17 America's Test Kitchen Italian Turkey Meatballs Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Mar 16, 2024
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards healthier eating habits and incorporating more lean protein into our diets. Turkey, a lean and versatile protein, has become a popular choice for many households. However, finding ways to incorporate it into our meals without sacrificing flavor can be a challenge. This is where America's Test Kitchen comes in with their foolproof and delicious Italian turkey meatballs recipe. Not only does it pack a punch of flavor, but it also provides a healthier alternative to the traditional beef meatballs. Let's dive into the details of this mouth-watering recipe and how you can recreate it in your own kitchen.
Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Barbecue Sauce CrockPot
Main Ingredients: Turkey Meatballs, Barbecue Sauce, Jellied Cranberry
If you're tired of the same old chicken dishes and want to try something new, why not give turkey meatballs a chance? These delicious and easy-to-make meatballs are a perfect addition to your dinner rotation. And with the added twist of a tangy cranberry barbecue sauce, they are sure to become a family favorite.
Start by making the meatballs. Mix ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, minced garlic, and your choice of herbs and spices. Roll the mixture into balls and bake them in the oven until they are golden brown and cooked through. While the meatballs are baking, make the cranberry barbecue sauce by combining cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and a splash of apple cider vinegar in a saucepan. Let it simmer until it thickens slightly.
Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to a crockpot and pour the cranberry barbecue sauce over them. Let them cook on low for a couple of hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. Serve the meatballs with rice or noodles and enjoy the sweet and savory flavors in every bite.
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Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Main Ingredients: Turkey Meatballs, Ground Turkey, Egg, Parmesan Cheese
If you're a fan of classic Italian flavors, you'll love this recipe for turkey meatballs in tomato sauce. The combination of tender meatballs and rich tomato sauce is a match made in heaven. And the best part? It's all made in one pan, making clean-up a breeze.
To make the meatballs, combine ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, and a touch of parmesan cheese. Form the mixture into balls and brown them in a skillet. Once they are lightly golden, add in a jar of your favorite tomato sauce and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 15 minutes, or until they are cooked through. Serve the meatballs and sauce over pasta or with a side of crusty bread.
This dish is not only delicious, but it's also a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. You can add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
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Italian Wedding Meatball Pasta Bake
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Baby Spinach, Turkey Meatballs, Shredded
If you're looking for a hearty and comforting meal, this Italian wedding meatball pasta bake is the answer. It combines all the delicious flavors of Italian wedding soup with the convenience of a baked pasta dish. And the best part? It's all made in one pan.
To make the meatballs, mix ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Form the mixture into balls and brown them in a skillet. In the same skillet, cook some pasta until it's al dente. Then, mix the cooked pasta with diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Add the meatballs on top and bake the whole dish in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
This dish is perfect for a cozy night in and can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a crowd. It's also a great way to use up any leftover meatballs you may have from previous meals.
If you're a fan of Asian flavors, you'll love these slow-cooker hoisin turkey meatballs. They are packed with bold and tangy flavors and are a perfect addition to your meal prep rotation. Plus, making them in a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, making dinner time a breeze.
To make the meatballs, mix ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, and a touch of ginger. Roll the mixture into balls and brown them in a skillet. In a separate bowl, mix together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and a touch of sesame oil. Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker and let them cook on low for a few hours. Serve the meatballs over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for a delicious and easy Asian-inspired meal.
This dish is also great for meal prepping, as the meatballs can be stored in the fridge for a few days and reheated for quick and easy lunches or dinners.
This CrockPot Italian meatball soup is another great way to enjoy the flavors of Italian wedding soup in a hearty and comforting meal. And since it's made in a slow cooker, it's perfect for those busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
Start by making the meatballs using ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Brown them in a skillet and add them to a slow cooker. Then, add in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, and pearl couscous. Let it cook on low for a few hours until the vegetables are tender and the meatballs are cooked through. Serve the soup with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a side of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
This soup is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies and is also perfect for freezing. You can make a big batch and freeze individual portions for easy and quick meals later on.
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Hot and Sweet Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Turkey Meatballs, Barbeque Sauce, Sweet Mustard, Fat
If you're a fan of sweet and spicy flavors, these hot and sweet meatballs are a must-try. They are the perfect combination of heat and sweetness and are sure to be a hit at any gathering or potluck.
To make the meatballs, combine ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, minced garlic, and your choice of herbs and spices. Form the mixture into balls and bake them in the oven until they are lightly golden. While the meatballs are cooking, make the sauce by mixing together chili sauce, grape jelly, and a touch of Sriracha. Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the sauce and let them simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. Serve the meatballs with toothpicks for a fun and easy appetizer, or pair them with rice for a complete meal.
This dish is great for parties or game day gatherings, and can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a crowd.
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Turkey Meatballs and Zucchini Noodles
Main Ingredients: Turkey Meatballs, Medium Zucchini, Sauce, Fresh Basil
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional spaghetti and meatballs, try this recipe for turkey meatballs and zucchini noodles. It's a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying a classic and comforting meal.
To make the meatballs, mix ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, and your choice of herbs and spices. Form the mixture into balls and bake them in the oven until they are cooked through. While the meatballs are cooking, use a spiralizer to turn zucchini into noodles. Cook the zucchini noodles in a skillet until they are tender, then add in your favorite tomato sauce. Serve the meatballs on top of the zucchini noodles for a low-carb and nutritious meal.
This dish is not only delicious, but it's also a great way to use up any leftover zucchini you may have on hand. You can also mix in other veggies such as bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
Add a Mediterranean twist to your dinner with these flavorful Greek meatballs. They are packed with herbs and spices and are a perfect addition to any Greek-inspired meal.
To make the meatballs, mix ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, minced garlic, and a variety of herbs and spices such as oregano, parsley, and dill. Form the mixture into balls and bake them in the oven until they are cooked through. While the meatballs are cooking, make a simple tzatziki sauce by combining Greek yogurt, diced cucumber, lemon juice, and garlic. Serve the meatballs with the tzatziki sauce, pita bread, and a Greek salad for a complete and delicious meal.
This dish is also great for meal prepping, as the meatballs can be stored in the fridge for a few days and reheated for quick and easy lunches or dinners.
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Instant Pot Spaghetti and Turkey Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Tomato Paste, Parsley, Oregano, Onion
If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner that the whole family will love, try this recipe for Instant Pot spaghetti and turkey meatballs. It's a one-pot meal that's ready in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
To make the meatballs, mix ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, and your choice of herbs and spices. Form the mixture into balls and brown them in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. Once they are lightly golden, add in uncooked spaghetti, your favorite tomato sauce, and water. Cook on high pressure for a few minutes, then release the pressure and stir in some parmesan cheese. Serve the spaghetti and meatballs with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a quick and delicious meal.
This dish is also great for meal prepping, as it can be stored in the fridge for a few days and reheated for easy and quick lunches or dinners.
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Tater Tot Casserole with Turkey Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Turkey Meatballs, Tater Tots, Alfredo Sauce, Cheddar
If you're a fan of tater tots, you'll love this twist on classic meatball casserole. This tater tot casserole with turkey meatballs is a fun and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic meatball dish with the added bonus of crispy tater tots.
To make the meatballs, mix ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Form the mixture into balls and brown them in a skillet. In a separate bowl, mix together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and top with a layer of tater tots. Bake in the oven until the tater tots are golden and crispy. Serve the casserole with a side salad for a comforting and satisfying meal.
This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or as a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck or party.
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Slow Cooker Mango Barbecue Turkey Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Turkey Meatballs, Mango Salsa, Spicy Barbecue Sauce
For a tropical twist on classic meatballs, try these slow cooker mango barbecue turkey meatballs. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Start by making the meatballs using ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, and minced garlic. Brown them in a skillet and add them to a slow cooker. In a separate bowl, mix together mango nectar, barbecue sauce, and a touch of soy sauce. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and let them cook on low for a few hours. Serve the meatballs with rice or noodles and enjoy the burst of tropical flavors in every bite.
This dish is also great for meal prepping, as the meatballs can be stored in the fridge for a few days and reheated for quick and easy lunches or dinners.
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Turkey Meatballs with Egg Noodles Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Leeks, Carrots, Garlic, Celery, Turkey
This turkey meatball with egg noodles soup is a comforting and hearty meal that's perfect for those cold winter nights. It combines classic meatballs with egg noodles in a delicious and flavorful broth.
To make the meatballs, mix ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, and your choice of herbs and spices. Form the mixture into balls and brown them in a skillet. In a separate pot, cook egg noodles until they are al dente. Then, add the cooked meatballs to the pot along with chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and vegetables of your choice. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Serve the soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a comforting and satisfying meal.
This soup is also great for meal prepping, as it can be stored in the fridge for a few days and reheated for easy and quick lunches or dinners.
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Instant Pot Cranberry Mustard Turkey Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Condensed Chicken Broth, Water, Turkey Meatballs
For a unique and delicious twist on classic meatballs, try these Instant Pot cranberry mustard turkey meatballs. The combination of tangy cranberry and spicy mustard is sure to be a hit with your taste buds.
To make the meatballs, mix ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, and minced garlic. Form the mixture into balls and brown them in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. Once they are lightly golden, add in a mixture of cranberry sauce, dijon mustard, and honey. Cook on high pressure for a few minutes, then release the pressure and stir in some fresh parsley. Serve the meatballs with rice or noodles for a delicious and unique meal.
This dish is perfect for a quick and easy dinner, and leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a few days and reheated for lunches or dinners.
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Slow Cooker Mediterranean Soup with Turkey Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic Clove, Medium Carrots, Garbanzo Beans
This slow cooker Mediterranean soup with turkey meatballs is a delicious and healthy meal that's packed with flavor and nutrition. It's a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet while still enjoying a satisfying and comforting meal.
To make the meatballs, mix ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, and a variety of herbs and spices such as oregano, basil, and parsley. Form the mixture into balls and brown them in a skillet. In a separate pot, cook a variety of vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms until they are tender. Then, add the meatballs to the pot along with chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and a touch of lemon juice. Let it simmer until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors are well blended. Serve the soup with a sprinkle of feta cheese and a side of crusty bread for a complete and delicious meal.
This soup is also great for meal prepping, as it can be stored in the fridge for a few days and reheated for easy and quick lunches or dinners.
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Fresh Cherry Tomato Spaghetti with Turkey Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Olive Oil, Salt, Cherry Tomatoes, Turkey
For a fresh and flavorful take on classic spaghetti and meatballs, try this recipe for fresh cherry tomato spaghetti with turkey meatballs. It's a delicious and easy meal that's perfect for summer when tomatoes are at their peak.
To make the meatballs, mix ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, and minced garlic. Form the mixture into balls and bake them in the oven until they are golden and cooked through. While the meatballs are cooking, cook spaghetti until it's al dente. In a separate skillet, cook halved cherry tomatoes until they are soft and bursting with flavor. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet along with the meatballs. Toss everything together and serve with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a simple and delicious meal.
This dish is also great for meal prepping, as the meatballs and tomato mixture can be stored in the fridge for a few days and reheated for quick and easy lunches or dinners.
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Goat Cheese Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti Squash, Sea Salt, Black Pepper, Avocado Oil
For a low-carb and gluten-free alternative to traditional spaghetti and meatballs, try this recipe for goat cheese spaghetti squash with turkey meatballs. The combination of tender meatballs, creamy goat cheese, and roasted spaghetti squash is a match made in heaven.
To make the meatballs, mix ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, and your choice of herbs and spices. Form the mixture into balls and brown them in a skillet. In a separate pan, roast spaghetti squash until it's tender and can be easily shredded with a fork. Add the cooked spaghetti squash to the skillet with the meatballs and toss everything together. Then, add crumbled goat cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve for a unique and delicious twist on a classic dish.
This dish is also great for meal prepping, as the meatballs can be stored in the fridge for a few days and reheated for quick and easy lunches or dinners.
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Buddha Bowls With Turkey Meatballs or Crispy Tofu
Main Ingredients: Cooked Quinoa, Sweet Potatoes, Cauliflower, Spinach
The Perfect Blend of Ingredients
The key to any great meatball recipe is the combination of ingredients that work together to create a perfect balance of flavors. America's Test Kitchen has nailed it with their Italian turkey meatballs recipe. Ground turkey provides a lean and healthy protein base, while breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs add texture and depth of flavor. Garlic and onion add a punch of savory notes, and egg helps to bind everything together. The use of Italian seasoning ties all the ingredients together and gives these meatballs their signature Italian flavor.
The Secret to Moist and Tender Meatballs
One of the biggest challenges when cooking with ground turkey is keeping the meatballs moist and tender. This is where America's Test Kitchen's recipe truly shines. Whole milk and olive oil are added to the mixture to ensure that the meatballs stay juicy and tender. The milk also helps to keep the meatballs light and fluffy. Browning the meatballs in a skillet before baking also helps to seal in the moisture and adds a delicious golden crust to the exterior.
Adaptable to Any Dietary Needs
One of the great things about this Italian turkey meatballs recipe is its versatility. Gluten-free? Simply substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs. Dairy-free? Use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Vegetarian? Swap out the ground turkey for a plant-based meat alternative. This recipe can easily be adapted to fit any dietary needs or preferences.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, America's Test Kitchen's Italian turkey meatballs recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to incorporate more lean protein into their diet without sacrificing flavor. With its perfect blend of ingredients, moisture-locking techniques, and adaptability, this recipe is a must-try. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious and healthy turkey meatballs can be?
Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Barbecue Sauce CrockPot
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