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In today's fast-paced world, finding nutritious and delicious meals that cater to the tastes of children can be a challenge. Parents often find themselves searching for recipes that strike a balance between health and flavor, especially when it comes to appeasing picky eaters. Enter Tiny Turkey Tasties: Kid-Friendly Meatballs with Marinara, a delightful recipe that not only pleases even the fussiest of eaters but also packs a nutritional punch. Made with lean ground turkey, wholesome ingredients, and a rich marinara sauce, these meatballs are perfect for any family meal. Whether served as a main dish, a snack, or even as part of a school lunch, these meatballs are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Kid-Friendly Turkey Meatballs with Marinara

Discover the magic of Tiny Turkey Tasties, kid-friendly meatballs that are both nutritious and delicious! Perfect for fussy eaters, these meatballs are made with lean ground turkey, whole wheat breadcrumbs, and savory Parmesan cheese, all simmered in rich marinara sauce. Easy to prepare, they make a great main dish, snack, or addition to school lunches. Engage your kids in the kitchen while providing a healthy meal that everyone will love. Make mealtime fun and flavorful with this versatile recipe!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground turkey

1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tablespoons dried parsley)

1 clove garlic, minced

1 large egg

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Olive oil spray for cooking

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). To simplify cleanup, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the ground turkey, whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Use your hands or a spatula to ensure everything is well mixed.

      Form Meatballs: With your hands, scoop out about one tablespoon of the turkey mixture and roll it into a ball. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about one inch apart. You should aim to create approximately 12-16 meatballs depending on your desired size.

        Bake Meatballs: Lightly spray the tops of the meatballs with olive oil spray to enhance browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they achieve a golden brown color and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

          Heat Marinara Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, pour the marinara sauce into a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, allowing it to simmer gently while stirring occasionally.

            Serve: Once the meatballs are cooked through, carefully take them out of the oven and transfer them into the saucepan with the marinara sauce. Gently toss the meatballs to evenly coat them in the sauce.

              Plate and Enjoy: Serve the delicious turkey meatballs over a bed of cooked spaghetti, in a sub sandwich, or as a stand-alone dish. For an extra touch, sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | 4 servings