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Turkey, Kale and Oat Meatballs With Quick Tomato Sauce

A shot of a plate with turkey meatballs, pasta and a tomato sauce
Food Network
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
45 min
Yields
6 servings

A full bunch of vitamin-rich kale gives these turkey meatballs their vibrant green color. Rolled oats are used as a binder in place of breadcrumbs and add an extra bit of heart-healthy fiber.

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ingredients

½
cup quick-cooking rolled oats
6
oz kale, stems removed and leaves roughly chopped (about 4 packed cups)
4
cloves garlic, finely minced
1
large yellow onion, roughly chopped
1
large egg
½
cup grated Parmesan
¼
cup skim milk
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1
lb(s) 99% fat-free ground turkey
2
Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1
can (28-oz) no-salt-added crushed tomatoes
2
sprigs oregano
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
12
oz whole-wheat angel hair pasta
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directions

Step 1

Pulse the oats in a food processor until coarsely ground. Add the kale, 1 teaspoon of the minced garlic and ¼ cup of the chopped onion, and pulse until finely chopped and the texture is crumbly. Add the egg, 2 tablespoons of the Parmesan, milk, ¾ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper, and pulse until just combined. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl, add the turkey and mix with your hands until well combined. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Step 3

Heat the oil in a large, straight-sided skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the remaining onions and ¼ teaspoon salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned in spots, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the remaining garlic, and cook until softened, stirring constantly, about 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes, 1 ½ cups water, 2 tablespoons of the remaining Parmesan, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt and the red pepper flakes. Stir to combine, and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 4

Meanwhile, remove the turkey and kale mixture from the refrigerator. Shape level tablespoonfuls into round meatballs (about 36), and place on a rimmed baking sheet.

Step 5

Remove the lid from the sauce. Use a metal spatula or 2 spoons to add the meatballs, one at a time, to the simmering sauce in a single layer. Cook, covered, until the meatballs are cooked through, about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat, and let the mixture sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Discard the oregano.

Step 6

Meanwhile, cook the pasta in the boiling water according to package directions. Drain well.

Step 7

To serve, divide the pasta among 6 plates or bowls. Top each serving with 7 meatballs and ½ cup tomato sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan.

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