How to Make the Perfect Turkey Meatballs with Cottage Cheese Marinara
Italian-American · Medium · 40 min · 4 servings
These juicy ground turkey meatballs are served over a creamy blended cottage cheese marinara sauce that adds an incredible protein boost without any unusual flavor. Each serving contains over 44 grams of protein making this one of the highest protein pasta alternatives available.
Why this recipe works
This Turkey Meatballs with Cottage Cheese Marinara recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 460 calories with 44g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 lbs lean ground turkey
- 1 cup low fat cottage cheese
- 1.5 cups jarred marinara sauce
- 1 whole large egg
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Form the Meatballs
In a large bowl combine the ground turkey egg minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined and roll into 16 equal meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear the meatballs for 2 minutes per side until golden brown on the outside. Work in batches to avoid crowding.
Step 3: Blend the Sauce
While the meatballs cook blend the cottage cheese and marinara sauce together in a blender for 30 seconds until completely smooth. The mixture will look creamy and rich.
Step 4: Simmer and Finish
Pour the blended cottage cheese marinara over the browned meatballs in the skillet. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 15 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked through to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- cottage cheese → ricotta cheese for a creamier texture and slightly richer flavor in the sauce
- jarred marinara sauce → canned crushed tomatoes with a pinch of oregano for a fresher less sweet base
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overmixing the meatball mixture which develops the proteins too much resulting in tough and dense meatballs
- Skipping the blending step and adding cottage cheese directly to the sauce which leaves unpleasant lumps throughout the dish
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 460 calories, 44g protein, 18g carbs, 18g fat, 3g fiber.
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