What I Actually Cook in a Week (From Scratch for My Family of 6)

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb Ground Turkey (93% lean, fresh)
• 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (full‑fat, room temperature)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder (heaping, adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp Salt (kosher or sea salt)
• 1 tsp Dried Sage (if using fresh, use 1 tsp dried equivalent)
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano (dried)
• 1 tsp Fennel Seeds (ground optional)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin, for searing)
• 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, low‑moisture)
• 1 loaf Honey Wheat Sandwich Bread (homemade sourdough style, sliced)
• 2 tbsp Butter (softened)
• 2 clove Garlic (minced)
• 0.5 tsp Dried Oregano (for bread topping) (optional)
• 1 pinch Salt (for bread topping) (to taste)

Instructions

1. Combine Meat and Dairy

   Place the 1.5 lb ground turkey in a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup ricotta cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp dried sage, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1 tsp fennel seeds.

   Time: PT5M

2. Mix and Season

   Mix everything together until just combined; avoid over‑mixing which can make the meatballs tough.

   Time: PT5M

3. Shape Meatballs

   With lightly oiled hands, form the mixture into 1‑inch (≈30 g) meatballs, placing them on a plate or tray.

   Time: PT5M

4. Sear Meatballs

   Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non‑stick skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer and sear for about 2‑3 minutes per side until browned.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: medium‑high heat

5. Finish Baking Meatballs

   Transfer the seared meatballs to a baking sheet and place in a pre‑heated oven at 400°F for 15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

   Time: PT15M

   Temperature: 400°F

6. Prepare Garlic Butter Spread

   In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp softened butter, 2 minced garlic cloves, ½ tsp dried oregano, a pinch of salt, and drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil. Mix until smooth.

   Time: PT3M

7. Assemble Garlic Cheese Bread

   Slice the honey wheat loaf into 1‑inch thick pieces. Spread each slice generously with the garlic butter, then top with shredded mozzarella. Place the slices on a parchment‑lined baking sheet.

   Time: PT5M

8. Bake Garlic Cheese Bread

   Bake the assembled bread in the same 400°F oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 400°F

9. Serve

   Plate 4‑5 meatballs per serving alongside 2 slices of garlic cheese bread. Enjoy while hot.

   Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

380

Protein

34 g

Carbohydrates

30 g

Fat

20 g

Fiber

2 g