Turkey Pesto Meatballs
This Feed Your Sister recipe is one that’s tried and true! It has minimal ingredients and can easily be adapted if you are following a paleo or whole30 diet by substituting the bread crumbs for flax seed or almond meal.
I love using my dairy-free nut pulp pesto but equally love store-bought pesto! All you need is four ingredients (plus salt & pepper) and you are all set to go! This recipe so great for meal prep plus it’s kid-approved too!
I N G R E D I E N T S (makes about 10-15 meatballs)
1 pound ground turkey (or beef)
1/4 cup bread crumbs, any kind (flax seed meal, gluten-free crumbs or almond flour work great too!)
2 tablespoons of nut pulp pesto (or any pesto you like)
a pinch of salt & pepper
a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
24 oz jar of marinara sauce (I like using the Rao’s brand)
I N S T R U C T I O N S
Add first 4 ingredients (and red pepper flakes, if using) to a bowl and mix with your hands to combine. Do not overmix.
Meanwhile warm up the whole jar of marinara sauce in a large pot over medium heat.
Form meatballs with wet hands and place balls in the warm sauce.
Let cook for about 5-7 minutes on medium-low with lid on and then carefully rotate balls in the sauce to prevent sticking to the bottom.
Continuously rotate balls in the sauce every 5 minutes until they are firm and cooked. The total cooking time is about 25 minutes but will depend on the size of your meatball. Use an instant-read thermometer, if the temperature reads 160-165 they are done. You can always cut one ball open to make sure they are cooked as another method.
Serve with zoodles or pasta of choice and some extra pesto for added flavor!
N O T E S
If you want to keep the sauce separate you can bake the meatballs on a lined sheet pan for about 15-20 minutes at 400 degrees. Then add to your favorite soup, sauce or eat plain!
This meal is freezer friendly either with sauce or without!
If you make mini meatballs the cook time will be less. Always use a instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. Poultry should reach an internal temperature of 165.
These meatballs make for a great hero sandwich. Cut meatballs in half and place on hero roll. Add provolone or mozzarella and some parmesan on top of the meatballs and bake on a sheet pan until melty and browned around the edges, about 15 minutes.
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment and don’t forget to tag a photo using #feedyoursister on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
