When her friend Carson came to sleep over on the last day of school, Emma “ordered” pasta with red sauce (who knew? I thought she hated tomato sauce). I suggested turkey meatballs, too, and she thought that was a great idea. I’ve actually never made meatballs so I went back to the recipe for The Best Meatloaf, and winged it by adding several of the ingredients to the ground turkey. The kids loved it, and I consider 11-year-olds girls very harsh critics indeed. Add to that the fact that Bruce asked for leftovers the next night, and I’d say this was a success. Try it and let me know…or give the meatloaf a go (it’s a hit whenever I make it for a dinner party and we’re talking grown-up critics, who often can be pretty severe, too).
Serves two 11-year-old girls and two adults, with leftovers
1 1/4 lb. ground turkey
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup Parmesan, plus more for sprinkling on top
1 egg
1/3 cup bread crumbs
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (good if you’re using tomato sauce)
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 cups of your favorite tomato sauce (I usually make mine, but a good brand of prepared would work, too)
1 lb. thick spaghetti
To make the meatballs, lightly mix the ground turkey with the mayonnaise, Parmesan, egg, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Shape into balls (Emma asked for medium-sized meatballs), and saute until brown on the outside and just cooked throughout.
Dump meatballs into tomato sauce and heat until warm and flavors meld.
Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, return to pot and add the sauce. Toss gingerly so as to keep the meatballs intact. Plate, and sprinkle with more Parmesan.
My boyfriend always asks for spaghetti and meatballs..this looks like a simple recipe to try out! Thanks for sharing!
By: zoe on June 22, 2009
at 6:54 am
I make this dish too. We’re big on ground turkey around my house since I don’t do the beef. I add barbecue sauce to my turkey meat loaf to kick it up.
The photos are making me hungry.
By: Nancy Mehagian on June 22, 2009
at 7:55 am
Delicious spaghetti and meatballs! I have not yet tried turkey meatballs, will have to soon!
By: Natasha - 5 Star Foodie on June 22, 2009
at 10:52 am
This pasta dish looks so lovely!
Strange, but I never tasted turkey meat balls!
By: Sophie on June 22, 2009
at 1:32 pm
haven’t tried turkey meatballs but this looks beautiful..We usually make pork&beef meatballs for spaghetti.
By: peachkins on June 22, 2009
at 5:07 pm
This looks so comforting and delicious! I think it’s cute that your daughter requested this!
By: Reeni on June 22, 2009
at 5:10 pm
It looks like the dinner I wish I would have had!
By: noble pig on June 22, 2009
at 10:30 pm
What a cool twist on the meatballs. This dinner looks absolutely fabulous!
By: Donna on June 23, 2009
at 3:57 am
This is always my go to comfort dish. We have pasta once a week in my house and really enjoy the leftovers too!
By: RobinSue on June 23, 2009
at 7:44 am
Isn’t it so funny when your kids request a dinner when their friends come over?
I love your dish, I never would have thought to put mayonnaise with the meatballs, but I bet that keeps them moist.
When my kids have friends over they always ask for my home made chicken tenders!
By: Jenn@slim-shoppin on June 23, 2009
at 8:29 am
This recipe is a classic. I love turckey meatballs.
perfect with spaghetti.
Thanks for your Delicious Recipe:)
Have A Great Tuesday~
By: foodcreate on June 23, 2009
at 9:23 am
This is one of my favorite comfort foods. I’m still waiting for my son to come around and ebmrace tomato sauce…
By: Nurit - 1 family. friendly. food. on June 23, 2009
at 10:55 am
This looks like homemade comfort on a plate! Wonderful. I’m still trying to convince Mr. B that meatloaf can be glorious. I’ll have to try out your recipe.
By: Phoo-D on June 23, 2009
at 11:25 am
Love spaghetti and meatballs! I sometimes use turkey myself, just to mix things up a bit.
By: Bob on June 23, 2009
at 11:34 am
This looks delicious. All it needs is crusty garlic bread
By: Monica H on June 23, 2009
at 12:47 pm
mayo in meatballs? Wow, that would really make it so moist and tender and rich!
By: burpexcuzme on June 23, 2009
at 6:58 pm
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By: Jenna on June 23, 2009
at 7:57 pm
ye daughter have got great taste. this spaghetti with meatballs sound simple and fabulous
By: nora@ffr on June 25, 2009
at 12:45 am