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Cozy Turkey Meatball Marinara Skillet

Cozy turkey meatball marinara skillet with melted cheese and fresh basil garnish
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This one-skillet wonder combines tender, herb-infused turkey meatballs with a rich, simmered marinara sauce for a deeply satisfying and simple weeknight meal. It is a hug in a pan, perfect for gathering everyone around the table. The flavors meld beautifully, making it even better as leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, 2 cloves minced garlic, parsley, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix with hands until just combined.
  2. Portion the mixture and roll into meatballs using a tablespoon or cookie scoop.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs, working in batches if needed, and brown for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Remove to a plate.
  4. In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add remaining 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in marinara sauce, water or broth, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir, scraping up browned bits from the pan bottom.
  6. Gently nestle the browned meatballs back into the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  7. Remove lid and sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top. Cover skillet off heat for 1 minute to melt cheese, or broil for 1-2 minutes if oven-safe.
  8. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately over pasta, polenta, or with crusty bread.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan and use dairy-free mozzarella. Do not overmix the meatball mixture to avoid toughness. The dish stores well for up to 4 days and freezes for 3 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/cozy-turkey-meatball-marinara-skillet/