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Baked Turkey Zucchini Meatballs with Simple Zoodles

Baked Turkey Zucchini Meatballs with Simple Zoodles 4

I have a bulldog in a tutu passed out on her dog bed and a 1-year-old passed out in a lady bug costume in her crib. It’s pouring rain, the sun is completely MIA for the day, and I made chili for lunch with no clue as to what’s for dinner. After an active 90 minutes of tennis this morning, it has been a really off day, topped off with a 39-0 Illini loss today.

Not my ideal Saturday. But, at least I wasn’t in pursuit of all of the sugar in the world like so many kiddos. Though, the rain won’t keep them all at bay. P.S. Happy Halloween!

Baked Turkey Zucchini Meatballs with Simple Zoodles 2

With an exam Monday morning, a day trip to Chicago tomorrow for a baby shower, and my huge cooking demo on Tuesday evening, I have zero desire or inspiration to cook. I’m not planning a weekly menu. I’m on strike for my mental health and well-being. I think it’ll be a “fend for yourself”, make a sandwich, or clear out the freezer kind of a week.

I say it like it’s a bad thing, but it sounds rather nice. I made 3 trips in 2 days to the grocery store for work and I just don’t want to head back…even if I have the cutest of company.

Baked Turkey Zucchini Meatballs with Simple Zoodles 3

Last week, I made these Baked Turkey Zucchini Meatballs. My coworker had sounded off the idea of a zucchini meatball for the holiday cooking demo event. I loved the idea and I quickly landed on this recipe. They looked easy and healthy and definitely delicious. Seeing as I didn’t feel comfortable preparing and serving a recipe to 125 people I’d never tried before, I made them for dinner and asked for opinions from my toughest critic: Mr. Prevention.

Not only did Mr. P like the meatballs, he even requested the zoodles to accompany. The baby loved the meatballs, too…though, I didn’t find that surprising in the least. She’s my little carnivore. This zucchini-packed meal was light, bright, and very tasty. These meatballs can double as an appetizer or entrée, and could even be served on a sub bun!

Baked Turkey Zucchini Meatballs with Simple Zoodles 1

4.0 from 1 reviews
Baked Turkey Zucchini Meatballs with Simple Zoodles
Author: 
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 40 meatballs with sauce
 
Ingredients
Meatballs:
  • 2 lbs ground turkey breast
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup zucchini, finely grated, drained, and packed
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced
Sauce:
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp sugar
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ to ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
  2. In a large bowl combine ground turkey, olive oil, minced garlic, eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, zucchini, and onion. Using your hands mix the meat mixture until the ingredients are evenly combined.
  3. Scoop two tablespoon sized balls of meat from the mix, roll into a firm ball, and place on prepared baking sheet; repeat with remaining meat.
  4. Place the baking sheet in the oven to bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they're evenly brown and cooked though.
  5. Meanwhile, warm the oil for the sauce in a large saucepan over medium-heat. Add in the garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds or until fragrant. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well to combine.
  6. Simmer the sauce for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. When meatballs are done baking, add them to the sauce, stir to coat, and serve.
Notes
Meatball recipe from Baker by Nature

To make the zoodles, saute 2 tomatoes in 1-2 teaspoons of oil. Add a few cloves of minced garlic and a bit of salt and pepper. Add about ½ cup dry white wine and simmer to reduce for ~5 minutes. Add zoodles and heat through. Serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 meatball Calories: 60 Fat: 2.4 Carbohydrates: 3.2 Sugar: 0.9 Sodium: 90 Fiber: 0.5 Protein: 6.2 Cholesterol: 14
Be well,

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5 Comments

  1. Leigh
    November 2, 2015 / 3:29 pm

    This sounds delish!

  2. Kylee @ Kylee Cooks
    November 4, 2015 / 1:04 pm

    I am just getting into zoodles, lately. How funny that Miss S is a carnivore. My littlest dude is a committed vegetarian. It’s crazy! He even hates BACON. I’m not even sure he’s mine.

    I think I’ll give this a try, maybe he’ll deign to eat a little of it – I know the rest of us will enjoy!

  3. Ann Damico
    October 19, 2016 / 1:22 pm

    Why is nothing said about making the zoodles? Like using a certain peeler to get the zucchini to look like noodles, etc. etc.
    Please reply. Ann.

    • Nicole Morrissey
      Author
      October 19, 2016 / 2:17 pm

      Hi Ann, the information on the zoodles is in the recipe notes. 🙂 Hope that helps!

  4. Mary
    July 22, 2017 / 10:02 am

    I am just searching such a recipe and this is one of my favorite recipe ever. Much more times I make it for breakfast and evening snacks. This zucchini meatball gives us more pleasure and enjoyed so much with this recipe. Thanks for sharing this.

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