Cheesy Hidden Veggie Turkey Meatball Skillet

• 1 lb ground turkey breast
• 1 cup finely grated zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture)
• 1/2 cup finely grated carrot
• 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups marinara sauce (mild and low-sodium if possible)
• 8 oz small pasta like mini shells or rotini, cooked according to package instructions
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, grated zucchini, grated carrot, chopped onion, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly combined.
2. Form the mixture into approximately 16 small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, turning gently to brown all sides. They do not need to be fully cooked through at this stage.
4. Pour the marinara sauce over the browned meatballs in the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. While the meatballs simmer, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. Serve the meatballs and sauce over the cooked pasta. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired to add color and mild flavor.
8. Enjoy warm for a comforting and nutritious dinner that kids and adults alike will love.

Chef tips

• Squeeze out excess moisture from grated zucchini with a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy meatballs.
• If you don’t have fresh garlic, use 1/2 tsp garlic powder instead.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• To make this dairy-free, omit the cheese and increase the breadcrumbs slightly to help bind the meatballs.