Turkey Meatball Sandwiches on Whole Wheat Buns - photo by Dave Koch

Coincidentally enough, Chow.com's Recipe of the Day last Tuesday (March 24th) was the Meatball Sub. This is my lighter version of the standard meatball sandwich. I used ground turkey instead of beef, whole wheat buns in place of white bread, and bake the meatballs instead of searing them in oil. A guilt-free, easy to prepare meal that the whole family will love!

Ingredients

1.25 pounds ground turkey
3/4 cup yellow onion, minced
3 cloves garlic
1/4 cup dried italian breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
3 Tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
1 jar of your favorite marinara sauce
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
10-12 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
6 whole wheat hoagie or hot dog buns

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl combine turkey, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan, and parsley. Mix ingredients to combine, however, do not over mix as meat will become tough.

Form mixture into balls and place on a sheet pan sprayed with olive oil. Bake in oven for 10-20 minutes, until just barely cooked through. While meat is baking, combine marinara sauce with canned tomatoes in large saute pan and let simmer.

Place cooked meatballs in tomato sauce and let simmer together 3-5 minutes. Serve warm meatballs in buns with slice mozzarella.

Serves 6