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In the realm of comfort food, there exists a perfect balance between indulgence and healthiness—enter the Cheesy Turkey Meatball Skillet with Zoodles. This dish not only satisfies your cravings but also aligns with a wholesome approach to dining, making it an ideal choice for families and busy individuals looking for nutritious meal options. The combination of tender turkey meatballs, a rich marinara sauce, and vibrant zucchini noodles creates a delightful medley of flavors and textures that will leave everyone at the table wanting more.

Cheesy Turkey Meatball Skillet with Zoodles

Discover the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist! This Cheesy Turkey Meatball Skillet with Zoodles combines tender turkey meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and spiralized zucchini noodles for a dish that’s both indulgent and nutritious. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is easy to follow and loaded with flavor. Enjoy a meal that the whole family will love without the guilt, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious foodies. Enjoy the perfect balance of satisfying and wholesome!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground turkey

1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs

1 large egg

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil, and thyme)

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 medium zucchinis, spiralized (about 2 cups)

1 cup marinara sauce (your choice of store-bought or homemade)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2 tbsp olive oil, divided

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven:

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.

      Mix the Meatball Mixture:

        In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, whole wheat breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix the ingredients gently until just combined; avoid overmixing as this can lead to tough meatballs.

          Shape the Meatballs:

            With your hands, take small portions of the mixture and shape them into medium-sized meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter. You’ll end up with about 20 meatballs.

              Sear the Meatballs:

                Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, gently place the meatballs in a single layer in the skillet (cook in batches if necessary). Sear for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are evenly browned on all sides.

                  Add the Marinara Sauce:

                    Pour the marinara sauce over the browned meatballs, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top.

                      Bake the Meatballs:

                        Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

                          Prepare the Zoodles:

                            While the meatballs are baking, spiralize the zucchinis to create zoodles. If you don’t own a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to make thin strips.

                              Sauté the Zoodles:

                                In a separate non-stick skillet, add a splash of olive oil and sauté the zoodles over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, or until they become tender but still have a slight crunch. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.

                                  Combine Everything:

                                    Once the meatballs are cooked and the cheese has melted, remove the skillet from the oven. Carefully nestle the sautéed zoodles around and on top of the meatballs, allowing them to absorb some of the marinara sauce.

                                      Garnish and Serve:

                                        Optionally, top the dish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color. Serve immediately and indulge in your delightful cheesy turkey meatball skillet with zoodles!

                                          Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 40 mins | Serves 4