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- 1 pound ground turkey - 1 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles - 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon sugar (optional) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Healthy Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles

Discover a delicious and healthy twist on traditional meatballs with this Zucchini Twirl Turkey Meatballs recipe! Made from lean ground turkey and spiralized zucchini noodles, this dish offers a low-carb alternative while providing a flavorful homemade tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy family gathering, these meatballs are nutritious and easy to prepare. Enjoy a satisfying meal that combines wholesome ingredients for a delightful dining experience!
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Ingredients
  

For the Turkey Meatballs:

1 pound ground turkey

1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Zucchini Noodles:

2 medium zucchinis, spiralized

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Tomato Sauce:

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for the meatballs.

    Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, large egg, fresh parsley, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Use your hands or a spoon to mix all the ingredients together until well combined and evenly distributed.

      Shape the Meatballs: With slightly damp hands, take portions of the mixture and roll them into small meatballs, roughly 1 inch in diameter. Place each meatball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

        Bake the Meatballs: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are golden brown on the outside.

          Prepare the Tomato Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, then pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with the Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to your preference, and let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

            Cook the Zucchini Noodles: In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the spiralized zucchini and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until they are just tender yet still slightly crisp. Season the noodles with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, tossing gently to combine.

              Combine and Serve: Once everything is ready, arrange the cooked zucchini noodles on individual plates. Top each serving with several turkey meatballs and generously spoon the tomato sauce over the top.

                Garnish and Enjoy: Finish with a sprinkle of additional chopped parsley or extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and savor the delightful flavors of your healthy, comforting meal!

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                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4