Turkey Meatballs With Zucchini Noodles
Savory turkey meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce over fresh zucchini noodles. A comforting, low-carb Italian classic that leaves you feeling light and satisfied.
Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Total
35 min
Makes
3 servings
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthTrigger-aware comfort
Make the meal work for today
Keep spicy extras on the side and adjust the temperature or portion to suit you. The best version is the one you can enjoy comfortably.
Notice: comfort + personal triggers
Evening comfort
Head toward bedtime properly fed
A satisfying evening meal can make the night feel simpler. Notice whether the portion and timing fit comfortably into your sleep routine.
Notice: timing + overnight comfort
Comfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
Comfort before bed
Finish the evening satisfied, not stuffed
A well-portioned evening meal can help you avoid going to bed hungry. Notice which timing and portion feel most comfortable for you.
Notice: dinner timing + comfort
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Total
35 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Large skillet · Mixing bowl
Time saver
Make ahead: These meatballs freeze beautifully in the marinara sauce. Keep the zucchini separate and make it fresh when you're ready to eat!
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
From Your Pantry
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 6 steps complete
Next: Gently mix the ground turkey
- 01
Gently mix the ground turkey
In a large bowl, gently mix the ground turkey, almond flour, and egg with the dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and a few grinds of black pepper.
Tap card to mark done - 02
Roll the mixture into meatballs about 1
Roll the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get roughly 12 meatballs.
Tap card to mark done - 03
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in…
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Look for: browned on all sides
Tap card to mark done - 04
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet…
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the meatballs. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked completely through.
Look for: the meatballs are cooked completely through
Tap card to mark done - 05
Heat a splash of olive oil in…
While the meatballs simmer, heat a splash of olive oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Add the spiralized zucchini, tossing for just 2 to 3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp. Avoid overcooking, as they release water quickly.
Look for: slightly softened but still crisp
Tap card to mark done - 06
Divide the warm zucchini noodles into shallow…
Divide the warm zucchini noodles into shallow bowls, top with the meatballs and rich marinara sauce, and serve.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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