Heart Healthy Italian Turkey Meatballs

I have to admit that one of my favorite dishes is meatballs. Whether with pasta or a hoagie I find them to be just tasty. Now the problem can be they can be very fatty depending on what meat you choose to use. So wanting to be more heart healthy I sharing with you a meat ball recipe that is low in fat and carbs.

You can also enjoy having a heart healthy green salad with this meal. So enjoy making this recipe and share it with your friends and family this weekend.

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp.extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1/2 c. ricotta
• 6 cloves garlic, minced, divided
• 1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 c. freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp. granulated sugar

Directions:

1. Make meatballs: Preheat oven to 425°. Line a large baking sheet with foil and rub with 2 tablespoons oil. In a large bowl, add turkey, ricotta, 3 cloves garlic, Parmesan, parsley, and beaten egg, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until just combined.

2. Form into 16 meatballs, then place on prepared pan and bake until golden and firm to the touch, 20 to 25 minutes.

Meanwhile make sauce: In a large pot over medium heat, heat remaining tablespoon oil. Add remaining 3 cloves garlic, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Add cooked meatballs to sauce and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes. Serve warm with more Parmesan and parsley.

We collected dozens of great heart healthy recipes for you – Here they are…