Growing up in an Italian family, my mom and Grandpa always made fresh sauce or gravy with meatballs every Sunday for dinner. And now I love creating my own version as well for my family too. It’s simple, versatile, with the freshest of ingredients and tastes like you’ve gone to heaven and back. Seriously. The aromatics just permeate throughout the home. I believe fresh is always best. It tastes so much better than the store bought varieties in the marketplace. So, why buy store bought when you can make it in your own kitchen along with delicious meatballs for your loved ones?!

 

 

 

With this meatball recipe I baked them in the oven and utilized lean ground turkey for a healthier alternative. although i enjoy the traditional route, I believe variety is the spice of life. Choosing lean cuts of meat can help to reduce blood cholesterol levels and promote heart health. Turkey meat is low in calories and fat, but high in proteins and B vitamins. It’s best to look for organically grown and pasture raised styles versus the conventional types that are laden with chemicals and such. It’s better for the animal, yourself and the planet with healthier choices. Not all ground turkey is lean as you think, so it’s important to read those labels before purchasing. Also look out for low fat and watch out for sodium content which may be higher than the recommended daily intake. Be mindful.

 

 

 

OKAY…..let’s move on to the recipe…..

 

 

 

 

YIELDS: about 20

 

 

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound lean ground turkey

1 egg

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1/4 cup basil or parsley, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup mushrooms, diced

1/4 cup mozzarella, shredded

1 tsp sea salt, to taste

1 tsp black pepper, to taste

 

 

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Lightly grease sheet pan with oil or use parchment; set aside.

In a saucepan, over med-low heat, saute onions, mushrooms and garlic until soft and fragrant. Remove from heat.

In a medium bowl, add the saute mixture into the bowl and the rest of the ingredients together. Mix well. Roll the meat mixture with your hands and place onto sheet pan.

Place the sheet pan into the oven; let cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until no longer pink in the middle and cooked through.

While the turkey meatballs are baking, you can utilize this time to make the sauce if you have not yet. When the meatballs are fully cooked you may add them into the sauce or place separately and having a dipping bowl for the sauce when ready to serve.

 

 

 

NUTRITIONAL CONTENT: calories 48; total fat 2g; cholesterol 25mg; sodium 136mg; potassium 89mg; total carbohydrates 22mg;dietary fiber 0.2g; protein 5.3g; vitamin A and calcium 1%.

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