Skillet Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles and Tomato Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Lean turkey meatballs simmered in a fresh tomato sauce served over zucchini noodles for a satisfying low-carb meal. This american-inspired whole30 (low-carb) ready in about 45 minutes pairs ground turkey, zucchini, diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 1 pound ground turkey, 1 lightly beaten egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl. Mix gently until combined, then form into 12 meatballs. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
  2. Step 2: While meatballs cook, spiralize 2 medium zucchini into noodles. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 14 ounces diced tomatoes and 2 minced garlic cloves, simmering 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Cook zucchini noodles in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until tender but still firm. Serve meatballs over zucchini noodles with tomato sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Skillet Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles and Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Skillet Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles and Tomato Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground turkey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Skillet Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles and Tomato Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Skillet Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles and Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Skillet Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles and Tomato Sauce low-carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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