Turkey Meatball Marinara Skillet

Name: Turkey Meatball Marinara Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 onion, chopped; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Family Comfort Meals

A delightful one-pan meal featuring juicy turkey meatballs simmered in a rich marinara sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-31T16:26:30.415Z

This Turkey Meatball Marinara Skillet is a family favorite that's not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor. With tender turkey meatballs sitting in a robust marinara sauce, it’s a wholesome dish that everyone will enjoy.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Juicy turkey meatballs that are full of flavor
Rich marinara sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta
A quick and easy one-pan meal for busy weeknights

      

A Quick and Flavorful Dinner

When you're short on time but still want a hearty meal, this Turkey Meatball Marinara Skillet is the perfect solution. The dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. With just one pan to clean, you can enjoy a delicious dinner without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.

The turkey meatballs are not only juicy but also packed with flavor. Combining ground turkey with spices and herbs creates a savory profile that complements the rich marinara sauce beautifully. This balance of tastes ensures that every bite is satisfying and delightful.

Versatile Serving Options

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve the meatballs over your favorite pasta, making for a classic Italian meal, or enjoy them alongside a slice of crusty bread for dipping. Additionally, this dish pairs well with a side salad, bringing freshness and crunch to your dining experience.

If you're looking to lighten things up, consider serving the meatballs with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. This way, you can enjoy all the flavors of the dish while keeping it low-carb and healthy.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, you're in luck! This Turkey Meatball Marinara Skillet stores very well in the refrigerator. Just transfer any remaining meatballs and sauce to an airtight container, and they will stay fresh for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

For longer storage, consider freezing the meatballs and sauce separately. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat. This makes for a quick meal option that's as delicious as the first time you served it.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth experience.

For the Meatballs

1 pound ground turkey
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Marinara Sauce

2 cups marinara sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Fresh basil for garnish

Make sure to have everything ready to go before you start cooking.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your Turkey Meatball Marinara Skillet.

Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, then form into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.

Cook the Meatballs

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add meatballs and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.

Add the Vegetables

Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add Marinara Sauce

Pour in the marinara sauce and oregano. Stir to combine, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

Serve

Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot over pasta or with crusty bread.

Enjoy your delicious Turkey Meatball Marinara Skillet!

Tips for Perfect Meatballs

To ensure your turkey meatballs come out perfectly every time, avoid overmixing the ingredients. Mixing just until combined keeps the meatballs tender and prevents them from becoming dense. Additionally, using a cookie scoop can help you portion the meatballs evenly, ensuring they cook uniformly.

If you want to add more flavor, consider incorporating finely chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, into the meatball mixture. This not only enhances the taste but also adds a pop of color.

Customizing the Marinara Sauce

While the marinara sauce in this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to customize it to your liking. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or stir in some chopped spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.

For a creamier sauce, mix in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese just before serving. This will create a rich, comforting sauce that elevates your turkey meatballs even further.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

→ Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well in this recipe.

→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats.

→ What should I serve with this dish?

This skillet pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.