Heart-Healthy Classic Meatballs with Tomato Sauce

Savor the comforting flavors of 'Heart-Healthy Classic Meatballs with Tomato Sauce,' a lighter twist on a beloved classic. Made with lean ground turkey and fiber-rich oats, these tender meatballs are seasoned with a fragrant blend of garlic, basil, and oregano for a burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavor. Simmered in a rich, low-sodium tomato sauce infused with olive oil, thyme, and a touch of red pepper flakes, this dish delivers all the warmth of traditional meatballs without the guilt. Perfect for dinner, these wholesome meatballs are baked to perfection and pair beautifully with whole-grain pasta or a crisp salad for a balanced, nutrient-packed meal. Ready in just an hour, this recipe is as quick as it is nourishing, ideal for those seeking heart-healthy dining options that don’t compromise on taste.

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams lean ground turkey
• 0.5 cup oats
• 0.25 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 800 grams low-sodium canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground turkey, oats, chicken broth, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and fresh parsley.

Step 3

Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined but do not overmix, to prevent the meatballs from becoming tough.

Step 4

Shape the mixture into approximately 16 meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter.

Step 5

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.

Step 6

Add the meatballs in batches, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until browned.

Step 7

Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

Step 8

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 9

Reduce the heat to low and add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried thyme, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet.

Step 10

Stir the sauce occasionally and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 11

Return the meatballs to the skillet, spooning some sauce over them.

Step 12

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.

Step 13

Serve the meatballs with the tomato sauce. Pair with a side of whole-grain pasta or a salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1527.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1404.6

Total Fat 73.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.6g
Cholesterol 543.1mg	0%
Sodium 531.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 87.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.6g	0%
Total Sugars 31.7g
Protein 123.0g	0%

Vitamin D 41IU	0%
Calcium 342.8mg	0%
Iron 15.4mg	0%
Potassium 3810.4mg	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: 43.9%

Protein: 32.8%

Carbs: 23.2%