Pasta & Noodles Chicken & Poultry

Express Turkey Meatballs with Spaghetti

Name: Express Turkey Meatballs with Spaghetti
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 480 g Turkey Sausages; 1 Red Onion (diced); 700 g Passata (jar); 4 tbsp Red Vermouth (or wine); 2 Bay Leaves; 1 tsp Oregano; 1 tsp Fennel Seeds; 2 tbsp Garlic Rapeseed Oil

Quick and healthy turkey meatballs made from seasoned sausages, simmered in a rich tomato and herb sauce. A lighter twist on the Italian classic, ready in just 30 minutes.

By Ricky Robinson • Updated January 16, 2023

These express meatballs are a clever shortcut for getting proper flavour without spending hours in the kitchen. The trick is using turkey sausages as your base. The meat is already seasoned, so you just squeeze it out of the casings, roll it into balls, and you're ready to cook. It saves time and keeps the meatballs moist and flavourful.

Using turkey sausages means the seasoning is already done for you, giving you restaurant-quality flavour with minimal effort.

Once they're browned, you cook them in a passata sauce with fennel seeds, oregano, and a splash of red vermouth. The fennel adds a subtle anise note that pairs well with the turkey, while the vermouth gives the sauce a bit of depth. It all comes together in about half an hour, making this a good option when you need something quick but satisfying.

Express Turkey Meatballs with Spaghetti recipe image

The passata creates a smooth tomato base that coats the meatballs nicely without being too heavy. You let it simmer for about 20 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and the meatballs cook through properly. The bay leaves add a bit of earthiness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

This dish works well with spaghetti, but you could also serve it with rice or even just a green salad if you want to keep things lighter. A bit of grated parmesan and fresh basil on top finishes it off nicely. The meatballs hold their shape well during cooking, and because you're using turkey rather than beef or pork, the whole dish feels a bit less heavy. It's straightforward cooking that delivers good flavour without any fuss.