Turkey Meatballs
Italian turkey meatballs with Parmesan and fennel seeds, finished with chopped tomatoes and fresh basil.
TOTAL TIME
52 min
ACTIVE TIME
42 min
QUANTITY
~1.75 kg
DIFFICULTY
Easy
CUISINE
Italian
Who’s eating
A
Cooking for A typical adult.
This should leave everyone comfortably full.
Ingredients0/16
Tools0/16
Ingredients0/16 gathered · 4 servings
40g
7clove
2tbsp
1piece
500g
60g
2tsp
1tsp
0.5tsp
2tsp
1.5tsp
4tbsp
1piece
800g
1tsp
10g| # | Product | Quantity | Notes | State | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | | 40g | — | — | |
| 2 | | 7clove | — | — | |
| 3 | | 2tbsp | — | — | |
| 4 | | 1piece | — | — | |
| 5 | | 500g | — | — | |
| 6 | | 60g | — | — | |
| 7 | | 2tsp | — | — | |
| 8 | | 1tsp | — | — | |
| 9 | | 0.5tsp | — | — | |
| 10 | | 2tsp | — | — | |
| 11 | | 1.5tsp | — | — | |
| 12 | | 4tbsp | — | — | |
| 13 | | 1piece | — | — | |
| 14 | | 800g | — | — | |
| 15 | | 1tsp | — | — | |
| 16 | | 10g | — | — |
Tools18 items
Serveware1 item
Procedure51 steps
1 of 51
Grate the Parmesan into a small bowl.
Parmesan · 40 g
⏱ 2 min
ResultGrated parmesanused in step 92 of 51
Peel the garlic cloves and discard the skins.
Garlic clove · 3 clove
⏱ 30s
ResultPeeled garlic cloves3 of 51
Mince the peeled garlic cloves finely on the chopping board.
⏱ 1 min
ResultMinced garlicused in step 114 of 51
Finely chop the flat-leaf parsley on the chopping board.
Flat-leaf parsley · 2 tbsp⏱ 1 min
ResultFinely chopped parsleyused in step 175 of 51
Crack the egg into a small bowl, discarding the shell.
Egg · 1 piece⏱ 30s
ResultEgg6 of 51
Beat the egg lightly with a fork until the yolk and white are just combined.
⏱ 20s
ResultBeaten eggused in step 107 of 51
Add the turkey mince to a large mixing bowl.
Turkey mince · 500 g
⏱ 15s
ResultTurkey mince8 of 51
Add the breadcrumbs to the turkey mince.
Breadcrumbs · 60 g⏱ 15s
ResultTurkey mince and breadcrumbs9 of 51
Add the grated Parmesan to the turkey mince and breadcrumbs.
⏱ 15s
ResultGrated parmesan and turkey mince and breadcrumbs10 of 51
Add the lightly beaten egg to the turkey mince mixture.
⏱ 15s
ResultBeaten egg and turkey mince mixture11 of 51
Add the minced garlic to the turkey mince and egg mixture.
⏱ 15s
ResultBeaten egg and turkey mince mixture12 of 51
Add the dried oregano to the turkey mince and egg mixture.
Dried oregano · 1 tsp⏱ 15s
ResultBeaten egg and turkey mince mixture13 of 51
Add the fennel seeds to the seasoned meatball mixture.
Fennel seeds · 1 tsp⏱ 15s
ResultBeaten egg and turkey mince mixture14 of 51
Add the chilli flakes to the seasoned meatball mixture.
Chilli flakes · 0.5 tsp⏱ 15s
ResultBeaten egg and turkey mince mixture15 of 51
Add the fine sea salt to the turkey mince and egg mixture.
Fine sea salt · 1.5 tsp⏱ 15s
ResultBeaten egg and turkey mince mixture16 of 51
Add the black pepper to the seasoned meatball mixture.
Ground black pepper · 1 tsp⏱ 15s
ResultBeaten egg and turkey mince mixture17 of 51
Add the finely chopped parsley to the seasoned meatball mixture.
⏱ 15s
ResultBeaten egg and turkey mince mixture18 of 51
Mix all the ingredients together until evenly combined.
⏱ 1 min
ResultMixed meatball mixture19 of 51
Roll the mixture into about 20 walnut-sized balls, using your palms to shape each one.
⏱ 4 min
ResultMeatballs20 of 51
Transfer the meatballs to a plate in a single layer.
⏱ 1 min
ResultMeatballs21 of 51
Cover the plate of meatballs with cling film.
⏱ 15s
22 of 51
Put the plate in the refrigerator.
⏱ 10s
ResultMeatballs23 of 51
Chill the covered meatballs in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to firm up.
⏱ 15 min
ResultChilled meatballs25 of 51
Peel the onion and discard the skin.
White onion · 1 piece⏱ 30s
ResultPeeled onion27 of 51
Add the olive oil to a large frying pan.
Light olive oil · 2 tbsp
⏱ 15s
ResultLight olive oil28 of 51
Heat the olive oil over a medium heat until shimmering.
⏱ 1 min
ResultHeated olive oil29 of 51
Add the diced onion to the preheated olive oil.
⏱ 15s
ResultDiced onion and heated olive oil30 of 51
Sauté the onion, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
⏱ 8 min
ResultSoftened onion in oil31 of 51
Peel the garlic cloves and discard the skins.
Garlic clove · 4 clove⏱ 30s
ResultPeeled garlic cloves32 of 51
Mince the peeled garlic cloves finely on the chopping board.
⏱ 1 min
ResultMinced garlic33 of 51
Add the minced garlic to the softened onion in oil.
⏱ 15s
ResultSoftened onion in oil and minced garlic34 of 51
Sauté the garlic with the onion, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
⏱ 1 min
ResultFragrant garlic and onion in oil35 of 51
Add the chopped tomatoes to the fragrant garlic and onion in oil.
Chopped tomatoes · 800 g⏱ 15s
ResultFragrant garlic and onion in oil and chopped tomatoes36 of 51
Add the caster sugar to the tomato sauce base.
Caster sugar · 1 tsp⏱ 15s
ResultChopped tomato mixture37 of 51
Add the dried oregano to the sweetened tomato sauce.
Dried oregano · 1 tsp⏱ 15s
ResultChopped tomato mixture38 of 51
Add the fine sea salt to the seasoned tomato sauce.
Fine sea salt · 0.5 tsp⏱ 15s
ResultChopped tomato mixture39 of 51
Add the black pepper to the seasoned tomato sauce.
Ground black pepper · 0.5 tsp⏱ 15s
ResultChopped tomato mixture40 of 51
Stir the tomato sauce base to combine all the ingredients.
⏱ 30s
ResultTomato sauce base41 of 51
Bring the tomato sauce to a simmer over a medium heat.
⏱ 2 min
ResultSimmered tomato sauce base42 of 51
Reduce the heat and simmer the tomato sauce gently, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
⏱ 15 min
ResultSimmered chopped tomatoesused in step 4743 of 51
Add the olive oil to a large non-stick frying pan.
Light olive oil · 2 tbsp
⏱ 15s
ResultLight olive oil44 of 51
Heat the olive oil over a medium-high heat until shimmering.
⏱ 1 min
45 of 51
Add the chilled meatballs to the preheated olive oil in the pan.
⏱ 15s
ResultLight olive oil and chilled meatballs46 of 51
Pan-fry the meatballs, turning them with tongs, until golden brown all over, about 6 minutes.
⏱ 6 min
ResultGolden brown meatballsused in step 4847 of 51
Pour the simmered chopped tomatoes into a large saucepan.
⏱ 30s
ResultSimmered chopped tomatoes48 of 51
Transfer the golden brown meatballs into the tomato sauce in the saucepan.
⏱ 1 min
ResultSimmered chopped tomatoes and golden brown meatballs49 of 51
Stir the meatballs and tomato sauce together gently to coat.
⏱ 1 min
ResultGolden brown meatballs and simmered chopped tomatoes50 of 51
Simmer the meatballs in the tomato sauce over a low heat until cooked through. Check the centre of the largest meatball reads 74 °C on a thermometer.
⏱ 10 min
ResultSimmered turkey meatballs in tomato sauceused in step 5251 of 51
Tear the fresh basil leaves into rough pieces.
Fresh basil leaves · 10 g⏱ 30s
ResultTorn basilused in step 53Total Time52 min
| # | Product | Tool | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 40 g | | Grate the Parmesan into a small bowl.⏱ 2 minResultGrated parmesanused in step 9 |
| 2 | 3 clove | | Peel the garlic cloves and discard the skins.⏱ 30sResultPeeled garlic cloves |
| 3 | Peeled garlic clovesstep 2 | | Mince the peeled garlic cloves finely on the chopping board.⏱ 1 minResultMinced garlicused in step 11 |
| 4 | 2 tbsp | | Finely chop the flat-leaf parsley on the chopping board.⏱ 1 minResultFinely chopped parsleyused in step 17 |
| 5 | 1 piece | | Crack the egg into a small bowl, discarding the shell.⏱ 30sResultEgg |
| 6 | — | | Beat the egg lightly with a fork until the yolk and white are just combined.⏱ 20sResultBeaten eggused in step 10 |
| 7 | 500 g | | Add the turkey mince to a large mixing bowl.⏱ 15sResultTurkey mince |
| 8 | 60 g | | Add the breadcrumbs to the turkey mince.⏱ 15sResultTurkey mince and breadcrumbs |
| 9 | Grated parmesanstep 1 | | Add the grated Parmesan to the turkey mince and breadcrumbs.⏱ 15sResultGrated parmesan and turkey mince and breadcrumbs |
| 10 | Beaten eggstep 6 | | Add the lightly beaten egg to the turkey mince mixture.⏱ 15sResultBeaten egg and turkey mince mixture |
| 11 | Minced garlicstep 3 | | Add the minced garlic to the turkey mince and egg mixture.⏱ 15sResultBeaten egg and turkey mince mixture |
| 12 | 1 tsp | | Add the dried oregano to the turkey mince and egg mixture.⏱ 15sResultBeaten egg and turkey mince mixture |
| 13 | 1 tsp | | Add the fennel seeds to the seasoned meatball mixture.⏱ 15sResultBeaten egg and turkey mince mixture |
| 14 | 0.5 tsp | | Add the chilli flakes to the seasoned meatball mixture.⏱ 15sResultBeaten egg and turkey mince mixture |
| 15 | 1.5 tsp | | Add the fine sea salt to the turkey mince and egg mixture.⏱ 15sResultBeaten egg and turkey mince mixture |
| 16 | 1 tsp | | Add the black pepper to the seasoned meatball mixture.⏱ 15sResultBeaten egg and turkey mince mixture |
| 17 | Finely chopped parsleystep 4 | | Add the finely chopped parsley to the seasoned meatball mixture.⏱ 15sResultBeaten egg and turkey mince mixture |
| 18 | — | | Mix all the ingredients together until evenly combined.⏱ 1 minResultMixed meatball mixture |
| 19 | — | | Roll the mixture into about 20 walnut-sized balls, using your palms to shape each one.⏱ 4 minResultMeatballs |
| 20 | Meatballsstep 19 | | Transfer the meatballs to a plate in a single layer.⏱ 1 minResultMeatballs |
| 21 | — | | Cover the plate of meatballs with cling film.⏱ 15s |
| 22 | — | | Put the plate in the refrigerator.⏱ 10sResultMeatballs |
| 23 | — | | Chill the covered meatballs in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to firm up.⏱ 15 minResultChilled meatballs |
| 24 | — | | Remove the plate from the refrigerator.⏱ 10sResultChilled meatballsused in step 45 |
| 25 | 1 piece | | Peel the onion and discard the skin.⏱ 30sResultPeeled onion |
| 26 | Peeled onionstep 25 | | Dice the peeled onion into small, even pieces.⏱ 2 minResultDiced onionused in step 29 |
| 27 | 2 tbsp | | Add the olive oil to a large frying pan.⏱ 15sResultLight olive oil |
| 28 | — | | Heat the olive oil over a medium heat until shimmering.⏱ 1 minResultHeated olive oil |
| 29 | Diced onionstep 26 | | Add the diced onion to the preheated olive oil.⏱ 15sResultDiced onion and heated olive oil |
| 30 | — | | Sauté the onion, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.⏱ 8 minResultSoftened onion in oil |
| 31 | 4 clove | | Peel the garlic cloves and discard the skins.⏱ 30sResultPeeled garlic cloves |
| 32 | Peeled garlic clovesstep 31 | | Mince the peeled garlic cloves finely on the chopping board.⏱ 1 minResultMinced garlic |
| 33 | Minced garlicstep 32 | | Add the minced garlic to the softened onion in oil.⏱ 15sResultSoftened onion in oil and minced garlic |
| 34 | — | | Sauté the garlic with the onion, stirring constantly, until fragrant.⏱ 1 minResultFragrant garlic and onion in oil |
| 35 | 800 g | | Add the chopped tomatoes to the fragrant garlic and onion in oil.⏱ 15sResultFragrant garlic and onion in oil and chopped tomatoes |
| 36 | 1 tsp | | Add the caster sugar to the tomato sauce base.⏱ 15sResultChopped tomato mixture |
| 37 | 1 tsp | | Add the dried oregano to the sweetened tomato sauce.⏱ 15sResultChopped tomato mixture |
| 38 | 0.5 tsp | | Add the fine sea salt to the seasoned tomato sauce.⏱ 15sResultChopped tomato mixture |
| 39 | 0.5 tsp | | Add the black pepper to the seasoned tomato sauce.⏱ 15sResultChopped tomato mixture |
| 40 | — | | Stir the tomato sauce base to combine all the ingredients.⏱ 30sResultTomato sauce base |
| 41 | — | | Bring the tomato sauce to a simmer over a medium heat.⏱ 2 minResultSimmered tomato sauce base |
| 42 | — | | Reduce the heat and simmer the tomato sauce gently, stirring occasionally, until thickened.⏱ 15 minResultSimmered chopped tomatoesused in step 47 |
| 43 | 2 tbsp | | Add the olive oil to a large non-stick frying pan.⏱ 15sResultLight olive oil |
| 44 | — | | Heat the olive oil over a medium-high heat until shimmering.⏱ 1 min |
| 45 | Chilled meatballsstep 24 | | Add the chilled meatballs to the preheated olive oil in the pan.⏱ 15sResultLight olive oil and chilled meatballs |
| 46 | — | | Pan-fry the meatballs, turning them with tongs, until golden brown all over, about 6 minutes.⏱ 6 minResultGolden brown meatballsused in step 48 |
| 47 | Simmered chopped tomatoesstep 42 | | Pour the simmered chopped tomatoes into a large saucepan.⏱ 30sResultSimmered chopped tomatoes |
| 48 | Golden brown meatballsstep 46 | | Transfer the golden brown meatballs into the tomato sauce in the saucepan.⏱ 1 minResultSimmered chopped tomatoes and golden brown meatballs |
| 49 | — | | Stir the meatballs and tomato sauce together gently to coat.⏱ 1 minResultGolden brown meatballs and simmered chopped tomatoes |
| 50 | — | | Simmer the meatballs in the tomato sauce over a low heat until cooked through. Check the centre of the largest meatball reads 74 °C on a thermometer.⏱ 10 minResultSimmered turkey meatballs in tomato sauceused in step 52 |
| 51 | 10 g | | Tear the fresh basil leaves into rough pieces.⏱ 30sResultTorn basilused in step 53 |
| Total Time | 52 min | ||
Serving
- Ladle the turkey meatballs and tomato sauce into a serving bowl.
- Scatter the torn basil over the meatballs and sauce and serve immediately.
Nutritionper serving
Estimated · pre-cooking · 100% ingredients covered
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| 448kcal | |
| 36g | |
| 22g | |
| 5g | |
| 28g | |
| 8g | |
| 5g | |
| 1,520mg |
Ingredients0/16
Tools0/16
Italian · Recipe
Turkey Meatballs
Italian turkey meatballs with Parmesan and fennel seeds, finished with chopped tomatoes and fresh basil.
What you’ll doYou will prepare a meatball mixture by combining turkey mince with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, herbs and spices, then shape and chill it. While the meatballs firm up, you'll build a tomato sauce by sautéing onion and garlic, then simmering with tinned tomatoes and seasoning. You'll fry the chilled meatballs until golden, transfer them to the sauce, and simmer gently until cooked through.
Serves4
Total52 min
LevelMedium
Ingredients
- Parmesan40 g
- Garlic clove7 clove
- Flat-leaf parsley2 tbsp
- Egg1 piece
- Turkey mince500 g
- Breadcrumbs60 g
- Dried oregano2 tsp
- Fennel seeds1 tsp
- Chilli flakes0.5 tsp
- Fine sea salt2 tsp
- Ground black pepper1.5 tsp
- Light olive oil4 tbsp
- White onion1 piece
- Chopped tomatoes800 g
- Caster sugar1 tsp
- Fresh basil leaves10 g
Tools
Large saucepanTongsParmesan bowl (small bowl)Egg bowl (small bowl)Large mixing bowlLarge frying panChef's knifeCling filmLarge non stick frying panWooden spoonRefrigeratorGraterLadleServing bowlPlateForkChopping boardThermometer
Method
1
Grate the Parmesan into a small bowl.
Result · Grated parmesan · used in step 9
2 minParmesan bowl (small bowl), GraterParmesan · 40 g
2
Peel the garlic cloves and discard the skins.
30sChopping board, Chefs knifeGarlic clove · 3 clove
3
Mince the peeled garlic cloves finely on the chopping board.
Result · Minced garlic · used in step 11
1 minChopping board, Chefs knifePeeled garlic cloves · step 2
4
Finely chop the flat-leaf parsley on the chopping board.
Result · Finely chopped parsley · used in step 17
1 minChopping board, Chefs knifeFlat-leaf parsley · 2 tbsp
5
Crack the egg into a small bowl, discarding the shell.
30sEgg bowl (small bowl)Egg · 1 piece
6
Beat the egg lightly with a fork until the yolk and white are just combined.
Result · Beaten egg · used in step 10
20sEgg bowl (small bowl), Fork
7
Add the turkey mince to a large mixing bowl.
15sLarge mixing bowlTurkey mince · 500 g
8
Add the breadcrumbs to the turkey mince.
15sLarge mixing bowlBreadcrumbs · 60 g
9
Add the grated Parmesan to the turkey mince and breadcrumbs.
15sLarge mixing bowlGrated parmesan · step 1
10
Add the lightly beaten egg to the turkey mince mixture.
15sLarge mixing bowlBeaten egg · step 6
11
Add the minced garlic to the turkey mince and egg mixture.
15sLarge mixing bowlMinced garlic · step 3
12
Add the dried oregano to the turkey mince and egg mixture.
15sLarge mixing bowlDried oregano · 1 tsp
13
Add the fennel seeds to the seasoned meatball mixture.
15sLarge mixing bowlFennel seeds · 1 tsp
14
Add the chilli flakes to the seasoned meatball mixture.
15sLarge mixing bowlChilli flakes · 0.5 tsp
15
Add the fine sea salt to the turkey mince and egg mixture.
15sLarge mixing bowlFine sea salt · 1.5 tsp
16
Add the black pepper to the seasoned meatball mixture.
15sLarge mixing bowlGround black pepper · 1 tsp
17
Add the finely chopped parsley to the seasoned meatball mixture.
15sLarge mixing bowlFinely chopped parsley · step 4
18
Mix all the ingredients together until evenly combined.
1 minLarge mixing bowl, Wooden spoon
19
Roll the mixture into about 20 walnut-sized balls, using your palms to shape each one.
4 minLarge mixing bowl
20
Transfer the meatballs to a plate in a single layer.
1 minPlateMeatballs · step 19
21
Cover the plate of meatballs with cling film.
15sPlate, Cling film
22
Put the plate in the refrigerator.
10sPlate, Refrigerator
23
Chill the covered meatballs in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to firm up.
15 minPlate
24
Remove the plate from the refrigerator.
Result · Chilled meatballs · used in step 45
10sPlate, Refrigerator
25
Peel the onion and discard the skin.
30sChopping board, Chefs knifeWhite onion · 1 piece
26
Dice the peeled onion into small, even pieces.
Result · Diced onion · used in step 29
2 minChopping board, Chefs knifePeeled onion · step 25
27
Add the olive oil to a large frying pan.
15sLarge frying panLight olive oil · 2 tbsp
28
Heat the olive oil over a medium heat until shimmering.
1 minLarge frying pan
29
Add the diced onion to the preheated olive oil.
15sLarge frying panDiced onion · step 26
30
Sauté the onion, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
8 minLarge frying pan, Wooden spoon
31
Peel the garlic cloves and discard the skins.
30sChopping board, Chefs knifeGarlic clove · 4 clove
32
Mince the peeled garlic cloves finely on the chopping board.
1 minChopping board, Chefs knifePeeled garlic cloves · step 31
33
Add the minced garlic to the softened onion in oil.
15sLarge frying panMinced garlic · step 32
34
Sauté the garlic with the onion, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
1 minLarge frying pan, Wooden spoon
35
Add the chopped tomatoes to the fragrant garlic and onion in oil.
15sLarge frying panChopped tomatoes · 800 g
36
Add the caster sugar to the tomato sauce base.
15sLarge frying panCaster sugar · 1 tsp
37
Add the dried oregano to the sweetened tomato sauce.
15sLarge frying panDried oregano · 1 tsp
38
Add the fine sea salt to the seasoned tomato sauce.
15sLarge frying panFine sea salt · 0.5 tsp
39
Add the black pepper to the seasoned tomato sauce.
15sLarge frying panGround black pepper · 0.5 tsp
40
Stir the tomato sauce base to combine all the ingredients.
30sLarge frying pan, Wooden spoon
41
Bring the tomato sauce to a simmer over a medium heat.
2 minLarge frying pan
42
Reduce the heat and simmer the tomato sauce gently, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Result · Simmered chopped tomatoes · used in step 47
15 minLarge frying pan
43
Add the olive oil to a large non-stick frying pan.
15sLarge non stick frying panLight olive oil · 2 tbsp
44
Heat the olive oil over a medium-high heat until shimmering.
1 minLarge non stick frying pan
45
Add the chilled meatballs to the preheated olive oil in the pan.
15sLarge non stick frying panChilled meatballs · step 24
46
Pan-fry the meatballs, turning them with tongs, until golden brown all over, about 6 minutes.
Result · Golden brown meatballs · used in step 48
6 minLarge non stick frying pan, Tongs
47
Pour the simmered chopped tomatoes into a large saucepan.
30sLarge saucepanSimmered chopped tomatoes · step 42
48
Transfer the golden brown meatballs into the tomato sauce in the saucepan.
1 minLarge saucepanGolden brown meatballs · step 46
49
Stir the meatballs and tomato sauce together gently to coat.
1 minLarge saucepan, Wooden spoon
50
Simmer the meatballs in the tomato sauce over a low heat until cooked through. Check the centre of the largest meatball reads 74 °C on a thermometer.
Result · Simmered turkey meatballs in tomato sauce · used in step 52
10 minLarge saucepan, Thermometer
51
Tear the fresh basil leaves into rough pieces.
Result · Torn basil · used in step 53
30sChopping boardFresh basil leaves · 10 g
52
Ladle the turkey meatballs and tomato sauce into a serving bowl.
30sServing bowl, LadleSimmered turkey meatballs in tomato sauce · step 50
53
Scatter the torn basil over the meatballs and sauce and serve immediately.
Result · Turkey Meatballs
30sServing bowlTorn basil · step 51
Printed 13 October 2026