Heart-Healthy Turkey and Beef Meatballs with Whole-Wheat Spaghetti Recipe

ground turkey

🥗Healthier: ground chicken

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Ground chicken is leaner, while ground beef is often less expensive.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and adds a cheesy flavor.

bread crumbs

🥗Healthier: oats

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Oats are a healthier binder, while crushed crackers can be more economical.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is often cheaper and has a neutral flavor.

Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, bread crumbs, grated parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, salt, and black pepper; mix until well combined.

Form mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; brown meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Transfer browned meatballs to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until cooked through.

In the same skillet, add canned tomatoes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes; simmer for 10 minutes.

Add baked meatballs to the tomato sauce; stir to coat.

Serve meatballs over spaghetti, garnished with additional parsley and parmesan if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens