It’s Juliette, from Busy Mom Simple Nutrition. How are you, fellow nutrition-seekers? Today, I’m so excited to share one of my go-to weeknight dinners that’s a total crowd-pleaser: my Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe! I remember the first time I attempted meatball subs. It was a total disaster! The meatballs were dry, the sauce was bland, and the kids were less than thrilled. Determined to make it work, I started tweaking the recipe, focusing on simple, nourishing ingredients. It took a few tries, but I finally landed on a Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe that my family genuinely loves.
What I love most is that it’s a healthier twist on a classic comfort food, and it’s so easy to throw together, even on the busiest evenings. Plus, this Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe is packed with protein and flavor, making it a dinnertime nutrition win. If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for sanity-saving nutrition solutions that don’t require you to spend hours in the kitchen. Well, look no further! This Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe is about to become your new best friend. I’m so happy to share this nutrition journey with you. Let’s get cooking, mamas!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious and easy Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe. Trust me, this Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity! You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store. This Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive, either.
- 1 pound ground turkey: This is the base of our meatballs, providing a lean protein source.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: I use whole wheat breadcrumbs for extra fiber.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a delicious cheesy flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, a little shredded mozzarella works, too, for a different flavor in your Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe.
- 1 egg: Helps bind the meatballs together.
- 1/4 cup chopped onion: Adds flavor and moisture. My family gets extra nutrition when I add finely grated zucchini or carrots! Sneaking in those veggies is a mom win for these Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because everything is better with garlic, right?
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This gives the meatballs that classic Italian flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little kick.
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce: Choose your favorite brand or make your own! No worries if you don’t have a jar of marinara; I use a can of crushed tomatoes with a teaspoon of Italian seasoning for extra nutrients in my Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe.
- 4 hoagie rolls: These will hold our delicious meatballs.
- Mozzarella cheese slices: For topping the subs.
- Olive oil: For cooking the meatballs.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Alright, let’s get to the fun part: making these Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious and healthy meal on the table in no time. Here’s a Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe nutrition hack that changed our family’s health: using lean ground turkey instead of beef.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the meatballs cook evenly.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together until just combined. Don’t overmix, or the meatballs will be tough. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe – learn from my experience!
- Form the mixture into 12-16 meatballs. I like to use a cookie scoop to make sure they’re all the same size.
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides. This adds a nice depth of flavor. In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs in the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through. Don’t worry if your Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe looks a little messy at this point.
- While the meatballs are simmering, prepare the hoagie rolls. Slice them lengthwise and lightly toast them in the oven for a few minutes. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
- Once the meatballs are cooked, spoon them onto the toasted hoagie rolls. Top with mozzarella cheese slices. Your Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe should smell nourishing by now.
- Place the subs back in the oven for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them so the bread doesn’t burn!
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious and healthy Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe!
While your Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family! I think this Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe is a fantastic and nutritious meal that the whole family will love!
How We Love to Eat This!
Okay, so now you’ve got these amazing Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe ready to go. But what do you serve with them? Here are a few of our family’s favorite ways to enjoy this nutritious meal. The kids devour this nutritious Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe when I serve it with a simple side salad.
- With a side salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect way to add some extra veggies to the meal. I like to add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots for a pop of color and extra nutrients.
- With roasted vegetables: Roasting vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini is a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies. Toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes.
- With sweet potato fries: A healthier alternative to regular fries, sweet potato fries are packed with vitamins and fiber. You can bake them in the oven or use an air fryer for extra crispiness.
- As an appetizer: Cut the hoagie rolls into smaller pieces and serve the Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe as an appetizer at your next party.
- For a fun twist, try using different types of cheese. Provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a little bit of pepper jack can add a unique flavor to your subs.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor and visual appeal. Presentation matters, even when you’re feeding a hungry family!
This Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! It’s also great for casual get-togethers with friends and family. And if you have any leftovers (which is rare in our house!), they make a fantastic lunch the next day. Just wrap them up tightly and store them in the fridge. My friend loved this healthy Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe so much, she asked for the recipe immediately.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
I know you probably have some questions about this Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe, so I’ve compiled a list of the most common ones I get from other busy moms. Is this Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe really nutritious enough for growing kids? Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lean protein source, and you can easily sneak in extra veggies to boost the nutritional value. Plus, whole wheat breadcrumbs add fiber, which is essential for healthy digestion.
Q: What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe?
A: Start by letting them help you make the meatballs. Kids are more likely to try something they’ve helped prepare. You can also try cutting the meatballs into smaller pieces or serving the sauce on the side so they can dip the meatballs.
Q: Can I meal prep this Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe for busy weeks ahead?
A: Yes! You can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Or, you can freeze them for longer storage. Just thaw them out before cooking.
Q: Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making my own?
A: While I always prefer homemade, I get it – sometimes you just don’t have the time. If you’re using frozen meatballs, make sure to choose a brand that’s low in sodium and doesn’t have any added sugars.
Q: What kind of marinara sauce should I use?
A: You can use any marinara sauce you like! I usually go for a simple, classic marinara sauce with no added sugar. But feel free to experiment with different flavors, like roasted garlic or spicy arrabiata.
Q: Can I make this Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free hoagie rolls.
Q: How can I sneak in more veggies?
A: Grated zucchini, carrots, or spinach are all great additions to the meatball mixture. You can also add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the marinara sauce.
I hope these answers have been helpful! This Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe is a winner in my household, and I am certain it will be a winner in yours!
Final Thoughts:
So there you have it – my family’s favorite Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe! I love this recipe because it’s a delicious, healthy, and easy way to feed my family. It’s packed with protein and flavor, and it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will love. It is an absolute win in my book!
Here are My Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe Nutrition Hacks:
- Use lean ground turkey: This reduces the fat content and provides a healthier source of protein.
- Add grated vegetables: Sneaking in veggies like zucchini or carrots is a great way to boost the nutritional value without sacrificing flavor.
- Choose whole wheat breadcrumbs: This adds extra fiber, which is essential for healthy digestion.
And here are a few family-tested healthy Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe variations:
- Spicy Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a little kick. My husband loves this version!
- Cheesy Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe: Use a combination of mozzarella and provolone cheese for an extra cheesy flavor. The kids always ask for this one!
- Veggie-Loaded Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions to the marinara sauce for a veggie-packed meal.
No matter how you choose to make it, I hope this Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe becomes a staple in your family’s kitchen. For another twist on meatballs, check out Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs or Turkey Crockpot Stuffing.
Remember, feeding your family well doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of creativity, you can create delicious and nutritious meals that everyone will love. For additional information about variations of Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe visit Homemade Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe, Turkey Meatball Subs – Organize Yourself Skinny and Turkey Meatball Subs – Cheesy Basil Turkey Meatball Subs. I have so much hope for your family’s nutrition success! Now go and try out this amazing Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe! You got this, mama! 💕
Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe
These Turkey Meatball Subs are a lighter and healthier take on a classic comfort food. Made with lean ground turkey and seasoned to perfection, they’re a quick and satisfying meal the whole family will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 4 hoagie rolls, split
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into 12-16 meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides.
- Pour marinara sauce over meatballs in the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
- Place each meatball onto a hoagie roll.
- Top with a slice of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.