Turkey Meatballs with Egg Noodles
Turkey Meatballs with Egg Noodles
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 40 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Course meatballs
Cuisine American
Mixing bowls
Baking sheet
Large skillet
Pot for boiling noodles
Tongs or a slotted spoon
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat if you prefer)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
For the Egg Noodles:
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Before we start, let’s get that oven preheated to 400°F (200°C). I like to line my baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Make the Turkey Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Use your hands — yes, it gets a little messy, but that’s part of the fun! — to gently mix everything together.
Roll the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in size. My kids love helping with this part; it’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen.
Step 3: Bake the Meatballs
Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake them for 18-20 minutes, or until they’re golden and cooked through. The smell alone will have everyone running to the kitchen!
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, let’s make the sauce. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for a few minutes until it softens. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and season with Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if needed. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, giving it an occasional stir.
Step 5: Cook the Egg Noodles
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once drained, toss them with a bit of butter to keep them from sticking and to add a rich, comforting flavor.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Carefully add the baked meatballs to the simmering sauce, gently coating them in the tomato goodness. Let them cook together for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
Serve the turkey meatballs over the buttery egg noodles, and don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for that final touch.
Mom Tips for Perfect Turkey Meatballs
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Don’t overmix: Keep a gentle hand when mixing the meatball ingredients to ensure they stay tender.
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Use a cookie scoop: It’s a game-changer for making evenly sized meatballs.
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Add your own twist: Feel free to sneak in some grated veggies like carrots or zucchini for an extra nutritional boost.