Turkey Meatballs with Spaghetti Squash and Marinara Sauce

Ingredients

For the Turkey Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or rolled oats for a gluten-free option)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

• 1 egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Spaghetti Squash:

• 1 medium spaghetti squash

• Olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

For Marinara Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Spaghetti Squash

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the Squash: Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.

3. Season: Brush the cut sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

4. Roast: Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast for about 30-40 minutes or until the flesh is tender and easily shredded with a fork.

Step 2: Make the Turkey Meatballs

1. Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

2. Form Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.

3. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced apart so they don’t touch.

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

1. Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and register 165°F (74°C) internally.

Step 4: Heat the Marinara Sauce

1. Heat Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.

Step 5: Serve

1. Shred the Squash: Once the spaghetti squash is roasted and cool enough to handle, use a fork to shred the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.

2. Plate the Dish: Serve the spaghetti squash topped with the baked turkey meatballs and marinara sauce. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

 

Tips

• Freezing: You can make a large batch of meatballs and freeze them for convenient future meals.

• Customizations: Feel free to add finely chopped vegetables, like spinach or bell peppers, to the meatball mixture for added nutrition.

• Spaghetti Squash Alternatives: If you prefer, you can serve the meatballs with whole grain pasta instead of spaghetti squash.