Easy, healthy turkey meatballs the whole family will enjoy! These gluten-free turkey meatballs are made with ground brown rice crackers, fresh herbs, and garlic, then slow-simmered in a homemade basil marinara for an hour. An easy, high-protein dinner you’ll return to again and again.
*Sponsored content: I’ve been testing the Sharp Induction Cooktop and it’s transformed my kitchen workflow. I only partner with brands I trust and enjoy sharing what works for me.
Healthy Turkey Meatballs That Are Easy to Prepare
There’s something so comforting about a marinara simmering gently on the stove. This recipe is perfect for colder months when you want your home to smell like a warm, satisfying meal. It’s high in protein, low in fat, and makes great leftovers.
I adapted a classic turkey meatball recipe to be gluten-free by swapping traditional breadcrumbs for ground brown rice crackers. For a paleo version, use seasoned almond flour in place of the crackers and add a pinch of salt.
These turkey meatballs feature:
- A generous amount of garlic
- Finely minced sweet onion
- Fresh parsley to add bright flavor
- Coconut aminos as a wheat- and soy-free flavor boost (optional)
- Egg, salt, and pepper to bind and season
How to prepare:
- Combine ground turkey with the seasoning ingredients and binder.
- Brown the meatballs in a large skillet, then remove them.
- Sauté garlic for the marinara, add crushed tomatoes and herbs, and reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Return the meatballs to the sauce and simmer slowly for about an hour so flavors meld.
The Perfect Stovetop for Slow Simmering
I’ve been testing the Sharp Induction Cooktop, and it’s been a pleasure to use. The cooktop heats quickly and offers precise control—features that make simmering sauces and browning meat much easier.
My favorite features are the Power Boost for quick boiling and the simmer enhancer for a steady low heat—ideal for a delicate marinara that needs gentle, even cooking without scorching.
If you prefer a more hands-off method, try an Instant Pot turkey meatballs recipe—which will speed up the process while still delivering great flavor.
How to Serve These Turkey Meatballs
These meatballs are substantial on their own. A few meatballs with marinara and a sprinkle of Parmesan make a protein-packed, satisfying meal.
Serving ideas for a family meal:
- Gluten-free pasta or your family’s favorite pasta
- Brown rice or quinoa
- Spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb option
- A crisp green salad for contrast and freshness
Healthy Turkey Meatballs
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Ingredients
Turkey Meatballs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- 3/4 cup brown rice crackers ground into crumbs
- 1/4 cup onion finely minced
- 1/2 cup parsley chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- black pepper to taste
Basil Marinara
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 28 ounce cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- pinch red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Grind brown rice crackers in a blender to form gluten-free crumbs, or use your preferred breadcrumbs.
- In a large bowl, add ground turkey and all meatball ingredients except the olive oil. Mix to combine.
- Scoop and roll the mixture into large meatballs, smoothing the edges with your palms.
- Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil, and brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to the skillet and sauté the minced garlic for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
- Return the meatballs to the sauce and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour. Reduce heat if needed to keep a low simmer and add a little water if the sauce is too thick.
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Other Healthy Pasta Recipes
- Vegan One Pot Pasta, by Sunkissed Kitchen
- Mediterranean One Pot Pasta, by Sunkissed Kitchen
- Baked Eggplant Parmesan Pasta, by Sunkissed Kitchen
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