High-Protein Turkey Meatball Meal Prep With Zoodles

Sarah in the kitchen, surrounded by the tantalising aromas of sizzling meatballs and fresh zucchini noodles, can be a rather magical place. My family has always been a fan of meal prep, and after trying countless recipes, I’ve found that this High-Protein Turkey Meatball Meal Prep with Zoodles is a game-changer – not just for its convenience but also for its incredible nutritional punch. My kids absolutely devour this every time I make it, and I’ve had my fair share of ‘seconds’ requests from my husband, who’s usually a bit of a picky eater.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love This High-Protein Turkey Meatball Meal Prep with Zoodles

• It’s a budget-friendly meal prep recipe that yields 6-8 generous portions.
• The combination of high-protein turkey meatballs, zucchini noodles, and a medley of vegetables provides a balanced and nutritious meal.
• This recipe is incredibly versatile – feel free to customise it to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
• The meal prep aspect makes it perfect for busy households or individuals with limited time for cooking, offering convenience similar to a delicious Creamy High Protein Pasta Salad.
• The zucchini noodles add a delightful twist to a traditional meatball dish.

High-Protein Turkey Meatball Meal Prep with Zoodles

15 min prep  ·  30 min cook  ·  4 servings

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 500g minced turkey breast
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large zucchinis
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese (optional)
• 1 cup chopped fresh parsley

Tip: Be sure to choose high-quality, fresh ingredients for the best flavour and texture.

How to Make High-Protein Turkey Meatball Meal Prep with Zoodles

1. In a large bowl, combine the minced turkey, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, grated cheddar cheese (if using), olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together with your hands until just combined – be careful not to overmix.
2. Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs, roughly 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. You should end up with around 30-40 meatballs.
3. Preheat a large non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add a few meatballs and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining meatballs.
4. While the meatballs are cooking, spiralize the zucchinis into long, thin noodles. Set aside.
5. In a separate saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Add the cooked meatballs to the saucepan and let them simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to coat them evenly.
6. Using a pair of tongs or a long-handled fork, add the zucchini noodles to the saucepan with the meatballs and sauce. Toss everything together to combine.
7. Serve the High-Protein Turkey Meatball Meal Prep with Zoodles immediately, garnished with grated mozzarella cheese (if using) and chopped fresh parsley. Alternatively, transfer the meal prep to airtight containers and refrigerate or freeze for later use.

Tips From My Kitchen

• When preparing the turkey mixture, be sure to handle it gently to avoid compacting the meat, which can make the meatballs dense and dry.
• For an extra boost of flavour, try adding some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or fresh basil leaves to the turkey mixture.
• To make the zucchini noodles more palatable for those who are new to spiralizing, try lightly sautéing them in a pan with some olive oil and a pinch of salt before adding them to the saucepan with the meatballs.
• For a gluten-free twist, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free oats or almond flour.
• When reheating the meal prep, be sure to heat it to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

What to Serve With High-Protein Turkey Meatball Meal Prep with Zoodles

• Parmesan breadsticks
• Garlic and herb roasted vegetables
• Green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Roasted sweet potato wedges
• Garlic knots

Frequently Asked Questions

High-Protein Turkey Meatball Meal Prep with Zoodles

Healthy and flavorful turkey meatballs served with spiralized zucchini noodles and marinara sauce, perfect for meal prep.

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Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients
Method
Notes

Ingredients

  

• 500 g minced turkey breast
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic minced
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese optional
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large zucchinis
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese optional
• 1 cup chopped fresh parsley

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, combine the minced turkey, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, grated cheddar cheese (if using), olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together with your hands until just combined – be careful not to overmix.
2. Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs, roughly 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. You should end up with around 30-40 meatballs.
3. Preheat a large non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add a few meatballs and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining meatballs.
4. While the meatballs are cooking, spiralize the zucchinis into long, thin noodles. Set aside.
5. In a separate saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Add the cooked meatballs to the saucepan and let them simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to coat them evenly.
6. Using a pair of tongs or a long-handled fork, add the zucchini noodles to the saucepan with the meatballs and sauce. Toss everything together to combine.
7. Serve the High-Protein Turkey Meatball Meal Prep with Zoodles immediately, garnished with grated mozzarella cheese (if using) and chopped fresh parsley. Alternatively, transfer the meal prep to airtight containers and refrigerate or freeze for later use.

Notes

Cheddar and mozzarella cheese are optional. For best texture, do not overmix the meatball mixture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the pan: When cooking the meatballs, be sure to leave enough space between each meatball to allow for even cooking and browning. If the pan is overcrowded, the meatballs may steam instead of sear, resulting in a less appetising texture and flavour.
• Wrong temperature: When cooking the meatballs, ensure the pan is at the correct temperature – medium-high heat is ideal. If the pan is too hot, the meatballs may burn on the outside before cooking through. Conversely, if the pan is too cool, the meatballs may steam instead of sear.
• Skipping the rest time: After shaping the meatballs, be sure to let them rest for a few minutes to allow the flavours to meld and the texture to relax. This will result in a more tender and flavourful final product.

With this delicious and nutritious High-Protein Turkey Meatball Meal Prep with Zoodles, you’ll be well on your way to a healthier and more convenient meal routine. Whether you’re a busy professional or a parent on-the-go, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below!