Family favourite spaghetti and turkey meatballs

Get ready for your kitchen to be filled with the rich, mouth-watering aroma of simmering tomato sauce! Save time by making a double batch and freezing the extra for a future meal. Learn more about preparing and storing food, including batch cooking, in this guide.

This recipe has been adapted to include Health Canada’s food safety guidance.

by Emily Richards PH Ec.

430 cal Serves 6

Prep time 0h 20m

Cook time 0h 40m

Total time 1h 0m

Directions

Step 1

Wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Clean and dry all food preparation surfaces.
Step 2

Gently rinse fresh parsley, carrot, onion, garlic and fresh basil under cool running water before preparing these ingredients.
Step 3

In a large bowl, combine turkey, breadcrumbs, 3 tbsp (45 mL) of the cheese, parsley and pepper. Using 1 tbsp (15 mL) measuring spoon, roll turkey mixture into meatballs and place on parchment paper lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining mixture. Makes 24 meatballs. Bake in preheated 350°F (180°C) until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a digital food thermometer, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven.
Step 4

Meanwhile, in a saucepan, bring pureed tomatoes, carrot, onion, garlic, basil and hot pepper flakes to a simmer. Add meatballs; cover saucepan slightly and simmer for about 30 minutes or until thickened.
Step 5

In a pot of boiling water, cook spaghetti for about 10 minutes or until tender but firm. Drain well and return to pot. Toss with sauce and meatballs until well coated. Sprinkle with remaining cheese to serve.
Step 6

Store any leftovers away in the fridge within two hours, or sooner if they are in a warm location.

Tips

To purée tomatoes, place in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. If you do not have a blender you can substitute 3 1/4 cups( 800 mL) strained tomatoes (passata).
Ask older kids to help make the meatballs. Be sure they wash their hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food.
Switch up the grated carrots with shredded zucchini for a change.