Spaghetti with Turkey Meatballs

A healthier twist on classic spaghetti and meatballs featuring lean turkey meatballs and a homemade roasted tomato sauce served over whole wheat pasta.

6 servings
2 hr 5 min

Ingredients

  • 8 pounds tomatoes, cut into chunks
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 5 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 cups Italian bread
  • ¾ cup 1 percent milk
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 whole egg
  • ½ pound whole-wheat spaghetti
  • ¼ cup Grated Parmesan

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Heat oven to 400°F. In a large baking dish, combine tomatoes, onion, 1/4 cup oil, garlic, pepper flakes (if desired) and 1 tablespoon salt; cover; roast 45 minutes. Remove dish from oven; mash mixture to break down tomatoes. Cook, uncovered, until sauce is thick and reduced, 45 minutes. In a bowl, soak bread in milk until it absorbs liquid, 10 minutes; add turkey, egg and remaining 1 teaspoon salt; mix until just combined. Gently roll meat mixture into 16 equal-sized balls. In a large nonstick saucepan, heat remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Sauté meatballs, turning occasionally, until light brown, 5 minutes. Add tomato sauce to meatballs; reduce heat; simmer until cooked through, 20 minutes. Cook pasta as directed on package. Serve sauce over pasta; top with cheese, if desired.

    125 min