Temple Hills Turkey Meatballs with Tomato-Basil Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Lean turkey meatballs simmered in a vibrant tomato sauce with fresh basil, served over whole-grain pasta. This italian-inspired chicken (vegetarian) ready in about 70 minutes blends ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg 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 380 calories and feeds 6, 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.

★ 3.8 (8 ratings) Prep: 40 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 380 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Form into 1.5-inch meatballs.
  2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook for 5 minutes until browned. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, sauté basil for 1 minute until fragrant. Add tomato sauce, remaining 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened. Return meatballs to skillet and cook for 5 minutes until heated through.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil. Serve meatballs and sauce over pasta.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Temple Hills Turkey Meatballs with Tomato-Basil Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (40 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Temple Hills Turkey Meatballs with Tomato-Basil Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Temple Hills Turkey Meatballs with Tomato-Basil 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 Temple Hills Turkey Meatballs with Tomato-Basil Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Temple Hills Turkey Meatballs with Tomato-Basil Sauce vegetarian?

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

What others are saying

Related recipes