This Valentine’s Day, treat your sweetie to an indulgent yet healthy twist on a classic. These Turkey and Goat Cheese Meatballs in Roasted Tomato Marinara are the ultimate date night in supper! Lean turkey meatballs are dotted with creamy goat cheese, and simmered in a homemade fire-roasted tomato marinara that is sinfully simple. This recipe is simple, healthy, and absolutely delicious!
This post is sponsored by Muir Glen and TheFeedfeed, but all opinions are my own.
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner…what are your plans?!
A fabulous dinner out? A cozy evening in? I love hearing about people’s plans for this romantic holiday, because they’re so varied.
- Romantic weekends away
- Galentine’s get togethers including plenty of chocolate and wine
- Springing $300 for a magnificent Prix Fixe menu
- Sweatpants + Netflix
Regardless of where your plans fall, I would bet that food is somewhat central to your decision making. Amiright?!
Let me tell you about my favorite tradition for Valentine’s Day:
Staying in.
Yes, staying in! Nothing is more romantic to me than planning a fantastic dinner with my husband (where we both weigh in and decide what we want to eat!), getting a great bottle of wine, and spending time together chopping, stirring, sautéing, and roasting in the kitchen.
And when we’re planning a wonderful meal like this, there’s only one place that I know will have the quality and selection for everything on my list: my local Co-Op, of course!
I personally shop at the Mississippi Market on Selby in St. Paul, for those that live in the area! If not, find your local Co-Op here.
I love the inclusivity, localization, and overall values that a co-op represents. The mission of the Mississippi Market is:
We empower our diverse communities to:
- be healthy,
- make choices that help sustain our planet, and
- create a more just local economy.
Check, check check. I know that by shopping at my local co-op, I’m bound to make healthier choices that support my community and environment. It’s a win-win no brainer, really.
But back to this fabulous meal, mmmmk?!
I know that many of you are looking for quick, simple, and healthy meals to fit in to your everyday life. And – stick with me here!- while “Homemade Fire-roasted Tomato Marinara” doesn’t SOUND exactly easy…
It really, really is.
You guys, trust me on this! Here’s what you need to know:
- Type of Tomato: We’re using a mixture of fire roasted crushed, fire roasted diced, and tomato paste. I prefer the brand Muir Glen, and for a number of reasons:
- They’re organic: I grow my own tomatoes in the warm summer months, and can speak from experience when I say that tomatoes simply TASTE better when grown organically. Muir Glen tomatoes are grown in California’s Sacramento Valley.
- Pollination: Farmers work with local pollinators (BEES!) to keep a healthy ecosystem and produce the best tomatoes possible.
- Zero Waste : Aligned with my comments above regarding supporting sustainability and promoting practices to protect the environment, Muir Glen works with local businesses to compost their waste, which in turn provides the soil the nutrients and moisture it needs to grow great tomatoes in the first place.
- A Simple Recipe: How it should be! Olive oil, garlic, herbs, and tomatoes. THAT’S IT. (Am I making a believer out of you yet?)
- Cooking Method: The Turkey and Goat Cheese Meatballs get started in the oven, but finish cooking in the sauce. Both parts (the sauce and the meatballs) lend their flavors to the other which = a flavor explosion. You’re welcome.
So! Let’s recap.
- You’re staying in for Valentine’s Day this year.
- You’re making these delicious Turkey and Goat Cheese Meatballs in Roasted Tomato Marinara for your Valentine. Be it your significant other, a pal, or a gal.
- You’re getting your groceries at your local co-op.
- You’re now a convert of Muir Glen canned tomatoes, because tasting IS believing.
I’d love to know how this recipe turns out if you try it! Don’t forget to hashtag #sohappyyoulikedit on social media so I can see your tasty creations.
Thank you to Muir Glen for sponsoring this post!
Turkey and Goat Cheese Meatballs in Roasted Tomato Marinara
Ingredients
For the Roasted Tomato Marinara:
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 28 oz can Muir Glen fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
- 1 14 oz can Muir Glen fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 Tbsp Muir Glen tomato paste
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 3 sprigs fresh oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper
1
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 4 oz goat cheese crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 Tbsp yellow onion minced
- 1 Tbsp parsley chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper
Instructions
For the Roasted Tomato Marinara:
- In a large pan, add olive oil and heat over low heat. Mince garlic and add to the oil. Sauté for just 30 seconds - just until its fragrant. Do not allow it to brown! This makes the sauce bitter.
- Add the Muir Glen crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes, and tablespoon of tomato paste, stirring to combine.
- Using a piece of kitchen twine, tie the rosemary and oregano sprigs together. Add to sauce. Add salt and pepper, stir to combine. Allow to simmer on low, stirring every so often.
- As the sauce simmers, start the meatballs.
For the Turkey and Goat Cheese Meatballs:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, add ground turkey, onion, garlic, parsley, and goat cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Using your hands, thoroughly combine the meatball mixture. Using an ice cream scoop, scoop mixture in to balls, and place on baking sheet sprayed with cooking oil. Bake meatballs for 15 minutes.
- Remove meatballs from oven, and transfer to sauce. Allow meatballs to continue to cook in sauce for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve with pasta, polenta, mashed cauliflower, or simply with crusty bread. Don't forget the wine!