Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering Italian-inspired dish that combines the lean goodness of turkey meatballs, the silky smoothness of polenta, and the irresistible stretch of melted mozzarella. This one-pan wonder is not just a meal, it's a culinary experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Imagine perfectly seasoned turkey meatballs nestled on a bed of creamy polenta, smothered in rich marinara sauce, and topped with a golden, bubbling cheese blanket – pure comfort food magic that's both delicious and surprisingly healthy!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked polenta
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the turkey mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. This should yield about 12-15 meatballs.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and lightly brown the meatballs on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step helps seal in the flavor and provides a nice exterior.
- Spread the cooked polenta evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish as a base layer.
- Arrange the browned meatballs on top of the polenta in a single layer.
- Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are mostly covered.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the meatballs and sauce.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C) and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- For extra-juicy meatballs, avoid overworking the meat mixture. Mix ingredients just until combined to prevent tough texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F without overcooking.
- For a crispy exterior, thoroughly brown meatballs in a skillet before baking. This step adds depth of flavor and improves texture.
- If you're short on time, you can use pre-made polenta from the store to speed up preparation.
- Experiment with different marinara sauces – homemade or high-quality store-bought – to customize the flavor profile.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven to maintain the crispy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 410kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 33g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 127mg
