Turkey Meatball Baked Ziti
For me Father’s Day is all about having a nice sit-down dinner with my family. It doesn’t need to be at a restaurant, but being able to spend time eating good food with the ones I love means the world! This Father’s Day also happens to be National Turkey Lovers’ Day.
So why not incorporate both with this turkey meatball baked ziti recipe?!
The Italian in me can’t resist a good meatball, and when Foster Farms asked me to create a recipe for National Turkey Lovers’ Day I had to share my meatball recipe using their organic free range ground turkey.
And with Father’s Day falling on the same day I really wanted to put together I nice meal that everyone can sit down on a Sunday night and have a nice good old fashion family dinner.
I’m sure though, if you’re an Italian, this would be just one of the many dishes that are brought to the table for a Sunday night family dinner.
I made a simple marina from diced tomatoes, then simmered these organic turkey meatballs in the sauce for about 30 minutes, then finished it off in the oven with loads of cheese to make it a semi-healthy-ish-not-really-but-hey-its-got-turkey-so-thats-healthier recipe to make for the family!
These organic turkey meatballs are really the star of the show, packed with flavor from basil, oregano, onion and garlic powder, and some Italian bread crumbs, just how my mother used to make them, except a lighter turkey version!
And if you want to sneak some veggies in there, by chopping up some broccoli, that’s a great way to get the kids to eat some veggies.
Or just get some pasta made out of vegetables. They’ll never know!
If you’re a turkey lover, or just want to make a great meal for Dad this Father’s Day. This is going to be a hit. You’ll get your hands dirty, and really put some love into the dish your making for the man in your life that you call Dad!
Turkey Meatball Baked Ziti
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb Foster Farms Organic Ground Turkey
- 1/4 tsp granulated onion
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp italian breadcrumbs
- 1 whole egg
For the ziti
- 24 oz dice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp basil
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 box penne pasta
- 1/2 cup grated cheese
Instructions
- Combine Foster Farms Organic Ground Turkey with granulated onion, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and salt.
- Mix together along with breadcrumbs and an egg
- Form your meatballs (2 per person), you can always take away from other formed meatballs to get more meat to get your desired quantity.
- Brown in a skillet with 2 tbsp olive oil.
- Turn your meatballs on all sides to get a nice brown crust all throughout your meatball. After this is down toss in your onions and garlic to start the sauce.
- Add in the can of diced tomatoes with oregano, basil and salt. stirring from time to time and try to mast down the tomatoes when possible. Simmer for about 30 minutes
- At the 15 minute mark, begin to bring a pot of water to a boil and preheat your oven to 375F. Cook your pasta and drain.
- In a baking dish combine your pasta, sauce and top with cheese. Bake for about 10 minutes.
- Enjoy!
