Turkey Meatballs in Paprika Tomato Sauce

Savor the comforting flavors of Turkey Meatballs in Paprika Tomato Sauce, a wholesome and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender ground turkey meatballs, enriched with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and garlic, are gently browned to lock in their juiciness before simmering in a smoky, paprika-infused tomato sauce. This vibrant sauce, laced with onions, oregano, and a hint of sweetness, ties the dish together, creating a rich and aromatic meal. Quick to prepare in under an hour, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious—pair it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the luscious sauce. Garnished with fresh basil, these turkey meatballs are the definition of comfort food with a healthy, flavorful twist.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 g Ground turkey
• 60 g Breadcrumbs
• 1 large Egg
• 30 g Parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 15 g Fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 400 g Canned crushed tomatoes
• 250 ml Chicken broth
• 2 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 1 tsp Sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 10 g Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, half of the minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined; do not overwork the mixture.

Step 2

Using damp hands, shape the mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs and set aside on a plate.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and brown them on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside. The meatballs do not need to be fully cooked at this stage.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the onion until softened, 4-5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the remaining minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, smoked paprika, oregano, and sugar (if using). Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.

Step 7

Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce is slightly thickened.

Step 8

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

Step 9

Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1524.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1671.8

Total Fat 85.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 24.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.6g
Cholesterol 604.4mg	0%
Sodium 5423.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 101.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.5g	0%
Total Sugars 35.3g
Protein 135.1g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 646.0mg	0%
Iron 17.7mg	0%
Potassium 2478.5mg	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: 44.8%

Protein: 31.5%

Carbs: 23.7%