Heart-Healthy Classic Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Savor the comforting flavors of a beloved classic with a heart-healthy twist in this recipe for "Heart-Healthy Classic Meatballs in Tomato Sauce." Made with lean ground turkey and nutrient-rich rolled oats, these tender, oven-baked meatballs are a wholesome alternative to traditional options. Simmered in a robust tomato sauce infused with garlic, onion, basil, and oregano, they pack all the flavor without the extra fat. An ideal dish for health-conscious families, these meatballs are high in protein and low in sodium, making them perfect for anyone looking to enjoy clean, flavorful eating. Serve them over whole-grain pasta or zucchini noodles for a guilt-free, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 g Ground lean turkey
• 50 g Rolled oats
• 1 large Egg
• 30 g Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 medium, finely chopped Onion
• 3 minced Garlic cloves
• 400 g Canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried or a handful of fresh Basil
• 1 tsp dried Oregano
• 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp chopped Fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the ground lean turkey, rolled oats, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 3

Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until they are just cooked through.

Step 5

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent.

Step 6

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute.

Step 7

Pour the canned crushed tomatoes into the skillet, followed by the basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

Step 8

Carefully add the baked meatballs to the tomato sauce, cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 9

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.

Step 10

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Step 11

Serve the meatballs hot, either on their own or over a bed of whole-grain pasta or zucchini noodles for a heart-healthy meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1244.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1624.0

Total Fat 89.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 25.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.6g
Cholesterol 649.5mg	0%
Sodium 2690.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 81.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.2g	0%
Total Sugars 24.1g
Protein 131.1g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 658.1mg	0%
Iron 14.6mg	0%
Potassium 3312.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.7%

Protein: 31.6%

Carbs: 19.7%