Turkey Meatball Marinara Skillet

Highlighted under: Soulful Supper Recipes

Enjoy a hearty and flavorful Turkey Meatball Marinara Skillet that brings comfort food to your table in no time.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-31T17:38:29.973Z

This Turkey Meatball Marinara Skillet is a delightful fusion of juicy turkey meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce, perfect for a comforting family dinner.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Juicy turkey meatballs that are packed with flavor
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
  • A one-pan dish that minimizes cleanup

A Comforting Classic

Turkey Meatball Marinara Skillet is a delightful twist on a classic Italian dish that everyone loves. The tender turkey meatballs are infused with a medley of flavors from garlic, Parmesan, and fresh parsley, ensuring that each bite is savory and satisfying. This dish not only fills your stomach but also warms your heart, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion.

What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and the ability to bring family together around the dinner table. The rich marinara sauce perfectly complements the juicy meatballs, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will have your loved ones asking for seconds. It's a dish that embodies the essence of home-cooked meals, combining ease with indulgence.

Quick and Convenient Cooking

In today's fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a wholesome meal can be a challenge. This Turkey Meatball Marinara Skillet addresses that concern with its quick preparation and cooking time. From start to finish, you can have a delectable meal on the table in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.

The one-pan nature of this recipe also means minimal cleanup. After enjoying your meal, all you have to deal with is the skillet and a few utensils, allowing you to spend more time with your family and less time washing dishes. It's a win-win solution for those who want delicious home-cooked food without a lot of hassle.

Versatile and Customizable

One of the best aspects of this Turkey Meatball Marinara Skillet is its versatility. You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free options. Additionally, you can incorporate vegetables like spinach or bell peppers into the marinara sauce for added nutrition and flavor.

This dish also pairs wonderfully with various sides. Serve it over a bed of spaghetti, zucchini noodles, or alongside a crisp green salad. With so many possibilities, you can enjoy this meal repeatedly without feeling like you're eating the same thing every time.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Marinara

  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Combine all meatball ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Cook the Meatballs

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs and set aside.

Make the Marinara Sauce

In the same skillet, add the marinara sauce, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

Combine and Serve

Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer for another 15 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.

Enjoy your delicious Turkey Meatball Marinara Skillet with pasta or crusty bread!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Turkey Meatball Marinara Skillet, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This meal reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunch or dinner the next day. Simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove until heated through, and enjoy the flavors just as much as the first time.

To preserve the quality of the meatballs and sauce, consider separating them before storing if possible. This helps maintain the texture of the meatballs while preventing them from becoming too soggy. If you want to freeze the dish, it can last for up to three months. Make sure to label the container with the date for reference.

Pairing Suggestions

Enhance your Turkey Meatball Marinara Skillet experience by pairing it with a light, fresh salad. A simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice complements the richness of the marinara sauce beautifully. You might also consider serving garlic bread on the side for a classic Italian touch that everyone loves.

For beverage pairings, a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, can elevate the meal further. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a splash of lemon or lime will cleanse your palate and add a refreshing element to your dining experience.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef for the turkey if you prefer.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the meatballs?

Absolutely! Freeze the cooked meatballs in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This skillet pairs well with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a fresh salad.

Turkey Meatball Marinara Skillet

Enjoy a hearty and flavorful Turkey Meatball Marinara Skillet that brings comfort food to your table in no time.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Soulful Supper Recipes

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Meatballs

  1. 1 pound ground turkey
  2. 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  3. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  4. 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  5. 1 egg
  6. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  7. Salt and pepper to taste

For the Marinara

  1. 2 cups marinara sauce
  2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  3. 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  4. 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  5. Fresh basil for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Step 02

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs and set aside.

Step 03

In the same skillet, add the marinara sauce, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

Step 04

Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer for another 15 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 30g