Stuffed Garlic & Herb Meatballs
approximately 8 servings
Ingredients:
1 lb. lean ground turkey
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
1 garlic head, finely chopped
1 cup fresh herbs, chopped (I used sage and chives from our garden)
1 – 8 oz. package of panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
2 tsp salt
1 egg
Directions:
Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a pan with foil and spray with cooking spray. Place all the ingredients in a large bowl and combine together well (I find it is best to combine it with my hands). Using a tablespoonful, form into balls about 1″ – 1 1/2″ in diameter and arranged onto prepared pan. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until browned.
We serve ours with whole wheat spaghetti and my favorite marinara sauce from Trader Joe’s. I also love mixing some sage with mixed garlic and butter to make my garlic bread spread. That sage is so fragrant and really tastes delicious, and I think it’s that giant bundle of herbs that I chop up and throw in that really makes it absolutely delectable. I’m not typically a meatball fan, but I do love these ones filled with lots of herbs and garlic (oh how I love garlic!). True, on the other hand, does not like my meatballs, she likes meatballs plain with no onions and herbs.
I don’t make marinara sauce from scratch because I really love the ones from TJ’s, but does anyone have a simple and delicious recipe to share? Maybe I can try it from scratch next time.
Those balls look yummy! I have been meaning to experiment with a “beanball” version forever. I tried a lentil one once and the kids didn’t go for it. A word of warning about the plain trader joes spaghetti noodles. They are awful and taste like cinnamon! I used them twice with different sauces thinking it was a fluke and it’s not. Cinnamon spaghetti is not great. My toddler loves the trader joes frozen bowtie noodles with spinach. Need to try a healthier hack of that recipe at home and freeze some myself.
Are you talking about the Trader Joe’s organic whole wheat spaghetti noodles? If so, I’ve never got a cinnamon taste from it, or maybe it’s because I like cinnamon. I haven’t tried the bow tie with spinach. I’m sure you could totally make a healthier version of that.
Those look delicious! Herb-stuffed and garlic are the best. I have been making a lot of Arabic food lately (we’re missing Dubai) and that calls for a plethora of herbs – meatballs with cilantro, parsley, dill, onion, and more. Crazy flavor! I love it. My favorite spaghetti sauce recipe is from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe, one of my favorite food blogs. It’s not the simplest but it’s still easy and SO good! I like the addition of the balsamic vinegar and some grated/blended onion in addition to the sauteed. You could leave the meat out and serve it with your meatballs!
http://www.melskitchencafe.com/homemade-spaghetti-sauce-perfected/
MOUTH IS WATERING!
these meatballs look amazing! i make pasta sauce very simply and we love it! the recipe is here… http://janejojulia.weebly.com/blog/easy-peasy-pasta-sauce
yum!! thanks for sharing this!!
xxoo,
nikki
http://www.dream-in-neon.com
I have a really simple, fresh sauce for you. It’s not exactly a recipe, just something I throw together. Sauté a chopped small onion and as much chopped garlic as you like in a pan with a little bit of olive oil. Roughly cut up a bunch of tomatoes maybe 6-10 largish ones, the variety doesn’t matter. I use a combination of large, juicy heirlooms from my garden, the variety of colors is so pretty in the sauce. Add them to the garlic and onions, add some salt and pepper to taste, and simmer for about 30 minutes. While the sauce is cooking, cut up some fresh basil., as much or al little as you like. After the sauce is done cooking, turn off the heat and stir in the basil. That’s it! It’s a very light, juicy sauce. We top it with parmesan. You can add some sliced grilled chicken too but we usually eat it as a vegetarian dish.
These look amazing. Have you ever tried freezing them after they’re cooked? I love having meatballs on hand to heat with quick pasta, so I wonder if an occasional batch of these could replace store-bought ones in our house. I’ll try it and let you know!
My favorite quick sauce:
-1 large can San Marzano tomatoes (I get them at TJs)
-as much garlic as you like (at least 3-4 cloves)
-olive oil (.25-.5 c?)
-as much basil as you like
Crush or mince garlic & saute in oil until fragrant and golden. Crush tomatoes in can & add to oil…watch out for splatters. Simmer for as long as you have…it’s delicious after 20 mins, better after an hour, and I’ve never gone longer than that. Add a sprinkle of salt if you think it needs it. Chop basil & add for just a few minutes at the end so it stays green. I could dip garlic bread in this all day long. Delish!!
I’m going to try this for sure!!! Thank you so much for sharing!!!!
Trying these now and doubling the recipe. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Those look delicious!
Thank you so much for this recipe. I haven’t eaten meatballs since I was 8- one of those horrible child experiences that follow you through adulthood. I saw your post and had everything on hand and LOVED them! I think you’re right- it’s those herbs that make these so good!