Smart Recipe Kitchen

2026-05-10

This dinner is hearty without being heavy, and it makes good leftovers. Serves 4.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
• 1 cup couscous
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Heat the oven to 425°F and line a sheet pan with parchment.
2. In a bowl, combine the turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Form 16 meatballs.
3. Toss the carrots with the olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Arrange on one side of the pan and place the meatballs on the other side.
4. Roast 18 to 20 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the carrots are tender and browned.
5. Meanwhile, bring the broth to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in the couscous, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and butter. Cover, remove from the heat, and let stand 5 minutes.
6. Fluff the couscous with a fork and stir in the parsley and lemon juice.
7. Serve the meatballs and carrots over the couscous.

Why it works:

The carrots roast in the same time window the meatballs need, which keeps dinner simple.

Timing:

Prep 15 minutes, cook 20 minutes, total about 35 minutes.