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Flavorful Turkey Meatballs Recipe with Easy Zesty Zucchini Noodles

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A quick and healthy recipe featuring juicy turkey meatballs paired with fresh, zesty zucchini noodles for a low-carb, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground turkey (lean but not too dry)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
  • 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized (about 4 cups noodles)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Wet your hands slightly and roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, about 16 total. Place on a plate or tray.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove and set aside.
  4. While meatballs cook, spiralize zucchinis to make about 4 cups noodles. If no spiralizer, use a vegetable peeler to make thin ribbons.
  5. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add zucchini noodles, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until noodles are tender but still firm.
  6. Plate zucchini noodles and top with warm turkey meatballs. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

If meatballs brown too quickly but are not cooked through, lower heat and cover pan briefly. Drain excess moisture from zucchini noodles with paper towels before cooking to prevent sogginess. Baking option: bake meatballs at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatballs, zucchini noodles, low carb, healthy dinner, quick recipe, gluten-free option, keto, easy weeknight meal

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