Healthy Turkey Recipes - iFoodReal.com

150 Healthy Dinner Ideas

Olena Osipov — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 18:28:18 +0000

The best collection of 150 Quick Healthy Dinner Ideas with simple ingredients and ready in 30 to 45 minutes.

If you need easy, quick healthy meals for dinner tonight that taste good and your family will actually eat, you have come to the right place!

Chicken Recipes
Healthy One Pot Meals
Healthy Pizza and Pasta
Quick Soups and Stews
Tacos and Quesadillas
Healthy, Easy Skillet Recipes
Stir Fry and Curry Recipes
Sheet Pan Meals
Quick Dinner Salads
Ground Turkey Recipes
Salmon and Seafood Recipes
More Healthy Easy Recipes to Try

Dinnertime doesn’t have to be stressful with these 150 quick healthy dinner ideas! They are perfect for busy weeknights!

I know your struggle! I don’t like “What’s for dinner?” question too. During the last 14 years of running this website, I have put a lot of effort in testing and creating weeknight dinners your family will actually want you to repeat!

Bookmark this link for “Shoot, what’s for dinner?” moments and let’s dive in!

Chicken Recipes

Baked Feta Chicken

5 from 8 votes

Baked Feta Chicken is easy chicken recipe that combines juicy chicken breasts coated in tangy feta, tomato and garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights!

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Juicy Chicken Meatballs

Easy Chicken Meatballs Recipe made with 8 ingredients and baked to juicy, golden brown perfection in 30 minutes.

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Easy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders

These Baked Chicken Tenders are juicy, flavorful and healthy made with only 8 simple ingredients. Ready in under 30 minutes, they are great for lunch or dinner with any side dish!

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Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash

5 from 24 votes

Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash is comfort food made lighter and healthier. This dinner recipe is big on taste, but low on carbs without sacrificing flavor.

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Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs

5 from 4 votes

Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs flavorful and tender with a juicy middle. Easy to make with a 4 ingredient marinade, and ready in 30 minutes!

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Zucchini Lasagna Rolls Recipe

5 from 3 votes

Healthy Zucchini Lasagna Rolls made with 7 simple ingredients including creamy ricotta cheese and garden zucchini.

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Baked Chicken Breast

5 from 364 votes

This Baked Chicken Breast recipe is juicy, tender and ready with 5 minutes of prep. Perfect for meal prep or quick and easy dinner!

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Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

5 from 38 votes

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs recipe packs in garlic flavor, crispy skin and tender, juicy middle! They are ready in just 30 minutes.

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Ground Chicken Burgers

5 from 56 votes

Juicy, moist and flavorful Ground Chicken Burgers with chicken breast just like my Ukrainian grandma used to make.

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Healthy Chicken Nuggets

5 from 3 votes

Healthy Chicken Nuggets are made with 8 simple ingredients, coated in delicious breading and are baked instead of fried.

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Baked Honey Garlic Chicken

5 from 47 votes

Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Breast is made with a sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce. It's a restaurant quality easy Asian inspired dinner!

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Chicken and Tomato Recipe

5 from 83 votes

This Chicken Tomato Recipe combines combines tender chicken breast with sauteed juicy tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Ready in 30 minutes!

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Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

5 from 4 votes

Lemon Garlic Chicken with tender, juicy chicken topped with a creamy lemon garlic sauce and completely ready in 35 minutes!

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Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps

5 from 26 votes

Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps are 30 minute low carb appetizer or lighter main dish. Serve healthy lettuce wraps alone or over a bed of rice or cauliflower rice.

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Healthy Orange Chicken

5 from 4 votes

Healthy Orange Chicken is loaded with classic flavors of sweet and sticky orange sauce, easy to make and comes together in 30 minutes!

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Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe made with juicy chicken coated in a rich, buttery sauce with a refreshing burst of lemon. Ready in 35 minutes!

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Lemon Chicken and Asparagus Recipe

5 from 4 votes

Creamy Lemon Chicken and Asparagus is 30 minute one pan meal! Juicy chicken, tender asparagus in creamy lemon sauce for easy weeknight meal.

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Healthy One Pot Meals

These one pot meals prove that healthy dinner can be flavorful without washing 3 pots!

With one pan cooking it’s important to figure out the right combination of foods, so pasta doesn’t get mushy or meat not fully cooked.

I own two 6 quart Lodge dutch ovens and they are worth every penny! They last forever, are affordable and cook food evenly and very-very nicely. A must for a healthy cook!

Healthy Hamburger Helper

5 from 4 votes

Healthy Hamburger Helper made in one pot, with 6 simple ingredients and ready in 25 minutes. Creamy, nostalgia-packed dinner made healthier!

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Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers Skillet

5 from 2 votes

Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers Skillet is a one pot meal, ready in 30 minutes and made with only 5 ingredients. It has all the traditional stuffed pepper flavors in fraction of the time!

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One Pot Pad Thai

5 from 5 votes

One Pot Pad Thai is a quick 30 minute meal with chicken, veggies, rice noodles, and the best sauce. It has 36 grams of protein!

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Chicken Pasta Primavera

5 from 2 votes

Chicken Pasta Primavera is a 30 minute, one pot meal in rich creamy sauce, with 43 grams of protein that your family will love!

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One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo

5 from 2 votes

Easy One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo with juicy chicken, creamy orzo, and sneaked in vegetables ready in 35 minutes!

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Easy Spaghetti Recipe

5 from 93 votes

10 minute Easy Spaghetti Recipe with tomato sauce, garlic, oregano and Parmesan. It's quick and simple recipe for spaghetti everyone loves!

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Healthy Mac and Cheese Recipe

5 from 202 votes

Easy Healthy Mac and Cheese Recipe swaps out copious amounts of heavy dairy for lightened up options. It's easy to make in 15 minutes in one pot.

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One Pot Spaghetti Recipe

4 from 3 votes

One Pot Spaghetti is quick, easy, and on your table in 30ish minutes. Amazing flavor and minimal cleanup, perfect for a busy weeknight meal!

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Chicken Quinoa Chili

5 from 7 votes

Chicken Quinoa Chili with beans, bell peppers, juicy chicken, savory spices, and an extra boost of protein. Just add your favorite toppings!

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One Pot Zucchini Ricotta Pasta with Bacon

5 from 6 votes

Creamy Zucchini Ricotta Pasta is the perfect summer mix of garden veggies, rich cheese, bacon, and fresh herbs. Easy one pot meal!

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Ground Turkey and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

5 from 198 votes

One pot Ground Turkey and Broccoli Pasta made with turkey, broccoli, tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. A healthy dinner ready in 30 minutes!

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Healthy Pizza and Pasta

Healthy Chicken Alfredo

5 from 23 votes

Healthy Chicken Alfredo is creamy and rich with just a fraction of the calories and fat in restaurant's version. Ready in 30 minutes!

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Chicken Spinach Pasta

5 from 4 votes

Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta made with tender chicken, pasta, pesto and baby spinach! A flavorful and comforting dinner ready in 30 minutes.

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Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust

5 from 10 votes

This 3 ingredient Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust is so easy, tastes like real thin crust pizza and contains 11 grams of protein per 2 slices!

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Healthy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

5 from 35 votes

This healthy Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe is creamy, cheesy, and garlicky one pot meal that's packed with Italian flavors.

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Cottage Cheese Pasta

5 from 7 votes

Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta is quick, easy, and secretly healthy. Made with 5 simple ingredients and ready in 15 minutes.

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Caprese Pasta

5 from 1 vote

15 minute Caprese Pasta with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, coated in a simple olive oil dressing. Easy vegetarian weeknight meal!

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Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 from 4 votes

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe with tender, juicy chicken breast, pasta and light, flavorful lemon garlic sauce.

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Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

5 from 2 votes

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a quick, protein-packed skillet meal that's full of flavor, super versatile, and ready in just 30 minutes!

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Healthy Pesto Pasta Recipe

5 from 69 votes

Healthy Pesto Pasta recipe is simple to prepare in just over 30 minutes and is bursting with flavor from pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, broccoli and Parmesan cheese.

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Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti Recipe

5 from 6 votes

Creamy Shrimp Spaghetti in less than 30 minutes! This rich, decadent shrimp pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknight or a dinner party.

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Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese

5 from 1 vote

High protein Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese is rich and creamy with 23 grams of protein and ready in 25 minutes. A family favorite in no time!

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Greek Yogurt Pizza Dough

5 from 4 votes

Greek Yogurt Pizza Dough is made with 4 ingredients and packs 5 grams of protein per slice. No yeast, no waiting and no resting the dough!

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Cottage Cheese Alfredo

This Cottage Cheese Alfredo is made with 10 ingredients, ready in 15 minutes, and packs 24 grams of protein with no heavy cream.

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Quick Soups and Stews

Healthy White Chicken Chili

5 from 214 votes

Healthy White Chicken Chili recipe with chicken, white beans, corn, cumin, and yogurt. Ready in 30 minutes on the stovetop, slow cooker or Instant Pot!

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Marry Me Chicken Soup

5 from 4 votes

Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy, one pot meal with 41 grams of protein and all the sun-dried tomato, Parmesan, and herb flavors you love from the viral classic!

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Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

5 from 1 vote

This creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is a quick weeknight dinner loaded with flavor. Each bowl has 24 grams of protein, which is more than the carbs!

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Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

5 from 14 votes

Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is thick and creamy without heavy cream or flour. Loaded with vegetables and ready in 30 minutes.

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Broccoli Feta Soup

5 from 5 votes

Comforting 30 minute Broccoli Feta Soup combines fresh broccoli and hearty rice with onion, garlic, dill, and salty feta. Perfect for chilly days!

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Chicken Stew

5 from 27 votes

This quick and easy one pot Chicken Stew is made with chicken, potatoes, and carrots simmered in a deliciously seasoned broth and garnished with fresh herbs.

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Bean and Mushroom Soup

5 from 21 votes

Meat-free Mushroom Bean Soup is hearty, healthy and packed with flavor. You can make it on the stove, in a slow cooker or in an Instant Pot.

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Buffalo Chicken Chili

5 from 47 votes

Creamy and lighter Buffalo Chicken Chili made in Instant Pot, slow cooker or on the stove. Packed with flavor, adjustable heat and crumbled blue cheese.

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Turkey Taco Soup

5 from 52 votes

Stovetop or slow cooker Turkey Taco Soup with ground turkey, beans, corn, and a perfectly seasoned broth. Hearty and filling 30 minute soup.

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Ground Turkey Stew

5 from 36 votes

Mediterranean Ground Turkey Stew with cannellini beans, kale, olives and fresh herbs in a savory tomato broth. Delicious light stew!

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Chicken Noodle Vegetable Soup

5 from 12 votes

This Chicken Noodle Vegetable Soup is pure comfort food made from scratch in 40 minutes. It is perfect on a cold winter night or year round because it's so delicious!

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Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe with chunky vegetables, tender chicken and thick, rich broth. It's the chicken soup that eats like a meal!

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Thai Chicken Butternut Squash Soup

5 from 24 votes

Delicious Thai Chicken Butternut Squash Soup is loaded with tender chicken and Thai flavors. It's creamy and velvety yet dairy free!

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Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli

5 from 22 votes

This Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli is thick and hearty Italian pasta and bean soup with tender veggies. This classic stew is super easy to make with pantry staples in about 40 minutes!

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Tacos and Quesadillas

Who doesn’t love anything tacos and quesadillas?! This type of quick healthy dinner is always a hit with kids and adults alike.

Healthy meals that are loaded with veggies, protein and then wrapped in whole wheat or corn tortillas is a win in this mom’s book. Using brown rice adds complex carbs and using low sodium canned goods makes these dinners super fast.

Crispy Baked Tacos

5 from 1 vote

Crispy Baked Tacos with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and melty cheese are an easy, mess-free dinner or party snack!

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Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

5 from 31 votes

Make chicken tacos in Instant Pot in 30 minutes! Juicy, tender and flavorful Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos with only 3 ingredients!

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Chicken Tostadas

5 from 60 votes

Healthy 20 minute Chicken Tostadas with crispy baked tortilla shells topped with shredded chicken, black beans, avocado and crumbled cheese.

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15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe

5 from 161 votes

This 15 Minute Shrimp Tacos Recipe with slaw and spicy juicy shrimp, wrapped in warm corn tortilla has the best taste and texture.

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Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

5 from 5 votes

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are creamy, sweet, spicy, and healthier than the Bonefish grill classic. You will have this 30 minute meal on repeat!

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Best Fish Tacos Recipe

5 from 44 votes

The Best Fish Tacos Recipe with crispy battered fish, diced avocado, crunchy cabbage, and delicious, easy fish taco sauce. I promise, these fish tacos are better than any food truck!

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Vegetarian Quesadillas

5 from 46 votes

Easy and 100% customizable Vegetarian Quesadillas with black beans, veggies, a healthy amount of cheese and whole wheat tortilla.

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Ground Chicken Tacos

5 from 37 votes

The best Ground Chicken Tacos with juicy, flavorful taco meat and toppings cooked in one skillet, in 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!

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Ground Turkey Tacos

5 from 11 votes

These Ground Turkey Tacos are saucy, flavorful and oh so easy in 30 minutes. Even if you are more of a ground beef tacos family, everyone will ask you to make this ground turkey taco recipe again and again!

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Buffalo Chicken Tacos

5 from 15 votes

Easy Buffalo Chicken Tacos filled with spicy chicken, veggies, and homemade blue cheese dressing. Healthy and ready in 30 minutes!

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Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

5 from 13 votes

Chicken Quesadillas with 7 simple ingredients, stuffed with super easy filling into a tortilla of your choice, then baked until cheesy and crispy!

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Ground Beef Tacos

5 from 2 votes

These Ground Beef Tacos are made with perfectly seasoned meat in a crunchy corn shell and topped with all the fixings. Ready in only 20 minutes this taco beef recipe is great for a simple and delicious dinner any day of the week.

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Chicken Street Tacos

5 from 11 votes

Chicken Street Tacos with juicy chicken breasts coated in flavorful chicken marinade, grilled and served with your favorite toppings.

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Healthy, Easy Skillet Recipes

Skillets make the best healthy dinners! You throw everything together and adjust the taste as you go.

They are so hard to screw up and are great for beginner cooks. And I also love that many can be made low carb and high in protein but can be served with a grain as well.

Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini Recipe

5 from 525 votes

One pan 30 minute Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini Recipe with black beans, corn, tomatoes and melted cheese on top.

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Basil Cashew Chicken

5 from 4 votes

Basil Cashew Chicken is an easy, healthy 30 minute dinner with veggies, chicken and nuts in a savory-sweet sauce. It has 32 grams of protein!

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Chicken Enchilada Skillet

5 from 2 votes

Chicken Enchilada Skillet is a 30 minute meal with veggies, beans, chicken, bold enchilada flavor, and 39 grams of protein. Everything cooks in one skillet!

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Pesto Chicken and Vegetables Skillet

5 from 3 votes

This Pesto Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is a delicious 30 minute dinner, perfect for meal prep and packed with 34 grams of protein!

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Cilantro Lime Chicken Rice Skillet

5 from 1 vote

Cilantro Lime Chicken Rice Skillet is a 30ish minute, one pan meal with tender chicken, fresh cilantro, and lime. Perfect for busy weeknights!

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One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice

5 from 32 votes

One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice is easy skillet dinner made with pantry staples. Rice and chicken breasts are simmered in salsa broth, then finished with gooey cheese and served with avocado.

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Taco Skillet

5 from 24 votes

Taco Skillet is everything you love about tacos in one pan. Easy, quick and healthy Mexican food you can make exactly the way your family likes it.

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Low Carb Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

5 from 113 votes

One pan low carb Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet with tomatoes and pesto ready in 30 minutes!

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Healthy Zucchini Pizza Skillet

5 from 2 votes

This 30 minute Zucchini Pizza Skillet with ground turkey and melty cheese is a crustless, to-die-for skillet meal that packs 30 grams of protein!

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Chicken and Mushrooms Recipe

5 from 6 votes

This Chicken and Mushrooms Recipe is a 30 minute dinner recipe that is easy, low carb and flavorful. Serve on its own or with your favorite side dish!

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Teriyaki Chicken and Cauliflower Recipe

5 from 34 votes

This Teriyaki Chicken and Cauliflower Recipe combines tender chicken, crispy cauliflower, and sweet and sticky teriyaki sauce.

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Caprese Chicken with Zucchini and Tomatoes Skillet

5 from 49 votes

Caprese Chicken Zucchini Skillet Recipe cooked in fresh tomato sauce, with melted fresh mozzarella cheese on top and garnished with basil.

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Tex Mex Sweet Potato Skillet

5 from 82 votes

Quick and easy Sweet Potato Skillet recipe loaded with seasoned potatoes, beans, peppers, and corn, finished with melted cheese and fresh lime juice.

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Mediterranean Chicken Skillet

5 from 6 votes

Easy Mediterranean Chicken skillet ready in under 40 minutes for the perfect weeknight dinner!

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Chicken Quinoa Skillet

5 from 31 votes

This Chicken Quinoa Skillet combines tender chicken, fresh garden vegetables and nutrient-dense quinoa for a healthy dinner.

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Ground Turkey and Potato Skillet with Broccoli

5 from 26 votes

This healthy Ground Turkey and Potato Skillet with broccoli makes for a nutritious, delicious, and nourishing one pan meal in around 40 minutes. It's gluten free, high fiber, high protein, and easy to make!

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Stir Fry and Curry Recipes

I don’t know about you but our family loves curry and stir fry. They make for perfect healthy dinner because they are usually loaded with crisp veggies which makes them super wholesome. Especially, when you make a homemade stir fry sauce to cook it in!

You can eat stir fry on its own for a low carb meal or with a side dish that is full of complex carbohydrates. Quick easy healthy meals are possible!

Beef Stir Fry Recipe

5 from 53 votes

This Beef Stir Fry Recipe is loaded with juicy beef and crispy vegetables coated in easy stir fry sauce. 30 minute restaurant-quality dinner!

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Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry

Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is easy, healthy 30 minute meal with 28 grams of protein. It's made with simple ingredients but big on flavor!

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Sausage Stir Fry

5 from 2 votes

30 Minute Sausage Stir Fry tossed with egg noodles, crispy vegetables, sausage rounds and easy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners!

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Peanut Chicken Soba Noodles Stir Fry Recipe

5 from 23 votes

Chicken Soba Noodles Stir Fry drenched in a savory peanut sauce and loaded with colorful veggies. 30 minute meal perfect for weeknights!

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Broccoli Mushroom Stir Fry

5 from 17 votes

Broccoli Mushroom Stir Fry is vegan and healthy stir fry recipe with portobello mushrooms, peas, walnuts and brown rice. It's easy, filling, and drenched in flavor.

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Chicken Asparagus Stir Fry

5 from 5 votes

Chicken Asparagus Stir Fry with juicy chicken, tender asparagus, and coated in a savory sauce. It's ready in 25 minutes!

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Yellow Chicken Curry

5 from 73 votes

Flavorful 30 minute Yellow Chicken Curry with tender chicken simmered in a robust sauce with coconut milk, yellow curry powder, and aromatics.

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Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

5 from 6 votes

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe ready in 30 minutes with lean chicken breast, crispy tender broccoli, and sweet tangy stir fry sauce!

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Healthy Chicken Stir Fry

5 from 51 votes

Healthy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe loaded with veggies and chicken coated in easy homemade stir fry sauce. 30 minute meal everyone will love!

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Buckwheat Stir Fry

5 from 21 votes

Buckwheat Stir Fry recipe is loaded with vegetables, and ready in 30ish minutes for a gluten free, nutrient and protein dense easy dinner!

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Thai Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk

5 from 48 votes

Enjoy this creamy, rich, and aromatic Thai Chicken Curry recipe at home with just one pan, simple ingredients, and in under 30 minutes.

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Healthy Shrimp and Vegetable Stir Fry

5 from 28 votes

This Shrimp and Vegetable Stir Fry is easy, healthy, low carb, and combines your choice of mixed vegetables with a simple, aromatic honey garlic stir fry sauce!

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Salmon Stir Fry

5 from 42 votes

This 20 minute Salmon Stir Fry is a healthy, low carb dinner made with chunks of juicy salmon, crisp green beans, and earthy mushrooms coated in flavours such as lemon, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce!

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Healthy Beef and Broccoli

5 from 25 votes

Easy to make Healthy Beef and Broccoli stir-fry is veggie packed with tender slices of beef then coated in a low sodium, low sugar flavorful sticky sauce. Your favorite Asian takeout now made healthier at home!

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Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls

5 from 88 votes

Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls is a healthy ground beef recipe full of vegetables and Asian flavored sauce, ready in 30 minutes.

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Sheet Pan Meals

Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies

5 from 5 votes

Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies is healthy weeknight dinner that's perfect for meal prep! Made in one pan for easy clean up, in 45 minutes.

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Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas

5 from 16 votes

Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas with tender slices of beef, onions, bell peppers, and a simple seasoning for a quick, easy, family approved dinner!

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One Pan Salmon and Veggies

5 from 4 votes

One pan salmon and veggies coated in honey garlic sauce, then baked in a sheet pan for 30 minutes for a healthy easy dinner.

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One Pan Chicken and Potatoes

5 from 38 votes

Easy to make One Pan Chicken and Potatoes with tomatoes, garlic, and oregano and ready in 35 minutes.

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Spatchcock Chicken

Juicy Spatchcock Chicken, golden potatoes and tender carrots are seasoned with flavorful spices and roast together in a one pan meal! Easy, delicious dinner!

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Roasted Chicken Thighs and Potatoes

5 from 58 votes

Roasted Chicken Thighs and Potatoes tossed with simple spices, garlic and oil. Then baked until chicken is juicy with crispy skin and onions are roasted.

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Sweet Potato and Eggs

5 from 12 votes

Sweet Potato and Eggs is easy and delicious breakfast baked in one pan.

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Quick Dinner Salads

These salad recipes contain protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats to qualify as a complete meal. Or you can add some easy protein like rotisserie chicken or canned tuna and a side of brown rice or quinoa to some.

Jennifer Aniston Salad

5 from 5 votes

Jennifer Aniston Salad is fresh, vibrant, and delicious! It's easy to make in one bowl, packed with protein, and perfect for meal prep.

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Healthy Cobb Salad with Chicken

4 from 6 votes

Healthy Cobb Salad loaded with lean chicken breast, fresh greens, salty blue cheese, crispy bacon and a healthy ranch dressing.

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Canned Salmon Salad

5 from 29 votes

Healthy, easy, nutrient dense Canned Salmon Salad is creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for lunch and ready in 10 minutes!

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Easy Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe

5 from 17 votes

Easy Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe with juicy vegetables, crumbled feta, herbs and lemon vinaigrette. It's hearty, healthy and filling!

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Avocado Tuna Salad

5 from 5 votes

Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad with no mayo! This healthy 15 minute salad is great for a quick lunch and doesn't turn brown for days!

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BBQ Chicken Salad

5 from 1 vote

BBQ Chicken Salad recipe is loaded with flavor & crunch! Juicy BBQ chicken and creamy ranch tie together vegetables for perfect summer meal.

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Thai Chicken Salad Recipe

5 from 18 votes

This 15 minute Thai Chicken Salad recipe is bright and full of flavor with a creamy dressing and lots of fresh, crunchy veggies.

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Chickpea Tuna Salad Recipe

5 from 3 votes

This Chickpea Tuna Salad Recipe is loaded with hearty chickpeas and tender tuna mixed in a creamy dressing. A nourishing lunch in 15 minutes!

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Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

5 from 6 votes

Creamy Cottage Cheese Egg Salad without mayo or yogurt, ready in 30 minutes, and packed with 11 grams of protein. Perfect for sandwiches or dipping!

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Curry Chicken Salad Recipe

5 from 3 votes

Healthy Curry Chicken Salad with yogurt, a bit of mayo, & savory curry powder. This 20-minute salad is perfect for quick dinner or meal prep.

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Avocado Chicken Salad

5 from 5 votes

Avocado Chicken Salad with crisp red onion, sweet corn, and drizzled with a tangy lime dressing. Ready in 15 minutes!

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Chicken Egg Salad

5 from 2 votes

Easy Chicken Egg Salad with creamy avocado and crispy bacon. This high protein salad is perfect for a healthy lunch, snack, or picnic.

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Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe is full of tender pasta, juicy veggies, briny olives and crumbled feta. Easy, 30 minute side dish for your next picnic, potluck, or BBQ.

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Mexican Tuna Salad Recipe

5 from 9 votes

Mexican Tuna Salad Recipe with black beans, corn, crunchy vegetables and creamy spicy dressing. Perfect for meal prep and is to-die-for!

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Easy White Bean Salad

5 from 8 votes

Easy White Bean Salad with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, herbs and red onion. Add fresh crunchy veggies and this recipe is ready in only 15 minutes for any occasion!

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Easy Healthy Taco Salad with Ground Turkey

5 from 9 votes

Healthy Taco Salad with ground turkey, veggies, greens, cheese, and one simple ingredient that replaces unhealthy bottled dressing.

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Ground Turkey Recipes

It is true that turkey can be dry. But rest assured, I have included only the juiciest dinner recipes for your pack of ground turkey.

It can be an acquired taste but mixing this lean poultry with vegetables and simple spices, is a great way to introduce your taste buds to it!

For more turkey inspiration, feel free to browse our collection of 45 ground turkey recipes.

Healthy Turkey Meatballs

5 from 49 votes

These Healthy Turkey Meatballs are lighter without the breadcrumbs, yet moist and made with 8 simple ingredients.

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Turkey Burger Recipe

5 from 123 votes

Juicy, flavorful and healthy Turkey Burger Recipe made with 5 simple ingredients and ready in 15 minutes. Pan fry, grill or bake.

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Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps

5 from 2 votes

Healthy Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps with crunchy veggies and homemade sauce in 30 minutes. Perfect for meal prep, appetizer or main dish!

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Greek Turkey Burgers

5 from 3 votes

These healthy Greek Turkey Burgers are juicy, packed with flavor and protein, and ready in just 30 minutes! Enjoy them in a bowl or in a bun.

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Spinach Feta Turkey Burgers

5 from 3 votes

These Spinach Feta Turkey Burgers are made with 7 simple ingredients, juicy and super flavorful. Perfect alternative to beef burgers!

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Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Sweet and Sour Meatballs with ground turkey, peppers, and juicy pineapple chunks in a tangy sauce ready in just 45 minutes with one skillet!

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Thai Meatballs

5 from 63 votes

These Thai Meatballs are made with ground turkey and full of garlic, ginger and curry flavors. They are made in one skillet, in 45 minutes.

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Egg Roll in a Bowl

5 from 8 votes

Turkey Egg Roll in a Bowl with a burst of protein, crispy vegetables and so much flavor. Ready in just 15 minutes using only one pan!

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Mexican Meatballs

5 from 19 votes

Juicy baked Mexican Meatballs are made with ground turkey and Tex Mex spices. Albondigas are easy to make in three simple steps and can be served as a healthy appetizer, in soup or as part of a main!

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Turkey Sliders

5 from 3 votes

Turkey Sliders with bacon, cheese and traditional fixings, everyone will love wrapped in lettuce mini burgers! Easy, juicy, low carb and flavourful.

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Salmon and Seafood Recipes

Salmon is a treat because of its price but is a part of our healthy eating lifestyle because it contains healthy fats. These seafood recipes are ready in under 30 minutes and are an excellent choice for easy healthy dinner!

Serve them with whole grains and a side of veggies instead of salad for a change!

Hot Honey Salmon Bites

Hot Honey Salmon Bites are baked pieces of salmon coated in sweet and spicy honey. Ready in 25 minutes, it's a great high protein weeknight dinner or an appetizer.

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Shrimp Egg Roll in a Bowl

5 from 3 votes

Shrimp Egg Roll in a Bowl is a 15 minute healthy dinner with juicy shrimp and crunchy vegetables sauteed together in a single skillet.

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Healthy Tuna Melt

5 from 9 votes

Healthy Tuna Melt recipe with canned tuna, a bit of cream cheese and no mayo, served on a slice of whole grain bread. Easy 10 minute lunch or dinner!

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Baked Salmon in Foil

5 from 14 votes

Baked Salmon in Foil with 10 minutes of prep comes out juicy and flaky with finger licking garlic butter and fresh herb seasoning. It is the most impressive baked salmon recipe I ever made!

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Air Fryer Salmon and Brussels Sprouts

5 from 6 votes

Delicious Air Fryer Salmon and Brussel Sprouts in 20 minutes! Perfectly cooked salmon is tender and flaky in the middle with crisp edges and when paired with nutritious veggies it's a quick, simple high-protein, low carb meal.

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Baked Teriyaki Salmon

5 from 13 votes

Flavorful Baked Teriyaki Salmon is glazed with a healthy homemade teriyaki sauce then oven baked in 30 minutes to flaky perfection.

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Broiled Thai Sweet Chili Salmon

5 from 39 votes

Thai Salmon with easy homemade Thai sweet chili sauce cooked until caramelized on top and juicy inside. The best salmon recipe ever!

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Lemon Butter Baked Cod

5 from 3 votes

This Lemon Butter Baked Cod is made with simple and flavorful ingredients. You'll love the fresh taste of parsley and lemon on top of buttery flaky cod fillets.

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Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe

5 from 61 votes

Honey Garlic Salmon is the best salmon recipe for busy weeknights! This 20 minute dinner comes together in one pan with simple ingredients and is crazy good!

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Shrimp Tostadas

5 from 3 votes

Easy Shrimp Tostadas made with juicy shrimp on a crispy tostada shell. Top with black beans, guacamole salsa, and crumbled cheese for this Mexican dinner idea!

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More Healthy Easy Recipes to Try

The post 150 Healthy Dinner Ideas appeared first on iFoodReal.com.

Boneless Turkey Breast Roast

Olena Osipov — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 00:22:39 +0000

This Boneless Turkey Breast Roast is stuffed with garlic, has a golden herb crust and comes out tender and juicy every time! You need only 6 ingredients for flavorful and impressive results every time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients for Boneless Turkey Breast Roast
How to Cook Boneless Turkey Breast
How Long to Cook Boneless Turkey Breast Roast in the Oven?
Tips for Best Results
Variations
How to Serve
Storing Leftovers
FAQs
More Main Dish Recipes to Try
Boneless Turkey Breast Roast Recipe

Make this juicy boneless turkey breast roast for Thanksgiving dinner instead of roasting a whole turkey! I am a pro at cooking turkey breast for holidays because it’s always just 4 of us.

Over the years I have perfected a slow cooker boneless turkey breast, Instant Pot turkey breast and even turkey breast in air fryer. One time I made a bone-in turkey breast and for extra naughty version we once had bacon wrapped turkey breast.

So, lots of options for you depending what you are feeling like this year!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for small holiday gatherings: If you are feeding only 4 – 6 people, this turkey roast is a perfect size.
Flavorful and customizable: Anything stuffed with garlic is always delicious! Spices in this recipe are very simple and you can go for them, or use this turkey breast rub.
Turns out juicy every time: Juicy whole turkey is a hit and miss, where as a turkey breast guaranteed to be juicy because cooking it is so easy!
Frees up oven space: You need only 1 1/2 hours to cook this roast vs. 4-5 hours for a whole bird.

Ingredients for Boneless Turkey Breast Roast

6 simple ingredients is all you need for this recipe! When purchasing your turkey roast, general rule of thumb is 1/2 pound of turkey breast per person, so purchase accordingly to the number of guests you will be serving.

Boneless turkey breast roast: This recipe calls for fresh boneless skinless turkey breast roast. If you have a frozen one, thaw it first. It can be boneless turkey breasts, only turkey thighs or both. In either case, meat is shaped and held together by stretchy mesh.
Fresh rosemary: Not dried. I am all for shortcuts but holiday roast calls for fresh herbs as it infuses the best taste.
Garlic: There is really no substitute for fresh garlic, which has a very distinctive flavor. If you are allergic to garlic, maybe bake with a bit of lemon juice and zest. And sprinkle with fresh chives before serving.
Olive oil: Can also use avocado oil or grapeseed oil. I do not recommend to use melted butter because it will solidify as soon as you brush it on cold turkey breast roast and herbs will not stick.
Salt and black pepper: To season and taste.

How to Cook Boneless Turkey Breast

You need only 10 minutes to prep this recipe. I prefer to roast turkey breast in my 6 Quart Dutch oven but you can also do so on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan.

If your meat is frozen, here is an easy tutorial how to thaw a turkey breast, even if you need to do so quickly.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Stuff with garlic: In a medium roasting pan or Dutch oven, place turkey breast and make 10-15 inserts with a paring knife. Stick garlic slice into each hole until you run out of garlic.

Season with rosemary: Rub roast with oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper all around. Taking small handfuls of rosemary pat it onto the roast, then sprinkle some.

The goal is to coat the roast in herbs for best roasted turkey flavor.

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes per 1 pound at 350 F: I cooked 3 pounds turkey breast roast for 90 minutes or until meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the breast reads 160 degrees F.

Remove mesh casing and slice: Using sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut casing in the middle, remove and discard. Slice into thin slices without pushing on meat too hard.

How Do I Know It’s Done?

If you had to remember one thing it would be that minimum internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast should reach 160 degrees F when checked with an instant read meat thermometer.

As per USDA guidelines, poultry meat is a safe for consumption when it is cooked to 165 F. Don’t worry, though! As the turkey rests tented under foil or in Dutch oven, it will continue to cook with residual heat and will reach 165 degrees F optimal temperature. This way it will be juicy!

How Long to Cook Boneless Turkey Breast Roast in the Oven?

You are probably wondering “how long to cook boneless turkey breast roast per pound?”. And it’s a good question because it is the key to success to a juicy roast.

The general rule of thumb is to cook it for 30 minutes per pound in preheated to 350 degrees F oven.

Here is a table of cooking times for quick reference:

Turkey breast weight	Cooking time
2 pounds	60 minutes or 1 hour
3 pounds	90 minutes or 1 hour 30 minutes
4 pounds	120 minutes or 2 hours
5 pounds	150 minutes or 2 hours 30 minutes
6 pounds	180 minutes or 3 hours

Extra Large Roast

7-10 pounds roast: Cook for 30 minutes per pound but check with a thermometer 30 minutes before calculated total time. Just to avoid overcooking your turkey breast as oven gets hotter with time.

Tips for Best Results

Don’t remove the casing before cooking: Under any circumstances, please don’t. Casing is holding pieces of meat together. If you remove it, meat will fall apart. Do not worry, we will season it inside. It will come out juicy and delicious.
Bake roast uncovered: If you cover it, white meat will steam instead of roasting.
Don’t check on it during baking: I do not recommend to open the oven and try to baste it with turkey broth or melted butter. Each time you open the door, the oven temperature drops and your cook time will be skewed.
Important to let meat rest! Resting meat results in juicy and tender turkey. Remove roast from the oven, cover with aluminum foil and let turkey breast rest for 10 minutes. Don’t skip!
Browned crispy skin: You can try broiling the roast for a few minutes at the end. Just be careful not to dry out the turkey.

Variations

This recipe as is produces amazing results! If you want to try some variations though, here are some ideas.

Additional rub seasonings: Onion powder, crushed thyme, sage, and smoked paprika are great. Or just try my delicious turkey breast rub that is full of yummy seasonings to complement the turkey breast perfectly.
Can’t stand the thought of not using butter to rub turkey? Melt small amount of butter then mix with EVOO or some readers have had success with using room temperature butter.
Stuffed turkey breast: If you are up for the challenge, some readers have successfully removed mesh, unrolled the breast and spread additional layer of fresh herbs and butter, then rolled it back up and stuffed breast back in mesh before roasting.
Brine turkey overnight for additional flavor.

How to Serve

Since I usually make this turkey roast at Thanksgiving, I serve it with healthy turkey gravy and healthy cranberry sauce.

Are you wondering “What else to serve with turkey breast?”. Here are a few more holiday side dishes that are the perfect complement to your festive celebration.

Storing Leftovers

Store: Refrigerate cooked turkey roast whole or sliced in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Leftover turkey is so good cold on its own, in a sandwich or we love these leftover turkey quesadillas. Or reheat just until warm with gravy. This recipe is so versatile!

Freeze: Freeze leftovers sliced or cut into bite sized pieces in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator and then use leftovers for turkey noodle soup, turkey and rice soup, as a protein in a salad for lunch, or for turkey tacos!

FAQs

Is boneless turkey breast real turkey?

Yes. It is simply deboned turkey breast pieces being held together by a netting.

Should turkey roast be cooked covered or uncovered?

You should roast turkey breast uncovered. Cover it after cooking to let meat rest, become juicy and reach desired internal temperature of 165 F.

How do I keep meat juicy?

First, this recipe is for a fresh boneless turkey breast roast. If your roast is frozen, be sure to thaw turkey completely. If your breast is frozen in the middle, it will change the cooking time and end results will be dry.

Second, trust the first internal temperature check, remove it from the oven and let rest so turkey juices settle back into the roast. Also to keep it moist for a while, don’t slice it right away but rather before serving.

Can I make this ahead of time?

To save time during the Holidays, you could season the turkey breast with garlic and herbs, cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Let turkey come to room temp, then proceed with roasting.

Why is my turkey breast tough?

If your roast comes out tough, it is because of type of meat the store used to wrap into the casing. I once happened to buy a small 2 pounds roast and it was pretty chewy with muscle tissues. I highly recommend to buy a minimum 3 pounds of larger boneless skinless turkey breast roast.

More Main Dish Recipes to Try

Here are a few more suggestions for your small holiday meal instead of traditional turkey!

Boneless Turkey Breast Roast

This Boneless Turkey Breast Roast is herb crusted and garlic stuffed then baked in the oven with tender, juicy results!

Course Dinner

Cuisine American Ukrainian

Diet Low Fat

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1 30

Resting Time 10

Total Time 1 50

Servings servings

Calories 258kcal

Author Olena Osipov

Equipment

Ingredients

Boneless Turkey Roast

3 pounds fresh boneless turkey roast in casing
3 large garlic cloves cut into matchsticks
3 large rosemary sprigs leaves removed and minced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
Ground black pepper to taste

Easy Pan Gravy (Optional)

2 cups low sodium chicken stock or water
1/4 cup white wine
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
Ground black pepper to taste

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Boneless Turkey Roast

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium roasting pan or Dutch oven, place turkey roast and make 10-15 inserts with a paring knife. Stick garlic slice into each one until you run out of garlic.
Rub roast with oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper all around. Taking small handfuls of rosemary pat it onto the roast, then sprinkle some. The goal is to coat the roast in herbs.
Bake uncovered for 90 minutes. Check with meat thermometer, it should read 160 degrees F.
Remove from the oven, cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Internal temperature will reach 170 degrees F and juices settle.
Using a sharp knife or scissors, remove the casing and slice. Serve warm at a Holiday table with traditional sides of mashed potatoes and gravy, cold as an appy or use in sandwiches instead of deli meat.

Easy Pan Gravy (Optional)

Place roasting pan with juices from cooking turkey roast on medium heat. Scrape and shake rosemary and burnt on pieces from removed casing into the pot. There is a lot of flavor. Discard the casing.
Add broth and bring to a boil. Cook for 5 minutes and whisk to scrape the walls. Again lots of flavor in there. Add white wine, butter, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low-medium and cook for 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, add a bit of gravy from the pot and cornstarch. Whisk well with a fork, pour back into the pot and whisk until gravy starts boiling.
Cook for 2-3 minutes or until thickened a bit. Serve with a turkey roast.

Video

Notes

Make ahead: Season the turkey breast with garlic and herbs, cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Let turkey come to room temp, then proceed with roasting.
Store: Refrigerate roast whole or sliced in an airtight container for up to a week. It tastes so good cold. And warm with gravy. This recipe is so versatile!
Freeze: Freeze leftovers sliced or cut into bite sized pieces in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator.
Fresh boneless turkey roast: This recipe calls for fresh boneless skinless turkey roast. If you have a frozen one, thaw it first.
Bone in roast: If you want to cook turkey breast with bone in, check out this bone in turkey breast roast.

Nutrition

The post Boneless Turkey Breast Roast appeared first on iFoodReal.com.

Turkey Meatball Soup

Olena Osipov — Sat, 28 Sep 2024 08:35:00 +0000

This Turkey Meatball Soup with pasta and vegetables is super easy to make and is healthy. Kids love anything with meatballs, so this soup should be a crowd pleaser!

Do you love meatballs? We sure do! I make Mexican meatballs, porcupine meatballs in slow cooker and even Thai meatballs. And soup with meatballs is a childhood favorite!

I posted this turkey meatball soup a while back, but since then “Martha Stewart” part of me grew up. This soup is great any time of the year! I have a vivid memory of my grandma making it during hot summer days.

We would play outside all morning, then she would call us for lunch. You come in the kitchen and here it is – a bowl of this soup, chicken noodle soup, buckwheat soup or borscht. Steam going up in the air, the smell of fresh herbs, with a piece of fresh and soft Ukrainian rye bread. Take me back!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One pot meal: You brown the meatballs and cook the soup in same pot!
Quick and easy: Prep time is only 15 minutes and hands on cooking time is another 15 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners. Although it’s not true 30 minute meal, I feel like you get a lot of food in short amount of time.
Lasts for days: My absolutely favorite part about this soup is leftovers. I usually double the recipe and we eat it for a few days. Usually twice on the day I make it. Kids love this soup and have some right away after school and later for dinner.

Ingredients for Turkey Meatball Soup

Meatballs: Ground turkey, chicken, beef or pork. Onion adds flavor and makes meatballs juicy. And egg holds meatballs together.
Veggies: Carrots, celery, potatoes.
Pasta: Any short pasta works and can be white, whole wheat or gluten free pasta. I love using brown rice pasta for when making a soup because I feel like kids are eating brown rice and not pasta.
Broth: You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth, homemade or from a carton. Or grandma also always made soup with water.
Fresh herbs: Fresh parsley or dill are my top two flavor boosters for broth based soups. They add another layer of flavor. Green onion is good too!

How to Make Turkey Meatball Soup

I am using 5-6 quart Dutch oven because it makes this soup a one pot meal. Alternatively you can use a skillet for frying and then a large pot for soup.

Make meatballs: In a food processor or blender, puree onion, egg, 1/4 tsp salt and pepper to taste. Alternatively, you can use grater to grate an onion. Then mix with ground turkey and fry meatballs for 1 minute per side in batches, removing onto a plate and setting aside.
Saute carrots and celery: Add a bit more oil and saute veggies in the meat drippings, this will make them more flavorful.
Deglaze the pot with broth: Now we want to add broth and bring it to a boil. First of all, to incorporate delicious drippings and brown bits. Secondly, we always want to add veggies and pasta to a boiling liquid in order to cook properly.
Add potatoes, meatballs and pasta: Once you add them to a boiling broth, you want to wait for mixture to boil again. Then cover, reduce heat to low and cook for 12 minutes.

Let soup rest and add fresh herbs: Turn off heat, so cooking slowly subsides. Let it rest for 10 minutes for flavors to marry each other and then add fresh parsley or dill.

Variations

Spinach: Like with lentil spinach soup or chicken lentil soup recipe, you can throw in a few handfuls of fresh or frozen spinach at the end, stir and it will wilt. My kids are not fans and my grandma never had it on hand, that’s why I skipped this time.
Orzo: You can use orzo pasta that will make this soup an Italian wedding soup. especially if you add spinach and Parmesan cheese.
Skip browning meatballs: Original recipe I had posted for a while didn’t call for browning the meatballs. You can totally skip it in a rush, I like a bit more flavor. In a step where broth is boiling with veggies, drop meatballs carefully as you roll them into boiling broth.
Leftover cooked grain: Skip pasta and add about 3 cups of any leftover cooked grains you have in the fridge. Like quinoa, buckwheat kasha, couscous or even cooked pasta.

How to Store and Reheat

Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you have room in the fridge, store right in the pot. Pasta does get more soggy with time and soaks up liquids. You might have to add more broth or water and a bit more seasonings to taste to compensate for added liquid, when reheating.

Freeze? Because of soggy pasta, I do not recommend to freeze this soup. If you plan on freezing, you can cook pasta separately and add to individual bowls.

Reheat: Reheat desired amount of soup in a small pot by simmering on low for 5-7 minutes. Don’t let soup boil vigorously to disturb already delicate structure of potatoes and pasta.

More Meatball Recipes to Try

You may also love to browse these 45 ground turkey recipes!

More Favorite Soup Recipes

Check out this collection of healthy soup recipes.

Turkey Meatball Soup

Turkey Meatball Soup with pasta and vegetables is super easy to make and is healthy. Kids love anything with meatballs, so this soup should be a crowd pleaser.

Course Soup and Stew

Cuisine Ukrainian

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Servings servings

Calories 324kcal

Author Olena Osipov

Equipment

Dutch oven

Ingredients

For Meatballs:

1 pound ground turkey extra lean
1 small onion
1 large egg
1/4 teaspoon salt
Ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil for frying

For Soup:

2 large carrots chopped
2 large celery stalks chopped
2 cups potatoes cubed (11 ounces)
8 cups vegetable or chicken broth low sodium
2 teaspoons oil for frying
2 cups short pasta like shells or macaroni uncooked (6 ounces)
3 bay leaves
3/4 teaspoon salt
Ground black pepper to taste
1/3 cup fresh parsley, dill or green onions finely chopped

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Make meatballs: In a food processor or blender, puree onion, egg, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and pepper to taste. Alternatively, you can use grater to grate onion and mix with other meatball ingredients.
Transfer to a medium bowl along with ground turkey and mix well with your hands.
Preheat 5-6 quart Dutch oven or skillet on medium heat and swirl 1 tbsp of oil to coat. Alternatively you can use skillet for frying and then large pot for soup. Dutch oven makes this soup one pot.
Using a small scoop or tablespoon, form golf size meatballs and add in a single layer to the pot with oil, leaving some room between balls for easy flipping.
Fry for a minute or so or until browned (happens fast), carefully flip with small silicone spatula, and fry for another minute. Transfer to a plate and repeat this step with remaining meat and adding more oil. Set meatballs aside.
Make soup: Add 2 teaspoons of oil, carrots and celery; saute for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add broth, cover and bring to a boil.
Add potatoes, meatballs, pasta, bay leaves, 3/4 tsp salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to very low and cook for 12 minutes.
Turn off heat and let soup sit for 10 minutes covered. Flavours will really "marry each other" and soup will thicken a bit and pasta "get there".
Add parsley, stir and serve hot.

Notes

Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat desired amount by simmering on low heat while covered.
Freeze: I do not recommend to freeze this soup because it contains pasta. If you plan on freezing, you can cook pasta separately and add to individual bowls.
Other meat: You can also use ground chicken, beef or pork instead of turkey.
Pasta: I used brown rice pasta this time. Any pasta works! Even long pasta like spaghetti can be broken and used. You can use orzo pasta that will make this soup an Italian wedding soup.
Soup thickens with time: It is normal to see the soup thickening more in a few hours and next day. You can always add more broth to thin it out.
Skip browning meatballs: Original recipe I had posted for a while didn’t call for browning meatballs. You can totally skip it in a rush, I like a bit more flavor.
Leftover cooked grain: Skip pasta and add about 3 cups of any leftover cooked grains you have in the fridge.

Nutrition

The post Turkey Meatball Soup appeared first on iFoodReal.com.

Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Olena Osipov — Sat, 21 Sep 2024 08:41:00 +0000

This Instant Pot Turkey Chili is made with ground turkey, beans, veggies and spices quickly in your pressure cooker with a taste like it has been simmering all day. You can also make it with dried beans!

Love healthy chili recipes? Try our reader shared Instant Pot beef chili or wildly popular Instant Pot white chicken chili.

This Instant Pot turkey chili tastes like the best turkey chili that has been simmered on the stove all day! Flavorful, comforting and hearty bowl of homemade chili entire family will love. Even kids because this soup is not spicy.

Not all but many recipes make sense to be converted to Instant Pot recipes. And turkey chili is one of them. Because it’s easy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make it your own: This is why I love making chili! Because I can customize it and I know everyone will dinner. Even kids’ picky friends, let’s face it!
Healthier: By using ground turkey instead of ground beef, we avoid eating about 28 grams of saturated fat. Healthier is only Instant Pot vegetarian chili.
Easy recipe: Although total cooking time with pressure build up is about 30 minutes, prep time is only 15 minutes and you walk away. No waiting to boil or stirring. And chili will taste just like your mom used to make.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Ground turkey: Lean or extra lean ground turkey, even ground chicken will be great in this recipe.
Beans: You can use any combination of beans. I like to use red kidney beans, pinto beans and any white beans like navy, cannellini or lima. More varieties, more flavor. If you cook dried beans without salt, add 1 teaspoon salt.
Corn: Fresh, canned (drained) or frozen corn (no need to thaw).
Canned diced tomatoes and paste: No need to drain diced tomatoes. If you have Rotel, diced tomatoes with green chilies, even more flavor.
Broth or stock: Pick low sodium. I like to use organic low sodium bouillon cubes mixed water to save storage space, packaging and money. Or Instant Pot chicken broth or Instant Pot beef bone broth when I have it on hand.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt and pepper.

How to Make Turkey Chili in Instant Pot

This Instant Pot turkey chili can be made in 6 quart Instant Pot and 8 quart Instant Pot as written. For 3 quart, half the ingredients and keep same cooking time.

Brown the meat: Saute ground turkey just enough to separate into small pieces. It doesn’t have to be cooked through or browned.
Add remaining ingredients: Add broth, onion, garlic, bell pepper, corn, beans, chili, powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, diced tomatoes and tomato paste in this exact order, just like listed in the recipe. Do not stir to avoid the Burn message.
Cook: Pressure cook chili on high pressure for 15 minutes. Release pressure using Quick Release or you can let pressure cooker come down on its own with Natural Release.

Tips for Best Results

Browned bits of meat stuck to the pot: Deglaze the pot only if you see the bottom has stuck bits to it. Add 1/2 cup broth and deglaze the pot. My 6 quart Instant Pot runs hotter and browns more than 8 quart one.
Make sure tomatoes are on top: Add ingredients in the order listed in the recipe with diced tomatoes and tomato paste going in last. This is to avoid the Burn message.
Don’t stir before cooking: Again it helps to avoid the Burn message. If you stir, tomato can be touching the bottom of the pot and its sugars burning.
Don’t double the recipe: I do not recommend to double this recipe even in 8 quart Instant Pot because ingredients will not fit and pot won’t come to pressure! What you can do though, add extra 1 pound of meat and a can of beans, then adjust seasonings to taste at the end.
To thicken the chili: This chili will thicken with time but if you want it to be very thick right away, whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and add to the pot. Then press Saute, stir and simmer for a few minutes until thickened.

Can I Make It with Dried Beans?

Yes! By super popular demand I have tested this Instant Pot turkey chili with dried beans. Result was ah-mazing.

Not only it is convenient, cheap and lower in sodium version of chili, the stew comes out more hearty thanks to a bean broth. Texture wise similar to healthy white chicken chili where we mash some beans for hearty thick stew texture.

To make chili with dried beans, you do not have to soak them. Use 2 cups rinsed dried beans with 4 cups of broth and pressure cook for 40 minutes.

If you cook red kidney beans in Instant Pot or black beans in Instant Pot, they only take on average 12 minutes with NPR. But because we have many other ingredients in the pot, cooking time is 3 times longer. Just like with Instant Pot rice and beans cooked together in a pressure cooker. Science!

Serving Suggestions

Fixings: Serve chili traditionally with shredded cheese, plain yogurt or sour cream, green onion, cilantro, lime and avocado. And how can you forget a slice of buttery almond flour cornbread or some cornbread muffins?!
Serve as an appetizer: With tortilla chips for dunking.
With a salad: Mexican kale salad or Mexican street corn salad would go well with this turkey chili.
Stretch it: Make Instant Pot turkey chili go further served over Instant Pot baked potatoes or Instant Pot spaghetti squash.

How to Store and Reheat

Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freeze: Hearty soups and stew without tender vegetables freeze well. Cook, cool completely and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheat: Simmer on the stovetop covered on low heat, stirring occasionally and until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I prepare it as a freezer meal?

Yes. Cook ground turkey until small pieces for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Transfer to a Ziploc bag with other ingredients (add tomato products right after meat). Before cooking, add 1 cup water or low sodium broth and cook from frozen on High pressure for 20 minutes. Then do Quick Release.

Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?

Absolutely. No changes to the recipe are necessary.

Can I add frozen vegetables?

Yes. I often use frozen vegetables like chopped bell pepper, corn and frozen cooked beans to save time. You can also add up to 2 extra cups of frozen broccoli, cauliflower or cauliflower rice.

More Chili Recipes to Try

More Instant Pot Recipes

Looking for more ideas? Check out this collection of our top healthy Instant Pot recipes!

Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Instant Pot Turkey Chili with ground turkey, beans, veggies and spices ready in under 1 hour with a taste like it has been cooking all day.

Course Soup and Stew

Cuisine Mexican

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Pressure Up & Down Time 25

Total Time 55

Servings servings

Calories 292kcal

Author Olena Osipov

Equipment

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
1 cup any stock or broth low sodium
1 large onion diced
3 large garlic cloves minced
1 bell pepper diced
1 1/2 cups corn canned or frozen
14 oz can low sodium red kidney beans rinsed and drained
14 oz can low sodium cannellini or navy beans rinsed and drained
14 oz can low sodium pinto beans or black eyed peas rinsed and drained
2 tbsp chili powder makes mild, 3 tbsp for spicy
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano dried
1/2 tsp paprika
3/4 tsp salt
28 oz can diced tomatoes low sodium
6 oz can tomato paste low sodium
Avocado oil
Green onion cilantro, cheese, plain yogurt (for toppings)

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

On 6 or 8 quart Instant Pot, press Sauté and let appliance preheat until display says Hot. Swirl a bit of oil to coat, add ground turkey and cook for 4 minutes, breaking into small pieces with spatula often. Meat doesn't have to cook through.
If you see bottom of the pot has stuck browned bits of meat, add 1/2 cup broth and deglaze the pot. If not, then it's fine. My 6 quart Instant Pot runs hotter than 8 quart. Press Cancel and add remaining 1/2 cup (if deglazed) or 1 cup broth.
Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, corn, beans, chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Do not stir to avoid Burn.
Close the lid, set pressure vent to Sealing and press Pressure Cook on High or Manual for 15 minutes.
After release pressure using Quick Release by turning pressure valve to Venting position, which takes 2-3 minutes. Open the lid, stir and serve hot with your favourite toppings.

Video

Notes

Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Fully cook, cool completely and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw on a stovetop covered on low.
Make a freezer meal: Cook ground turkey until small pieces for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Transfer to a Ziploc bag with other ingredients (add tomato products right after meat). Before cooking, add 1 cup water or low sodium broth and cook from frozen on High pressure for 20 minutes. Quick release.
To make chili with dried beans (no soaking): Use 2 cups dried beans with 4 cups stock and cook for 40 minutes.
If you cook your own beans without salt, add 1 tsp salt.
Ground chicken will work just as well.
I often use frozen vegetables like chopped pepper, corn and frozen cooked beans to save time.

Nutrition

The post Instant Pot Turkey Chili appeared first on iFoodReal.com.

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Olena Osipov — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 16:07:38 +0000

Grandma’s Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls with ground meat, rice and cabbage cooked in savory tomato sauce. This one pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights!

We are a Ukrainian-Russian household, so cabbage for dinner makes a frequent appearance at our table. Instant Pot cabbage rolls and grandma’s borscht recipe, adults and kids love them all!

I think you are going to love these unstuffed cabbage rolls! As much as the old fashioned cabbage rolls are worth the wait, sometimes we just don’t have the time or energy for “holubtsi”.

I was born and raised in Ukraine, and I never do roll cabbage rolls. Instead, I like to chop cabbage into coarse square chunks and cook with rice and meat in flavorful tomato sauce in one pot. And grandma did the same on busy days. Otherwise, she rolled the rolls before going to work. Can you imagine?!

Ingredients for Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

In Ukraine, cabbage rolls are made with ground beef or pork, white rice and tomato sauce. There are many Eastern European variations of this dish but here is what I use now.

Ingredients are simple and use what you have on hand:

Onion and garlic: Chopped onion and minced garlic.
Meat: Extra lean ground turkey but you can use ground pork or beef.
Cabbage: Coarsely chopped. You can get away with using a variety of different types of cabbage like green, red, napa or even savoy cabbage in this recipe.
Rice: Uncooked brown rice. Use white rice which cooks faster or leftover cooked brown rice which reduces total cooking time to 30 minutes.
Liquids: Oil, low sodium tomato sauce, can of diced tomatoes, low sodium broth (or water), honey, or maple syrup to balance acidic ingredients, vinegar.
Herbs: Dried oregano, thyme, bay leaves.
Seasonings: Salt and pepper for taste.
Garnish: Fresh dill or parsley or green onions, yogurt or sour cream.

How to Make Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Start by chopping garlic, onion and cabbage before you begin to cook. Peel and mince the garlic, chop the onion not too finely, and peel a few outer leaves from the cabbage and chop into big chunks.

Time to saute it all. Preheat a deep non-stick pan or a 5-6 quart Dutch oven. I absolutely love my Lodge dutch oven and cook most one pot meals in it. Food doesn’t burn and cooks evenly!

Swirl oil to coat and add onion and garlic, stirring occasionally. Then add ground meat, uncooked brown rice, dried oregano and thyme, salt and pepper. Continue cooking, breaking the meat into pieces.

Sauteing rice now cuts back its cook time. If you are using white rice, the cook time will be approximately 30 minutes. For pre-cooked brown rice, use 3 cups of cooked rice, reduce the liquids to 1 cup and cut the cooking time to 30 minutes.

Now it’s time to add the broth, tomato sauce, vinegar, maple syrup, and cabbage. Stir well to combine and bring to a boil.

Once boiling, cover, reduce heat, and cook on low for about an hour. As tempting as it might be to open the lid to check on it! Not until it’s completely done.

Tips for Best Results

If your rice is a bit firm at the end: If rice is not cooked by the end, add 1/4 cup water, cover, and cook for another 5-10 minutes.
To feed smaller crowd: When I say this recipe feeds a hungry crowd, I mean it! It yields close to 14 cups of food. If you don’t need that much, cut the recipe in half and keep the same cook time.
Use heavy duty pot: Otherwise you risk cabbage rolls burning on the bottom.
Don’t open the lid: Cooking time will lengthen because steam releases.

Variations

More protein: Feel free to add an extra 1 pound of ground turkey. Also ground beef, chicken or pork work great!
Sauerkraut: You can replace some of fresh cabbage with sauerkraut but cut salt in half and then season to taste after, if necessary.
White rice: Cooking time will be around 30 minutes.
Cooked brown rice: Use 3 cups cooked brown rice, reduce liquids to 1 cup and cook for 30 minutes.

How We Serve Them in Ukraine

At home, we serve unstuffed cabbage rolls as a meal on its own. It is a true one pot meal. Serve warm almost hot, with a generous dollop of yogurt or sour cream for the most authentic flavor.

Add a lot of chopped fresh dill and freshly cracked ground pepper. A slice of a rye bread or whole grain toast is a must to sop up the sauces, juices and bit of meat and rice at the bottom of the plate. So good!

You can add hot sauce on top if you feel like things spicy.

If you would like a true Ukrainian side salad for this dish, make lettuce salad or cucumber and tomato salad.

How to Store

Store: You’ll have leftovers for days! Enjoy up for 4 days later, being kept in the fridge in an airtight container. This dish actually gets better with time.

Freeze: Once fully cooked, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. If you have a ton leftover, might be wise to freeze individually and only take out what you need.

Reheat: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave. You can also use the pot with a splash of water or broth to simmer while covered for 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use shredded cabbage?

Yes. The advantage is that it will cook faster. However, the texture will be more mush. I prefer more bite and substance to the cabbage in this recipe.

Can I make unstuffed cabbage rolls in slow cooker?

While this recipe has not been tested in a slow cooker, you can make it in the oven or the Instant Pot! Slow cooker will require different amount of liquids and might burn the tomato sauce.

What type of cabbage can I use?

Because we are not rolling cabbage, this recipe is pretty forgiving. Use green, red, napa or even savoy cabbage. Cook time will be a bit less for napa and savoy cabbage.

More Cabbage Recipes to Try

Ukrainian Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Grandma's Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls with ground meat, rice and cabbage cooked in savory tomato sauce. This one pot meal is is perfect for busy weeknights!

Course Casserole

Cuisine Ukrainian

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 15

Servings servings

Calories 352kcal

Author Olena Osipov

Equipment

Ingredients

1 large onion chopped
4 garlic cloves minced
1 tbsp oil
1 lb ground turkey extra lean
1 cup brown rice uncooked
3 lbs cabbage coarsely chopped
28 oz can tomato sauce low sodium
14 oz can diced tomatoes low sodium
2 cups water or any low sodium stock
1 tbsp oregano dried
1 tsp thyme dried
1 tbsp vinegar
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp salt
Ground black pepper to taste
3 bay leaves
Fresh dill, parsley, green onions and yogurt/sour cream for serving

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Preheat large and very deep non-stick skillet or 5-6 quart Dutch oven on medium-high heat and swirl oil to coat. Add onion and garlic; cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add turkey, rice, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper; cook for 10 more minutes, breaking into small pieces and stirring often.
Add broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, vinegar, maple syrup, cabbage, bay leaves and stir well. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low and cook for 60-70 minutes. Do not open!
After check if rice is cooked and if not (mine was) add 1/4 cup water, cover and cook for another 5 – 10 minutes.
Serve warm topped with Greek yogurt and herbs.

Video

Notes

Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Fully cook, cool completely, and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in a refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a microwave or in the oven at 375 F for 10 minutes.

Nutrition

The post Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls appeared first on iFoodReal.com.

No Boil Pasta Bake

Olena Osipov — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 15:25:26 +0000

This No Boil Pasta Bake is made with 5 simple ingredients, in one dish and no pre-cooking pasta is necessary. Perfect weeknight dinner with 39 grams of protein!

Craving more easy pasta recipes? This ground turkey pasta bake and one pot spaghetti are winners.

I’m totally smitten with this no boil pasta bake recipe. It’s a casserole that doubles as a one pot meal, magic!

I never thought it would work to cook dry pasta right in the oven but it does! The trick is to add the right amount of liquid and tightly cover the dish. Then you set it in the oven and walk away. It’s the perfect no-fuss cooking style!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy weeknight dinner: Minimal prep, no constant stirring or checking, and easy clean-up.
High in protein and lighter: Each serving has 39 grams of protein to keep you full without the use of heavy cream or milk.
Versatile recipe: Use any short pasta, your go-to marinara sauce, switch up the protein, or throw in some veggies.
A total crowd-pleaser: Who can say no to a warm, cheesy casserole that’s also a healthy dinner? It’s a win-win!

Ingredients for No Boil Pasta Bake

This easy pasta bake needs just 4 main ingredients, water, and any optional garnishes you like.

Ground turkey: I love using lean ground turkey, but you can swap it out for any ground meat like ground chicken, beef, or pork.
Pasta: Short pasta works best for this recipe, and you can even go gluten-free if you prefer. I used farfalle, but fusilli, rotini, and penne also hold up well in the oven.
Marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara. I’ve been hooked on Rao’s marinara sauce for a while now!
Shredded cheese: Go with havarti for creaminess, gouda for a smoky touch, or white cheddar for a sharp kick.
Water: You’ll need 27 ounces of cold water to cook the pasta. I used my empty Rao’s jar to measure it easily.
Cooking spray: To prevent sticking, I use Misto.
Garnish (optional): It’s optional, but I always top my pasta with fresh parsley. Fresh basil is great too, and if you want, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese takes it to the next level.

Recipe Tip

I don’t love to use mozzarella cheese for this recipe as it doesn’t add a lot of flavor, gets too stringy, and can make the dish overly gooey. However, if it’s what you have and like, it can still work.

How to Make No Boil Pasta Bake

No cook pasta bake is legit easy! No waiting for water to boil, just 4 simple steps to deliciousness. If you’ve got leftover cooked protein, you can cut it down even more.

Spray the bottom and sides of a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray, set it aside, and preheat the oven to 400 F.

Cook ground meat: Heat a large non-stick skillet and cook the ground turkey, breaking it into small pieces as it browns. Set aside. You can also skip this step or use any other cooked protein you like.
Assemble the dish: Add pasta, marinara sauce, water, and cooked meat to the baking dish. Stir and level with a spatula, then sprinkle with cheese. Cover with parchment paper then tightly seal with crisscrossed foil. Do not let that steam escape!
Bake and check: Bake for 30 minutes, then check that the pasta in the center is al dente. It’s OK if the pasta on the sides is a bit firmer.

Rest and broil: Take it out of the oven and let it sit covered for 10-15 minutes. Don’t skip this part! If you want, you can broil it after that for a bit of extra crispiness.

Tips for Best Results

After testing 3 times, here are my top tips for the best results!

Use quality marinara sauce: The last thing you want is a bland pasta bake. A good sauce adds rich, balanced flavors without any extra work. My readers know I love Rao’s for exactly that reason.
Spray the baking dish: You don’t need much, but it helps prevent the pasta from sticking to the sides.
Cover it very tightly: Don’t use a silicone lid because it doesn’t seal tight enough to trap the steam, tinfoil is a must! I also like to lay a piece of parchment paper under the foil, then double wrap in foil to prevent chemicals leaching into the food.
Cook gluten-free pasta for less time: Check around the 20-25 minute mark. Gluten-free pasta tends to cook faster, and cooking for less time helps prevent it from becoming mushy.
Ovens vary: After baking, check a noodle to see if it’s al dente. If it’s still undercooked, pop it back in the oven for a few more minutes. If you know your oven runs hot, I’d suggest checking a bit before the 30-minute mark.
Let it rest before serving: This allows the pasta to soak up any extra liquid, finish cooking, thicken the sauce and blend the flavors. It also cools down a bit, so it’s easier to serve and enjoy.

Variations

Make it vegetarian: Simply omit the meat and make as is, or see next point below.
Bulk it up with veggies: Saute your veggies first and add them before baking to ensure they’re fully cooked. Try sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, onion, or spinach.
Pick other protein: Besides ground meat, you can add cooked or raw sausage cut into cubes.
Use different pasta sauce: Go with your favorite red sauce like tomato, vodka, pizza, or roasted red pepper sauce. Or switch it up with alfredo sauce for a rich, creamy twist.
To add cooked chicken: Toss in shredded or diced Instant Pot chicken breast, baked chicken breast, or rotisserie chicken.
Add meatballs: You can either use chopped meatballs like these healthy turkey meatballs, chicken meatballs or add mini meatballs.
Add greens: Saute or steam kale or swiss chard and mix it in before baking. Or add fresh spinach or arugula on top, they’ll wilt down and blend nicely with the pasta.
Add cottage cheese: To add an extra protein boost, mix in cottage cheese. For a more classic lasagna version, add ricotta cheese. Just mix it into the sauce before baking.

Serving Suggestions

A bowl of this no boil pasta bake is a meal in itself. But if you’re up for a little extra, why not add a side dish or two?

A Caesar salad or butter lettuce salad and garlic bread would be perfect. Or if not garlic bread, a slice of cottage cheese bread to soak up the sauce.

If you’ve got veggies to use up pair it with Instant Pot steamed vegetables, Parmesan roasted brussels sprouts, or roasted asparagus.

How to Store

Store: Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for 3 days. You’ll have healthy, ready-to-go lunches for the next few days.

Reheat: Warm it up in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or broth until hot.

Freeze: I’m not a fan of freezing pasta because it can get a bit mushy, but you can totally do it if you want. Just pop it in an airtight container and it’ll keep for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Does pasta come out mushy or al dente?

Follow the recipe and your pasta will come out al dente. And make sure to let it rest!

What to do if some pasta pieces are still hard?

After baking for 30 minutes the pasta along the sides could be hard, that’s OK. As long as pasta in the middle is soft and al dente, remove from the oven and let it rest. If your pasta is still hard in the center, then you’ll need to cook it a bit more.

Will pasta cook in the oven?

Yes! With the correct amount of liquid and tightly covered, pasta will cook in the oven.

More Easy Pasta Recipes to Try

No Boil Pasta Bake

No Boil Pasta Bake is made with 5 ingredients, in one dish and no pre-cooking pasta is necessary. Easy weeknight dinner with 39 grams of protein!

Course Casserole

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Resting Time 10

Total Time 1

Servings servings

Calories 526kcal

Author Olena Osipov

Equipment

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey
16 ounces pasta
27 ounces marinara sauce I love Rao’s
27 ounces jar of cold water
2 cups havarti, gouda or white cheddar cheese shredded
Cooking spray I use Misto
Parsley finely chopped, for garnish (optional)

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 F and spray bottom and sides of large 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
Preheat large non-stick skillet and add ground turkey. Saute, stirring often and breaking into small pieces. Set aside. You can also omit it or use any other favorite cooked protein.
To the baking dish add pasta, marinara sauce, water and cooked ground turkey. Stir and level with spatula, then sprinkle with cheese. Cover with a smaller piece of parchment paper to avoid foil touching food, then tightly wrap a few sheets of foil criss cross. Steam shouldn't escape!
Bake for 30 minutes. Check for doneness – pasta in the center should be al dente. If pasta on the sides is a bit firm, that's fine.
Remove from the oven and let stand covered for 10-15 minutes. Don't skip! Now you can broil it if you wish.
Serve hot with favorite side salad and garlic bread.

Video

Notes

Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in a microwave or on the stove with a bit of water or broth until heated through.
Freeze: I do not love to freeze pasta because it changes texture but you can, if you wish. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

The post No Boil Pasta Bake appeared first on iFoodReal.com.

Healthy Turkey Meatballs

Olena Osipov — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 23:27:39 +0000

These Healthy Turkey Meatballs are lighter without the breadcrumbs, yet moist and made with 8 simple ingredients.

We also love these chicken meatballs, Thai turkey meatballs and Mexican turkey meatballs.

Equipped with Costco size packs of extra lean ground turkey, I have busted the myth of dry turkey meatballs. These come out juicy on the inside, golden on the outside and have no breadcrumbs in sight.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

They are not dry: The secret to juicy healthy turkey meatballs is adding virtually zero calorie shredded zucchini.
Low calorie: Each meatball is only 26 calories!
Baked, not fried: Instead of browning in oil, meatballs are oven baked at the optimal time and temperature without losing any moisture.
Easy to make: Baking them in the oven, helps to avoid cleaning the mess after cooking them on the stovetop.
Freezer friendly: Perfect for freezing leftovers or raw turkey meatballs for meal prep when making turkey meatball soup, for example.

Ingredients for Healthy Turkey Meatballs

Ground turkey: Lean or extra lean ground turkey. You can use any variety of ground turkey including 93/7, 85/15 or 99% fat free. Don’t be alarmed if your ground turkey package says 1 pound 3 ounces. Most are not exactly a 1 pound weight. Use full amount.
Eggs: Eggs act as a binder for turkey and veggies. Don’t skip!
Zucchini: Shredded zucchini adds moisture to otherwise drier ground turkey meat without extra calories. It’s genius!
Seasonings: Garlic, onion flakes or powder, dried oregano, salt and pepper.

How to Make Healthy Turkey Meatballs

Prep: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line 2 large baking sheets with unbleached parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. Or I love using silicone baking mats, no oil necessary.
Make meatball mixture: Combine ground turkey, zucchini, eggs, garlic, onion flakes, oregano, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Mix well with your hands.
Form 47 meatballs using a small cookie scoop: Number is approximate. It helps to dip hands while rolling balls into a bowl with cold water occasionally or just use the scoop. Lay meatballs on baking sheets.
Bake for 20 minutes: At about 15 minute mark you will see meatballs surrounded by a bit of liquid coming out from zucchini. Turn and toss them with spatula (mostly to get rid off of that extra water) and bake for 5 more minutes.

Recipe Tip

While I opt to always bake turkey meatballs, you can pan fry them in a large non-stick skillet with a little bit of oil. Cook on both sides for 5-7 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

Don’t overmix: Mix mixture gently with your hands just until combined. If you overwork it, your meatballs will come out dry and rubbery.
Uniform in size: Trigger cookie dough scoop will really help keep these same size. Mine is about 1.5 inches.
Use parchment paper or silicone mat: It prevents turkey meatballs from sticking to the baking sheet.
Only bake until done: To prevent dry meatballs, bake only until an instant-read thermometer inserted in center reads 165 degrees. Also they should be white in the center when cut in half.
Oven temperatures vary: If you find that your meatballs aren’t browning on the outside, increase oven temperature by 25 degrees F.

Additions and Variations

Fresh herbs: Parsley is a common addition, but feel free to add basil, thyme or rosemary for Italian flavored healthy turkey meatballs or even cilantro for more of Tex Mex vibe.
Dried seasonings: In addition or in place of oregano, try basil or Italian seasoning, taco seasoning or your favorite spice blend.
Spicy: For some extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use ground red pepper.
Worcestershire sauce: A little bit mixed in the meat mixture may give it a more “beefy” taste.
Parmesan cheese: A small amount of freshly grated Parmesan mixed in with the mixture would be delicious.
Zucchini replacement: Try its cousin, yellow summer squash. Some readers have even used riced cauliflower.
Breadcrumbs: If you can’t stand the thought of making these without breadcrumbs, a small amount of about 1/3 cup or less of breadcrumbs could be added. Although, I would also add a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine, to add in some liquid so your baked turkey meatballs turn out just as moist!
Egg yolk free: Use 1/4 cup egg whites for 1 egg. I have not tried them with flax eggs or chia eggs for the egg free version, but if you do, please let us know in the comments.

Serving Suggestions

Turkey meatballs are extremely versatile as they can be dinner or appetizer.

Dinner: Serve on their own with plain spaghetti noodles, or add them with simple spaghetti recipe. With mashed potatoes and cucumber and tomato salad meatballs would make a totally Ukrainian dinner I grew up with.
Appetizer: Warm up a jar of Rao’s marinara or homemade marinara in slow cooker or Instant Pot and serve like that with toothpicks nearby. Or just pop toothpicks inside and serve on a platter with dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce recipe.
Salad: I served meatballs with whole wheat spaghetti and Mexican street corn salad. That is what I had on hand that day.
Meatball sub: Make a turkey meatball sub on a whole wheat bun with marinara sauce and Mozzarella cheese on top. Pop under the broiler for a few minutes and serve with lemon parmesan kale salad to balance off the meal.
Pizza: Healthy topping for almond flour crust pizza or oatmeal crust pizza.

How to Make Ahead

Freeze unbaked turkey meatballs. Here is how:

Freeze: Freeze individually on a lined baking sheet. Takes about 5 hours or overnight.
Store: Pop in a gallon Ziploc bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw completely and then bake: Thaw first, then bake otherwise your meatballs will be dry. That is just too long of a baking time.

How to Store and Reheat

Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Reheat: Warm up in a microwave or steam in a covered pan with a splash of water. I would not bake them in the oven to avoid drying out.

Freeze leftovers: Bake, cool and freeze. Then thaw completely and follow my reheating advice.

FAQs

Can you mix ground turkey and ground beef for meatballs?

Yes, you can mix the ground meats and may find that option a good solution if you are not used to eating ground turkey.

How do you keep meatballs from falling apart?

If you follow this recipe as is, your meatballs should not fall apart while baking. If they are, ensure you did not add to much zucchini, skipped the eggs or added any other moisture adding ingredient. If that is the case, you may need to add another binding ingredient such as flour or breadcrumbs.

Can I use ground chicken?

Yes, you can use ground chicken instead of ground turkey.

Is turkey healthier than beef?

There is a belief that turkey is leaner than beef. It is true if you choose ground turkey made from breast meat only also known as extra lean ground turkey. If you usually cook with 85% fat ground beef, than ground turkey is a healthier choice. Otherwise, if we compare 93% lean ground beef and 93% lean ground turkey, they both have equal amount of fat with turkey winning only in saturated fat department.

More Meatballs Recipes to Try

Healthy Turkey Meatballs

These Healthy Turkey Meatballs are lighter without the breadcrumbs, yet moist and made with 8 simple ingredients.

Course Dinner

Cuisine North American

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings meatballs

Calories 26kcal

Author Olena Osipov

Equipment

Ingredients

2 pounds ground turkey
1 cup shredded zucchini liquid squeezed out (measured before squeezing)
2 large eggs large
4 large garlic cloves grated
2 tablespoons onion powder or flakes
1 teaspoon oregano dried
1 teaspoon salt
Ground black pepper to taste

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line 2 large baking sheets with unbleached parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. Or I love using silicone baking mats, no oil necessary. Set aside.
In a large bowl, add ground turkey, zucchini, eggs, garlic, onion flakes, oregano, salt and pepper. Mix with your hands just until combined and do not overmix.
Using small trigger scoop, form 47 meatballs (it helps to dip hands into a bowl with cold water occasionally) and lay on previously prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 15 minutes, turn and toss with spatula (mostly to get rid off of that ground turkey residue) and bake for 5 more minutes.
Serve hot with your favorite side and salad, or as an appetizer.

Video

Notes

Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Warm up in a microwave or steam in a covered pan with a splash of water. I would not bake them in the oven to avoid drying out.
Freeze cooked meatballs: Bake, cool and freeze meatballs. Then thaw completely and follow my reheating advice.
Freeze raw meatballs: Freeze on baking sheet until frozen, transfer to freezer safe storage bag up to 3 months. Thaw first, then bake as directed.
Only bake until done: To prevent over baking (and dry meatballs!) bake only until an instant-read thermometer inserted in center reads 165 degrees. Your ground turkey meatballs should be white in the center when cut in half.

Nutrition

The post Healthy Turkey Meatballs appeared first on iFoodReal.com.

Ground Turkey Pasta Bake

Olena Osipov — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 18:33:15 +0000

Ground Turkey Pasta Bake is a family friendly casserole made with ground turkey, pasta, kale, and a light sprinkling of bubbly melty cheese. This is an easy restaurant-quality
dinner made with kitchen staples!

We also love this ground turkey and broccoli pasta, Big Mac casserole and healthy hamburger helper!

Ingredients for Ground Turkey Pasta Bake
How to Make Ground Turkey Pasta Bake
Tips for Best Results
Optional Add-In’s and Variations
Serving Recommendations
How to Store and Reheat
How to Make Ahead
FAQs
More Pasta and Turkey Recipes
Ground Turkey Pasta Bake Recipe

This ground turkey pasta bake is an updated version of my tried and true, kid-friendly casserole recipe. I originally posted this recipe back in 2017, and it has been a reader favorite since then!

As I am more experienced cook now, with just a few tweaks and this comfort food dish has become even more amazing! Layers of flavors that pair so well with a salad and a glass of red wine!

Reader’s Review

I thought this was going to be just an average pasta dish, and only made it because it was easy midweek, and would satisfy hungry men! Boy, was it so much more. I followed the recipe exactly. So, so much flavor!! It felt light, but was so satisfying, and everyone raved about it. Going on my list to repeat.
Jamie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A quick weeknight meal: This turkey pasta bake comes together in under 1 hour and prep is very easy despite a longer list of ingredients.
Wholesome and delicious: It smells amazing and will have everyone running to the table. It’s also full of whole foods and nutrient-dense ingredients!
It’s freezer-friendly: This means you can make an entire casserole and freeze it for later or share it with a neighbor!
Kids love it: I mean, who wouldn’t love pasta baked in all of that meaty, cheesy, saucy, goodness?! Another must-try is this Tuscan chicken pasta.
Flexible recipe: Swap out ingredients or omit some completely. Make this dish suitable to your tastes and adjust any seasonings.
Cost-effective: It’s a great way to serve your family on a budget! It’s casual enough for a weeknight meal but also great for serving guests without breaking the bank.

Ingredients for Ground Turkey Pasta Bake

This pasta recipe consists of simple ingredients. Don’t let the long list discourage you!

Pasta: White pasta, whole wheat pasta, or gluten-free pasta works. Use whichever pasta shapes you like, but medium-sized pasta works best like fusilli, rotini, or penne. Spaghetti won’t work as well. Whole grain pasta is a healthier choice as it has more fiber and nutrients than white pasta does.
Ground turkey: Ground turkey meat, chicken, beef, or pork would be OK. I prefer to use lean ground turkey.
Greens: I use kale which is a nutritional powerhouse full of fiber, iron, and antioxidants. I can see how this ground turkey recipe would be a perfect candidate for adding in that spinach that’s on the verge of going bad in your fridge. Frozen is fine too.
Tomato sauce: I am using plain low sodium tomato sauce from a can. If yours is not low sodium, add less salt.
Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is what I use, but you can go ahead and use your favorite. I recommend shredding your own as it melts better than the pre-shredded packaged stuff.
Onion, garlic, dried herbs: Aromatics and herbs add flavour without adding too many calories. Oregano, rosemary, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper is all you need. See FAQs on how to substitute fresh herbs.
Sweetener: Any natural sweetener will work. Honey or maple syrup are my go-to, along with balsamic vinegar. It helps to reduce the acidity of the tomatoes.

How to Make Ground Turkey Pasta Bake

Here is a quick overview of how to make this turkey pasta bake. Cook pasta, make meat sauce, combine and bake. That’s it!

Cook pasta to al dente in a pot as per package directions, but undercooking by 4 minutes. The pasta will continue to cook while it’s baking in the oven, so undercooking it a bit will help to avoid overcooked, mushy pasta. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.

Cook veggies and turkey: Saute the onion and garlic for 2 – 3 minutes. Add oregano, rosemary, basil, a pinch of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring a few times. Add the ground turkey and cook for another 5-7 minutes, breaking meat into pieces and stirring occasionally.
Make meat sauce: Add the tomato sauce, honey, balsamic vinegar, and pasta water. Stir, bring to a boil, and simmer for 2 minutes. Add kale and stir to combine. Now, add cooked pasta and stir to combine even more. Leafy greens wilt in residual heat and they don’t need much time to cook.

Combine pasta with meat sauce: This is why cooking everything in a large skillet makes life easier. It’s a lot! Transfer half of the mixture to the baking dish, sprinkle with 3/4 cup cheese, add remaining mixture and sprinkle with remaining 1 1/4 cups cheese.
Bake the casserole: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

Use a pasta that has crevices that can hold the sauce. It’s so good when you bite into that!
To make this a one pot meal, use a cast-iron Dutch oven that can be transferred directly into the oven from the stove.
Skip the oven if you’re not interested in the baked part of it, and would like to keep it a traditional pasta dish. Cook pasta to al dente and combine on the stovetop.
Don’t forget to spray the casserole dish before transferring pasta in there. It can stick to the bottom otherwise.
Allow it to rest before serving. Allow the flavors to meld together and the juices settle a bit so it’s not a sloppy mess when serving.
Freshly grated cheese is highly recommended! If you’ve ever wondered why packaged shredded cheese is never clumpy and pours out of the bag without issue it’s because there are additives in there used as anti-clumping agents. This stops it from clumping, but also from melting nicely.

Optional Add-In’s and Variations

Use jarred marinara sauce with its own seasonings to allow for a bit more convenience and aid in cutting down on the ingredients list. We love Rao’s marinara for store-bought sauce!
Leftover sauce: Homemade meat sauce or homemade marinara sauce could be used instead!
Swap the mozzarella for a sharp cheddar cheese or use a bit of both.
Omit red pepper flakes to reduce heat.
Add more veggies like broccoli, zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots. Swap the vegetables to adapt this ground turkey pasta bake to your family’s taste!

Serving Recommendations

Let the casserole sit covered for about 10 minutes after baking. It is a general rule with all bakes, to allow flavors to marry each other.

Serve hot garnished with parsley, if desired. It serves 6 people very generously and 8 people with a side of a Caesar salad.

Here are simple and quick side dishes that will go well with it:

How to Store and Reheat

Freeze leftovers: Bake first, allow it to cool and then transfer it to a plastic or glass airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Freeze unbaked: Assemble the bake, wrap it tightly with a layer of plastic, and then a layer of aluminum foil on top. When you’re ready to eat, allow it to thaw on a counter for 30 minutes to prevent the dish from shattering in the oven. Bake from frozen, increasing the baking time by 15 – 20 minutes.

So convenient! I remember when I was pregnant, I stocked my freezer with healthy freezer meals, and they helped a lot once the baby arrived. This is the genius about freezer-friendly casseroles. They also come in handy for preparing to help sick loved ones, an elderly neighbor, or a last-minute dish for a potluck!

Reheat: Best would be in a microwave to prevent casserole from drying out.

How to Make Ahead

If you don’t want to freeze the casserole you can assemble and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Don’t forget to cover it with plastic wrap while it’s in the fridge. Remove the wrap and then bake as per recipe.

FAQs

Can I use other greens besides kale?

Kale is my favorite to use in this ground turkey pasta bake recipe but by all means use spinach. You could opt for collard greens or Swiss chard. Keep in mind they are slightly more bitter but loaded with nutrients.

Can I use leftover holiday turkey in this recipe?

Using holiday leftovers like bone in turkey breast would be a great idea! Whether it’s traditionally oven-roasted, or smoked, it would be great in this dish. The same goes for any leftover baked chicken breast.

How would I substitute other ground meat?

Swap out ground turkey for ground chicken or ground beef. There are no major changes to the recipe, except to consider that beef will have more fat which you may want to drain. The dish will also have a different flavor but each one is just as good!

Can I use other shapes of pasta?

Yes. The only two things I recommend when looking for different shapes is that it’s a small to medium size and the more crevices the better. Fusilli, elbow, penne rigate, bow tie, pasta shells, etc.

More Pasta and Turkey Recipes

Ground Turkey Pasta Bake

Ground Turkey Pasta Bake is a family friendly casserole made with ground turkey, pasta, kale, and a light sprinkling of bubbly melty cheese.

Course Casserole

Cuisine North American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Cooling Time 10

Total Time 55

Servings servings

Calories 348kcal

Author Olena Osipov

Equipment

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey extra lean
3 cups whole wheat penne or fusilli pasta uncooked (10 ounces)
4 – 5 cups kale stems removed & chopped
1 large onion finely chopped
4 large garlic cloves minced
1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
1 tablespoon oregano dried
1 teaspoon rosemary dried
1 teaspoon basil dried
Pinch of red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
Ground black pepper to taste
28 ounces tomato sauce low sodium
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 cup pasta water
2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded & divided (6 ounces)
1/3 cup Italian parsley chopped
Cooking spray I use Misto

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Cook pasta al dente as per package instructions, undercooking by 4 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and spray 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray.
In the meanwhile, preheat large skillet on medium heat and add olive oil. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2 – 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add oregano, rosemary, basil, pinch of red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring a few times. Add ground turkey and cook for another 5-7 minutes, breaking meat into pieces and stirring occasionally.
Add tomato sauce, honey, balsamic vinegar and pasta water. Stir, bring to a boil and simmer for 2 minutes. Add kale and stir to combine.
Now add cooked pasta and stir to combine more.
Transfer half of the mixture in previously prepared baking dish and sprinkle with 1 cup cheese. Add remaining pasta meat mixture and sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove from the oven, let stand for 10 minutes, garnish with parsley and serve hot. With a glass of red wine. OMG, so good!

Video

Notes

Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in microwave.
Make ahead: If you don’t want to freeze, assemble and refrigerate casserole for up to 24 hours. Don’t forget to cover with plastic wrap and then bake as per recipe.
Freeze leftovers: Bake, cool and transfer to plastic or glass airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Freeze unbaked: Assemble the casserole, wrap tightly with plastic and aluminum foil on top. When ready to eat, warm up on a counter for 30 minutes to prevent dish from shattering in the oven. Bake from frozen increasing baking time by 15 – 20 minutes.
More protein: You can use 2 pounds of ground turkey to up the protein. Also ground chicken works or ground beef.
Greens: Spinach can be substituted for kale.
Pasta: White, whole wheat or gluten free pasta works. You want pasta to be short and with crevices to scoop up the sauce.
Sodium content: Reduce sodium if using regular and not low sodium tomato sauce.

Nutrition

The post Ground Turkey Pasta Bake appeared first on iFoodReal.com.

Healthy Zucchini Pizza Skillet

Olena Osipov — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 09:00:00 +0000

This 30 minute Zucchini Pizza Skillet with ground turkey and melty cheese is a crustless, to-die-for skillet meal that packs 30 grams of protein!

You will also love my wildly popular Tex Mex chicken and zucchini!

Every summer during zucchini season I look for easy ways to use up this wonderful vegetable. We have a lot of zucchini recipes in our rotation, but this healthy zucchini pizza skillet is one of my latest favorites!

I wanted a 30 minute dinner or even quicker one so my kitchen doesn’t heat up and I don’t spend a lot of time in it because I truly love to do other things in summer.

I’m not a fan of pepperoni slices, so I made it healthier with ground turkey. And it turned out amazing!!!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

So easy: Just 7 ingredients and no spices needed.
Uses up a lot of zucchini: Tons of chopped zucchini make it a hearty, bulky main dish.
High in protein and low carb: Get an easy 30 grams of protein with no crust and no extra carbs.
A crowd pleaser: Serve low carb or over carbs for extra hungry people. Everyone will be happy!

Ingredients for Zucchini Pizza Skillet

You’ll need just 7 simple ingredients with salt and pepper as the only spices.

Zucchini: Cubed green or yellow zucchini. You’ll need 6-8 cups depending on how chunky you want it.
Ground turkey: I used ground turkey to make it healthier and boost the protein. You can use other ground meats and even add pepperoni if you like, see variations below.
Marinara sauce: I love Rao’s marinara sauce or my homemade marinara, but any red sauce you like the taste of will work.
Shredded cheese: Use a flavorful cheese such as Havarti, provolone or white cheddar. I don’t like mozzarella here because it’s not as flavorful and it’s stringy, but you can use it if you want.
Spices: Salt and pepper to season the zucchini.
Fresh basil: Fresh herbs are the best for adding the most flavor. If you don’t like basil, you can add oregano, parsley, or green onion instead.
Oil for frying: Avocado oil, olive oil, or butter will work.

How to Make Healthy Zucchini Pizza Skillet

Here’s a quick overview of how to cook this recipe quickly and easily in one pan.

Saute zucchini: Heat a large non-stick skillet on high heat, add oil and zucchini. Season with salt and pepper, and cook just until browned, not disturbing too often. Transfer to a medium bowl and set aside.
Cook ground turkey: Return skillet to the stove and cook ground turkey for 5 minutes, breaking it into small pieces and stirring constantly.
Add sauce and simmer: Pour in the marinara sauce, stir, and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer on low heat for 3 minutes.
Add zucchini and cheese: Add the cooked zucchini back in and give it a good stir. Sprinkle cheese on top, then put it under the broiler for 3 minutes if your skillet can handle it. If not, just cover it with a lid and let the cheese melt.
Serve: Garnish with basil and serve it on its own or pile it on top of spaghetti.

Tips for Best Results

Here are my top tips to master this zucchini pizza skillet recipe from the get-go.

Cut zucchini in even pieces: To get even cooking. I like to use diced or half-moon pieces.
Do not overcook zucchini: Sauté for just a few minutes to brown. Don’t wait until the zucchini is soft, or you’ll get watery results.
Use any sauce you love: You know I’m a big Rao’s fan, but if you’ve got a favorite marinara, pizza, tomato, vodka or roasted red pepper sauce, go ahead and use it.
Cook garden zucchini for less time: Extra large homegrown or farmer’s market zucchini are spongy and need shorter cooking times.
About melting cheese part: Don’t use a skillet with a plastic handle as it might melt in the oven under the broiler. Use a large cast iron skillet if you have one. Or skip broiling and just cover with a lid to let cheese melt. Whatever works best for you.

Add-In’s and Variations

Use any ground meat: Swap ground turkey for beef, chicken, pork, or sausage. Each adds its own flavor while keeping a similar texture.
Other vegetables to add: Mix-in some bell peppers, cauliflower, mushrooms, onion or spinach. Just be sure to saute them separately after the zucchini.
For a heat kick: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.
Make it vegetarian: Just omit the turkey and replace it with meatless crumbles or diced tofu. Feel free to add extra veggies if you like, but no other changes are needed.
Add beans: Canned white beans, like cannellini, add plant-based protein, a creamy texture, and make it more filling.
Add pine nuts: Toast first, set them aside, then add them in at the end.
Leftover cooked chicken: Omit ground turkey and mix it in with the sauce and sauteed zucchini. You can use shredded or diced chicken.
Add cooked pasta: Stir it in before adding the cheese and broiling. You’ll end up with a delicious zucchini pizza pasta bake.

What to Serve It With?

I enjoyed it low-carb as is, but since my boys are eating so much these days, they had theirs over spaghetti.

You can always add a few fresh pizza toppings like tomatoes, arugula, shaved Parmesan, sliced avocado, black olives or red onion. Then serve alongside Caesar salad and garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.

How to Store

Store: Keep any leftovers covered and in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Freeze: I don’t freeze this one because zucchini is mostly water and tends to get mushy when thawed.

Reheat: Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes with the skillet covered. If you’re using a non-stick skillet, you won’t need extra water or oil to reheat since the zucchini will release its own moisture.

FAQs

Why is my zucchini pizza skillet watery?

The zucchini was overcooked. Next time make sure to saute the zucchini just a few minutes to brown it, not until it’s soft since it will continue cooking a bit more under the broiler.

How can I add pepperoni slices?

Add pepperoni slices on top of the cheese and place under the broiler.

Can I add cottage cheese?

Yes, it’s the latest addition to everything! Add 1 cup of cottage cheese to the meat sauce mixture. It’s going be like zucchini lasagna but in a skillet.

More Easy Zucchini Dinner Recipes

Healthy Zucchini Pizza Skillet

This 30 minute Zucchini Pizza Skillet with ground turkey and melty cheese is a crustless, to-die-for skillet meal that packs 30 grams of protein!

Course Dinner

Cuisine North American

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 16

Total Time 26

Servings servings

Calories 310kcal

Author Olena Osipov

Equipment

Ceramic skillet

Ingredients

6-8 cups zucchini cubed
1 pound ground turkey
2 cups Rao’s marinara sauce
2 cups mozzarella, havarti, provolone or white cheddar cheese shredded
1/4 cup fresh basil thinly sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Preheat large non-stick skillet on high heat and swirl oil to coat. Add zucchini, sprinkle with salt and pepper and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally and allowing to brown. Transfer to a medium bowl and set aside.
Return skillet to the stove and add ground turkey. Cook for 5 minutes, constantly breaking into small pieces and stirring.
Add marinara sauce. Stir, bring to a boil and let it simmer for 3 minutes on low heat.
Add previously cooked zucchini and stir again. Sprinkle with cheese and place under the broiler for 3 minutes (if your skillet allows) or just cover with a lid and let cheese melt.
Serve on its own for a low carb meal or over spaghetti for a full meal.

Notes

Store: Refrigerate covered for up to 3 – 4 days. Do not freeze.
To reheat: Simmer on low heat in a skillet for 5 minutes covered. If you use non-stick skillet you should not need any water or oil to reheat the dish as again zucchini will release water.

Nutrition

The post Healthy Zucchini Pizza Skillet appeared first on iFoodReal.com.

Instant Pot Meatballs

Olena Osipov — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 16:32:18 +0000

These Instant Pot Meatballs are life-changing and can be enjoyed as a healthy appetizer or make it into a one pot meal with your favorite pasta! Ready in 20 minutes with any ground meat, with or without sauce, and there’s no browning, sauteing, or long simmering time.

Instant Pot spaghetti and Instant Pot meatloaf are other easy Instant Pot meals that I include often in our dinner rotation when life gets busy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients for Instant Pot Meatballs
How to Make Meatballs in Instant Pot

Instant Pot Meatballs No Sauce
Instant Pot Meatballs and Sauce
Instant Pot Meatballs and Pasta

Can I Cook Frozen Meatballs in Instant Pot?
Variations
Tips for Best Results
Serving Recommendations
How to Store
FAQs
More Meatball Recipes to Try
More Instant Pot Recipes
Instant Pot Meatballs Recipe

If you’ve never considered making meatballs in your Instant Pot, I urge you to make it happen. You will not look back because it’s a total game-changer!

Who ever thought you could have meatballs ready on your dinner table in under 20 minutes? Total! I just love Instant Pot recipes!

I have a recipe for turkey meatballs that requires the addition of zucchini to keep them moist. With the Instant Pot, the steam and moisture do not escape which locks in all the juices inside the meatballs. It’s amazing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to cook: It’s so much faster than traditionally made meatballs on the stovetop. No long simmering in the sauce, but they taste like they were simmering all day!
Still delicious: They’re so juicy, so moist, and the pressure cooker only enhances the flavor.
No breadcrumbs: These meatballs are super healthy and gluten-free when using certified gluten-free oats.
Make ahead: Meal prep, batch cooking, and freezer-friendly which means they’re great for more than just one meal!
Budget friendly: Much cheaper than buying frozen meatballs from the store.
Versatile to serve: Work in a variety of ways – for Instant Pot spaghetti and meatballs, in a sandwich, or on their own.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Meatballs

This modern day pressure cooker meatballs recipe works with any type of ground meat, whether turkey, chicken, beef, or pork, and no matter what, they come out perfectly seasoned, perfectly cooked, and super moist!

Any ground meat: Ground turkey, chicken, beef, pork, lamb, venison etc. Forgot to thaw? Quickly defrost using Instant Pot frozen ground beef method.
Fresh garlic and onion: I have to say that adding fresh garlic and onion produced the tastiest pressure cooker meatballs because the flavor gets infused into the sauce.
Dried oregano, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper: Use what you like or have on hand. If you prefer Italian seasoning or another herb, use it. If you only have white vinegar use that instead or omit it completely.
Tomato sauce: You only need this if you’re going to be cooking the meatballs in the sauce. Use low sodium, and whichever one is your favorite.
Egg, oatmeal (or breadcrumbs): They are completely unnecessary but can be used for binding if you prefer. I have used uncooked quinoa as a binder before, too.

How to Make Meatballs in Instant Pot

Instant Pot Meatballs No Sauce

Prep: Mince fresh onion and garlic with a knife, a box grater, or puree in a small food processor. Add 1/2 cup water to the bottom of the pot and place a trivet or steamer basket inside. This works for any size Instant Pot.
Shape meatballs: Combine ground meat, grated onion, and garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper and roll into about 30 smaller golf size balls meatballs. Size doesn’t matter, within reason.
Add meatballs as you roll them. It is OK to stack meatballs and I find dipping hands in a bowl with water helps to roll the meatballs.
Cook on High Pressure for 7 minutes. Wait for 2 minutes and release the remaining pressure using the Quick Release method. Open the lid, meatballs are ready and you might have to separate a few meatballs from each other.

Instant Pot Meatballs and Sauce

Cooking pressure cooker meatballs with tomato sauce is very similar to the ones without the sauce minus the trivet and water.

Prep: Add tomato sauce to any size Instant Pot. No water or trivet is needed.
Add meatballs: Drop raw meatballs into the sauce as you roll them out. They should fit in a single layer in tomato sauce but packing them tight or on top is just as fine.
Cook on High pressure for 7 minutes. Wait for 2 minutes and release the remaining pressure using the Quick Release method.
Serve: Meatballs taste best if you let them stand open for 10 minutes. Then I toss them to coat in sauce by shaking the inner pot and garnishing with parsley or dill.

Recipe Tip

Avoid the Burn notice by making sure your sauce isn’t too thick. You need enough liquid to create steam. If you find your sauce is way too thick, add just a bit of water to thin it out.

Instant Pot Meatballs and Pasta

And last but not least – you can make a one pot meal. Make a classic Instant Pot spaghetti and meatballs combo or use any pasta shape you have on hand!

Cook meatballs with or without tomato sauce first as per recipe.
Add 2 cups water and 3 cups of any dry pasta. If you cooked meatballs without tomato sauce, add it now.
Stir gently not to break meatballs. If you add long shape pasta like spaghetti, stirring will be hard. So, break the spaghetti noodles in half and lay them in about 6 layers crisscross to prevent sticking. Top with tomato sauce, if not added yet.
Cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes with Quick Release. Stir and serve.

Can I Cook Frozen Meatballs in Instant Pot?

Yes. Cook frozen meatballs in your Instant Pot just like you would fresh meatballs. The Instant Pot will take longer to come to pressure but the cooking time remains the same.

Variations

Add greens: Adding chopped spinach or kale into the sauce once it’s cooked adds more nutrients and added flavor.
To make them gluten-free: You can either completely omit any breadcrumbs or make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
For a low-carb meal: Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Different meat: Use ground beef, chicken, turkey, pork, or a combination.
Add cheese: If you’re not concerned about dairy, you can add a bit of Parmesan cheese or even cheddar (like I do in Mexican meatballs) to your meatball mixture.
Use broth: When making meatballs without sauce, use beef broth instead of water for flavor.

Tips for Best Results

Be flexible: Pictured are meatballs made with ground turkey and no egg and no oatmeal. I have used oatmeal for beef meatballs as poultry is already quite dense when cooked. I find all meatballs taste amazing and come out juicy no matter which variation I make.
When rolling the meatballs: Dipping your hand in cold water can help with forming the balls without the meat getting stuck to your hands.
Don’t overcook: 7 minutes is the optimal cook time for juicy meatballs whether from fresh or frozen.

Serving Recommendations

Serve as an appetizer: This is my absolute favorite way! Transfer meatballs to a baking dish and stick a toothpick into each one. Voila.

Or serve right in the Instant Pot (with toothpicks) while keeping it on the Warm function. Easy entertaining for game day, potlucks, and serving any crowd!

BBQ meatballs: Completely switch up the dish and toss the cooked meatballs, made with no sauce, into healthy BBQ sauce, for BBQ meatballs. Serve alongside Instant Pot mac and cheese or healthy coleslaw or add them to your pizza!

For a healthy dinner: Serve on top of your favorite whole grain pasta, brown rice, or quinoa. Would even be amazing for meatball almond flour crust pizza!

For a low-carb dinner, enjoy with greens like this cucumber and tomato salad, zucchini noodles, or even a green smoothie.

In a sub or sammie: A meatball sub or sandwich makes a fun (albeit a little messy) meal for lunch or casual dinner.

How to Store

Freeze: Place raw meatballs on a baking sheet and flash freeze for a few hours. This is so they don’t stick together once kept frozen. Transfer to a Ziploc bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Cook straight from frozen.

Refrigerate leftovers: In an airtight container, meatballs can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days. If made with pasta, keep stored for up to 2 days only, as pasta tends to get soggy.

FAQs

How long to cook frozen meatballs in Instant Pot?

The cook time remains the same! Keep in mind the cooking time and total time are two different things. It will take longer for frozen meatballs to come to pressure, which means the total time it takes for your meal to hit the table will be a little longer, but not by much. Once the pot comes to pressure, everything else remains equal.

If I add tomato sauce, will I get a Burn notice?

Not with this recipe! Here’s why. Yes, sometimes that might happen if you have a high amount of sugar in your sauce, or there’s not enough sauce for the number of other items in the pot. A pressure cooker needs a certain amount of liquid in it to create steam, so as long as you have enough sauce, that isn’t too thick, and there’s more sauce than there are meatballs, you should be fine.

Why don’t I have to brown meatballs first?

Some recipes result in crispy meatballs on the outside. This isn’t one of those recipes. This beautiful recipe results in super tender, moist, and delicious meatballs, but that doesn’t mean you can’t brown them first, it just means you don’t have to!

If I double the recipe, do I need to double the cooking time?

No, you don’t! As long as you’re not doubling the size of the meatballs, but rather the amount, then the cooking time will remain the same.

More Meatball Recipes to Try

More Instant Pot Recipes

Instant Pot Meatballs

These Instant Pot Meatballs can be enjoyed as an appetizer or make it into a one pot meal with your favorite pasta! Ready in 20 minutes, meatballs can be made with any ground meat.

Course Dinner

Cuisine North American

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 7

Cook Time 7

Pressure Up & Down Time 6

Total Time 20

Servings servings (5 meatballs each)

Calories 138kcal

Author Olena Osipov

Equipment

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey, beef, chicken or pork
1 large egg optional
1/4 cup any oats optional
2 large garlic cloves grated or 1 tsp garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion flakes or powder or 1 small onion, grated (pureed in food processor)
1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar optional
1/2 teaspoon oregano dried
1/2 teaspoon salt
Ground black pepper to taste
15 ounces can tomato sauce low sodium (optional)

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Instant Pot meatballs without tomato sauce: In Instant Pot, add 1/2 cup water and place trivet or steamer basket inside. Set aside.
Instant Pot meatballs with tomato sauce: Add a can of tomato sauce. No water. Set aside.
In a large bowl, add ground meat, grated (pureed) onion and garlic, oregano, salt and pepper. Mix well with a spatula or hands.
Using small cookie dough scoop, form 30 meatballs (it helps to dip hands in a bowl with cold water occasionally) and place them one by one inside prepared Instant Pot. It is OK to stack meatballs or just arrange them in a single layer in tomato sauce.
Close the lid, turn pressure release valve to Sealing and pressure cook on High pressure for 7 minutes.
Wait for 2 minutes and release remaining pressure by turning valve to Venting. Open the lid and voila.

Meatballs with Tomato sauce

Meatballs in tomato sauce taste best if you let them stand open for 10 minutes. Then I toss them to coat in the sauce by shaking the inner pot and garnish with parsley or dill. Serve with desired whole grain and salad or dinner.

Appetizer

Transfer meatballs in a baking dish and stick toothpick into each one. Voila. Healthy and easy appetizer right there. Or serve right in Instant Pot (with toothpicks) while Keep Warm is on.

Meatballs with Lean Ground Beef

I wouldn't worry about this step if I had extra lean ground beef. But with lean beef or pork here is what I do. Cook meatballs on a trivet with water first. Drain liquid (broth basically) into a bowl.
Remove trivet from Instant Pot and add tomato sauce (or not). And serve leaner and less saturated fat meatballs.
Next day I skim and discard solidified fat from the bowl with liquid and use it as a broth in recipes. Can refrigerate or freeze.

How to Cook Frozen Meatballs

Cook frozen meatballs in Instant Pot just like fresh. Instant Pot will take longer to come to pressure but cooking time remains the same.

How to Make One Pot Meal with Pasta

Cook meatballs with or without tomato sauce first as per directions above or in the recipe.
Add 2 cups water and 3 cups any dry pasta. If you cooked meatballs without tomato sauce, add it now.
Stir everything gently not to break meatballs. If you add long shape pasta like spaghetti, stirring will be hard. So just lay broken in half noodles in about 6 layers criss cross to prevent sticking. Top with tomato sauce, if not added yet. You shouldn't worry about Burn here.
Cook on High pressure for 5 minutes with Quick Release.

Video

Notes

Pictured are meatballs made with ground turkey and no egg and no oatmeal. I use oatmeal for beef meatballs as poultry is quite dense when cooked. I find meatballs taste amazing and come out juicy with all these variations depending what I have on hand or how tired I am.

Nutrition

The post Instant Pot Meatballs appeared first on iFoodReal.com.

Healthy Turkey Recipes - iFoodReal.com

150 Healthy Dinner Ideas

Table of Contents

Chicken Recipes

Healthy One Pot Meals

Healthy Pizza and Pasta

Quick Soups and Stews

Tacos and Quesadillas

Healthy, Easy Skillet Recipes

Stir Fry and Curry Recipes

Sheet Pan Meals

Quick Dinner Salads

Ground Turkey Recipes

Salmon and Seafood Recipes

More Healthy Easy Recipes to Try

Boneless Turkey Breast Roast

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients for Boneless Turkey Breast Roast

How to Cook Boneless Turkey Breast

How Long to Cook Boneless Turkey Breast Roast in the Oven?

Tips for Best Results

Variations

How to Serve

Storing Leftovers

FAQs

More Main Dish Recipes to Try

Boneless Turkey Breast Roast

Equipment

Ingredients

Boneless Turkey Roast

Easy Pan Gravy (Optional)

Instructions

Boneless Turkey Roast

Easy Pan Gravy (Optional)

Video

Notes

Nutrition

Turkey Meatball Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients for Turkey Meatball Soup

How to Make Turkey Meatball Soup

Variations

How to Store and Reheat

More Meatball Recipes to Try

More Favorite Soup Recipes

Turkey Meatball Soup

Equipment

Ingredients

For Meatballs:

For Soup:

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients for Instant Pot Turkey Chili

How to Make Turkey Chili in Instant Pot

Tips for Best Results

Can I Make It with Dried Beans?

Serving Suggestions

How to Store and Reheat

FAQs

More Chili Recipes to Try

More Instant Pot Recipes

Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

Video

Notes

Nutrition

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Ingredients for Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

How to Make Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Tips for Best Results

Variations

How We Serve Them in Ukraine

How to Store

FAQs