Bacon & Turkey Meatballs with Spicy Marinara

 

For the meatballs:

 

1-1.5 lbs ground turkey

4 slices bacon

1/2 cup diced onion

1 garlic clove, minced

1 egg

1 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1/2 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cook bacon till crisp, drain, cool and chop. 

 

Here there are two options: drain grease out of pan used for bacon or use preferred cooking oil in new pan and sauté onion till translucent, adding garlic in for 30 seconds before removing pan from heat and set aside.

 

In a medium bowl combine egg, hot sauce and spices.  To the egg mixture add ground turkey, bacon, cooked onions and garlic, bread crumbs, and cheese.  Form into 1 to 1 1/2 inch balls and place on lightly greased baking sheet.  Bake 13 - 15 minutes or until cooked through.   

 

 

Now for the Spicy Marinara:

 

32 ounce can crushed tomatoes

1 small onion, diced

1 garlic clove, minced

1 diced jalapeno or 1/2 - 1 teaspoon chili flakes (depending on your heat preference)

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon basil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 tablespoons sugar

Olive oil

 

In a heavy bottom sauce pan with lid, over medium heat sauté onions and peppers or chili flakes in a couple of tablespoons of oil till translucent, add garlic for 30 seconds longer.  Add tomato paste, cook for another 30 seconds.  Stir in diced tomatoes, spices, and sugar.  Bring to a boil, reduce to medium low.  Cover and simmer for 35 - 40 minutes.  Here you can season to taste, i.e. add more sugar if you find it too acidic.  Serve with meatballs over favorite grain, pasta or maybe even on a sub.  Top with more cheese and enjoy!!