Description

This Cheesy Turkey Meatball Skillet features tender turkey meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese, all cooked in one pan for a convenient and delicious meal. Perfectly balanced with flavors from Pecorino Romano, garlic, and fresh parsley, this skillet dish is ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner served alongside a green salad and crusty bread.

Ingredients

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Meatballs

2 tablespoons skim milk (or water)
1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
1/3 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
2 small cloves crushed garlic (or 1 large)
1 large egg
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/4 cup chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 pounds 93% ground turkey

For Cooking and Sauce

Cooking spray or oil for skillet
2 cloves garlic (smashed with the side of a knife)
28 ounce can crushed tomatoes (preferably Tuttorosso)
Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)
1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (preferably thicker shredded Polly-O)
Parsley or basil for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the milk, seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, crushed garlic, egg, tomato paste, chopped parsley, and kosher salt. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
Add Turkey and Form Meatballs: Add the ground turkey to the bowl and mix gently using a fork to blend everything together without overworking the meat. Shape the mixture into 18 evenly sized meatballs.
Brown the Meatballs: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and spray lightly with cooking oil. Place the meatballs in the skillet and brown them on each side for about 5 to 6 minutes until nicely golden. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.
Sauté Garlic and Prepare Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low, add a bit more oil if needed, and sauté the smashed garlic cloves for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and fragrant.
Simmer Meatballs in Tomato Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste, and return the browned meatballs to the skillet. Partially cover the pan and let the meatballs simmer on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, until cooked through.
Top with Cheese and Melt: Remove the partial cover and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs. Cover the skillet again and cook for 2 minutes until the cheese melts. If your skillet doesn’t have a lid, place it under a broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the skillet with extra chopped parsley or fresh basil. Serve hot with a side of green salad and bread for dipping.

Notes

This dish is a convenient one-skillet meal that combines protein, sauce, and cheese in one pan for easy cleanup.
Use 93% lean ground turkey for a healthy, juicy texture without excess fat.
Part-skim mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture without too much fat.
If you don’t have seasoned breadcrumbs, you can use plain breadcrumbs and add a pinch of Italian seasoning.
For an extra burst of flavor, you can add red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce while simmering.
Serve with a simple green salad and crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3 meatballs and sauce
Calories: 356 kcal
Sugar: 5.5 g
Sodium: 809 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 6.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 31.5 g
Cholesterol: 134.5 mg