Turkey meatballs in tomato sauce

Tender turkey meatballs simmered in a homemade tomato sauce: a family dish that children love and everyone enjoys. High in lean protein and light, it goes with wholewheat pasta, rice or mash for a complete, comforting meal.

Preparation: 20 min  |  Cooking: 25 min  |  Servings: 4  |  Difficulty: Easy

Calculated per serving from the Anses Ciqual 2025 values for each ingredient, based on the quantities in the list. Household measures (spoonfuls, pieces) use average weights. 268 kcal · 40 g protein · 11 g carbohydrate · 7 g fat

Ingredients

• 500 g minced turkey
• 1 onion
• 2 tins of chopped tomatoes
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp porridge oats
• 2 cloves of garlic
• basil, salt, pepper

Method

1. Mix the minced turkey with the egg, oats, half the grated onion, salt and pepper. Shape into meatballs.
2. Brown them in a drizzle of oil, then set aside.
3. In the same casserole, fry the rest of the onion and the garlic, then add the chopped tomatoes and basil.
4. Return the meatballs and simmer for 20 minutes over a low heat. Serve with pasta or rice.

Nutritional benefits

Minced turkey is a lean meat, very high in protein and low in saturated fat, ideal for a dish that is light but filling. Porridge oats replace breadcrumbs and add fibre while keeping the meatballs tender. The homemade tomato sauce, with no added sugar unlike many shop-bought sauces, provides antioxidant lycopene. A balanced family dish that gets children eating protein and vegetables with no fuss.

Variations and substitutions

• With lean beef or minced chicken.
• Vegetarian: lentil or chickpea balls.
• More vegetables: add grated courgette or carrot to the meatballs.
• Mediterranean: olives, oregano, and a little feta on top.

Storage and making ahead

Meatballs and sauce keep for 3 days in the fridge and freeze very well: an ideal batch cooking dish. Reheat gently in a saucepan. The homemade tomato sauce can also be stored separately for other recipes.

💡 Good to know

For meatballs that hold together and stay tender, do not skimp on the egg and oats as binders, and do not cook them too fiercely: gentle simmering in the sauce makes them tender.

Read also

Discover more high-protein recipes · children’s recipes · lactose-free recipes.

The foods in this recipe: minced turkey · onion · tomatoes · egg · oats.

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