Stovetop Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Basil Sauce

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-08-08 · Updated 2026-08-08

Juicy turkey meatballs simmered in a vibrant tomato sauce with fresh basil, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. This Italian-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, blends ground turkey, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, grated into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large egg
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

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Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb ground turkey, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until ingredients are just combined without overworking the meat.
2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 16 uniform meatballs, each about 1.5 inches in diameter. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped medium onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and slightly golden.
4. Step 4: Add the remaining 1 minced garlic clove and 1/2 tsp dried oregano to the skillet, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Pour in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, stir well, and bring the sauce to a simmer.
6. Step 6: Gently place the meatballs into the simmering tomato sauce. Cover and cook over low heat for 20 minutes, turning the meatballs halfway through to ensure even cooking.
7. Step 7: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, cooking uncovered for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the basil aroma is prominent.