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Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Zucchini Turkey Meatball Bowl

diabetes-friendly zucchini turkey meatball bowl - featured image
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A quick, easy, and diabetes-friendly bowl featuring juicy turkey meatballs, zucchini noodles, and a savory tomato sauce. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner that balances nutrition and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 1/4 cup almond flour
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 medium zucchini, spiralized (about 6 cups noodles)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 can (14 oz) no-sugar-added crushed tomatoes
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey or sugar substitute (optional)
  • Optional garnishes: fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, almond flour, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix gently until evenly combined.
  2. Shape mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, about 18-20 total. Place on a clean plate or tray.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté diced onion over medium heat until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  5. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and honey or sugar substitute if using. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Return meatballs to skillet, nestle into sauce, cover and simmer 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. While sauce simmers, spiralize zucchini into noodles. Heat olive oil in separate skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini noodles and pinch of salt, sauté 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
  8. Divide zucchini noodles into bowls, top with turkey meatballs and sauce. Garnish with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Avoid overmixing meatball mixture to keep meatballs tender. If zucchini noodles release too much water, drain before sautéing to prevent sogginess. Test meatball doneness by slicing one open to ensure no pink inside. Baking meatballs is an alternative to pan-frying; flip halfway for even browning.

Nutrition

Keywords: diabetes-friendly, zucchini noodles, turkey meatballs, low carb, healthy dinner, gluten-free, easy recipe

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/healthy-diabetes-friendly-zucchini-turkey-meatball-bowl-recipe-easy-and-delicious/