serve the meatballs atop the zoodles, ensuring each plate is generously drizzled with sauce.

Garnishing for Presentation

Garnishing elevates the visual appeal of your dish. Fresh basil leaves add a pop of color and a fragrant aroma that complements the meal. Scatter a few leaves over the meatballs and zoodles just before serving for a fresh touch.

Consider serving the dish on a rustic wooden table, enhancing the inviting atmosphere. A fork and a small bowl of extra marinara sauce on the side create a charming presentation, inviting diners to dig in.

Nutrition and Serving Suggestions

This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. With approximately 320 calories per serving, it offers a balanced meal option packed with protein and healthy fats. The combination of turkey and zucchini provides essential nutrients while keeping the dish light.

For those looking to enhance their meal, consider pairing it with a side salad or some crusty whole-grain bread. This adds variety and rounds out the dining experience, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead.

Healthy Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles

These turkey meatballs are seasoned to perfection and served over spiralized zucchini noodles, creating a light yet filling meal. The recipe takes about 45 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 medium zucchini, spiralized
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• Olive oil for cooking
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until just combined.
3. Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
5. Sauté the Zucchini Noodles: While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spiralized zucchini and sauté for 2-3 minutes until just tender.
6. Combine and Serve: Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the zucchini noodles and stir to combine. Serve the turkey meatballs on top of the zucchini noodles, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 320kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 18g