Turkey Meatball Marinara
Estimated $4.72 recipe · $2.36 per serving (US / USD)
Tender turkey meatballs simmered in rich tomato marinara over spaghetti.
The recipe
Turkey Meatball Marinara
Tender turkey meatballs simmered in rich tomato marinara over spaghetti.
Ingredients
- 280g turkey mince
- 180g spaghetti
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Estimated recipe cost
$4.72 for 2 servings · $2.36 per serving
US grocery planning estimate in USD. Includes the amounts used from the listed ingredients, including pantry items. Prices and portion weights vary.
Ingredient-by-ingredient breakdown
| Ingredient & price basis | Cost used |
|---|---|
| 280g turkey mincePlanning assumption · $4.50 / 454 g · Uses 280g | $2.78 |
| 180g spaghettiPlanning assumption · $1.00 / 454 g · Uses 180g | $0.40 |
| 1 can crushed tomatoesPlanning assumption · $1.00 / 400 g · Assumes 400 g per can (drained where applicable) | $1.00 |
| 2 garlic clovesRetail benchmark · $0.72 / 30 g · Retail reference · Assumes 3 g per item/portion | $0.14 |
| 1 tsp dried basilPlanning assumption · $1.30 / 20 g · 1 tsp ≈ 1g | $0.07 |
| 1 tsp dried oreganoPlanning assumption · $1.30 / 20 g · 1 tsp ≈ 1g | $0.07 |
| 1 tbsp olive oilRetail benchmark · $6.12 / 503 ml · Retail reference · 1 tbsp ≈ 15ml | $0.18 |
| Salt and pepperPlanning assumption · $0.08 / 1 portion · Unspecified amount: assumes 1 portion | $0.08 |
| Estimated total | $4.72 |
Retail references are representative products, not quotes for every variety. Other prices are editorial planning assumptions. Checked 9 October 2026; these are not live prices.
Price bases and quantity assumptions refer to the original recipe. Unspecified quantities use the assumptions shown above. Listed optional ingredients are included. Unlisted sides, extra seasoning, tax, energy and delivery are excluded. Buying full packages will cost more.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil for the spaghetti.
- Mince the garlic. Mix the turkey mince with half the dried basil, half the oregano, salt, and pepper. Roll into 14–16 small meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning, until browned all over — about 6–8 min. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining garlic and cook 30 seconds. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add the remaining herbs, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer 5 min.
- Return the meatballs to the sauce. Simmer gently 8–10 min until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Add the pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat and adding pasta water as needed to loosen. Serve immediately.
Recipe notes
The sauce doubles beautifully — freeze extra with meatballs for a future emergency dinner.
Estimated nutrition per serving
650 kcal · 40g protein. Values are estimates and vary with brands, substitutions and portions.
Recipe images may be AI-generated illustrations. Nutrition figures are estimates.