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Turkey Meatballs in Fresh Tomato Sauce with Spaghetti Squash
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 3 pounds)
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 4 large fresh tomatoes, diced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (divided)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place the halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes until the flesh shreds easily into strands with a fork.
  • While the squash roasts, combine the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, half the minced garlic, half the chopped basil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a bowl. Mix gently and form into 16 meatballs.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Remove the meatballs to a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil along with the onion. Cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the remaining garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
  • Add the diced tomatoes, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 12-15 minutes until the tomatoes break down into a chunky sauce.
  • Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer 3 minutes to coat them in sauce. Scrape the roasted spaghetti squash strands from the skin and divide among four plates. Spoon the meatballs and sauce over the squash and finish with the remaining fresh basil.

Notes

Roast the squash a day ahead and reheat the strands in a dry skillet to keep them from getting watery when served. If the fresh tomatoes taste very sweet, add a small pinch of salt at the end of simmering to balance the sauce without adding sugar. Leftovers reheat well in a covered pan with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Equipment: Baking sheet, Large skillet, Mixing bowl