Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs

$To make these tasty turkey meatballs, gather these main ingredients: - 1 pound ground turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat is best) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup finely chopped onion - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried sage - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1 large egg - 1/4 cup chicken broth (low sodium) - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil for sautéing These ingredients blend well together. The ground turkey is lean and healthy. The spices add great flavor. The egg and breadcrumbs help hold the meatballs together. You can add a few optional ingredients for a special touch: - Cranberry sauce for serving - Extra chopped parsley for garnish Cranberry sauce gives a nice sweet contrast. It makes the dish festive and bright. Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste. Pair your turkey meatballs with these sides: - Mashed potatoes - Green beans - Stuffing - Roasted vegetables Each of these sides complements the meatballs well. They create a full Thanksgiving meal. You can mix and match as you like. Enjoy your cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need: - 1 pound ground turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup finely chopped onion - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried sage - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1 large egg - 1/4 cup chicken broth (low sodium) - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil for sautéing - Cranberry sauce for serving (optional) Next, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step helps with easy cleanup later on. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, parsley, sage, thyme, nutmeg, egg, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix it all together gently. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps the meatballs tender. Now, shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in size. Place them on your baking sheet. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sauté them until they are browned on all sides, which takes about 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, transfer the meatballs back to the baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety. After baking, let the meatballs rest for a few minutes. This helps them stay juicy. If you want, serve them warm with a side of cranberry sauce. To make your dish look festive, arrange the meatballs on a platter. Drizzle with cranberry sauce and sprinkle some chopped parsley on top. This adds color and makes it appealing. Enjoy! To keep your meatballs moist, use fresh ground turkey. Fresh meat retains more moisture. Add chicken broth to your mix for extra juiciness. Don't overcook them; aim for 165°F internally. Letting them rest helps keep moisture in. Mix gently. Overmixing makes meatballs tough. Use your hands to combine ingredients just until they hold together. This method keeps them tender and delicious. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. That way, every bite is full of flavor. Serve your meatballs with cranberry sauce for a sweet touch. You can also try a savory gravy or a tangy barbecue sauce. Each adds a unique flavor. Experiment with different sauces to find your favorite. A good sauce can elevate your dish and impress guests! Pro Tips Use Lean Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey to keep the meatballs moist while reducing fat content. Add Moisture: If the mixture feels too dry, a bit more chicken broth can help achieve the perfect consistency. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices for a unique flavor twist. Rest Before Serving: Allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes after baking to help retain their juices. {{image_2}} You can easily twist the flavor of these meatballs. Try adding a bit of chopped apple or dried cranberries for sweetness. You can also mix in some chopped spinach for a healthy boost. Different herbs, like rosemary or basil, can give a new taste. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. These simple changes can make your turkey meatballs unique and fun. If you need a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. You can also use ground oats as a substitute. Make sure to check that the chicken broth is gluten-free as well. This way, you can enjoy tasty turkey meatballs without worry. Want to switch up the meat? Ground chicken or lean beef works well too. You can also try plant-based meats for a vegetarian option. Options like lentils or mushrooms can create a rich, savory flavor. This lets you enjoy the dish no matter your diet. These alternatives keep the spirit of Thanksgiving alive in every bite. After your meal, let the meatballs cool down. Place them in an airtight container. They can last in the fridge for up to four days. To keep them fresh, make sure they are sealed well. Label your container with the date. This helps you remember how long they’ve been stored. To freeze, place the cooled meatballs on a baking sheet. Make sure they are not touching. Freeze them for about two hours until firm. Then, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze them for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy them later! When ready to eat, take out the meatballs from the fridge or freezer. For fridge leftovers, just heat them in the microwave for a minute or two. If frozen, thaw them overnight in the fridge first. Then, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. This ensures they stay juicy and delicious. Enjoy your tasty Thanksgiving treats! Yes, you can make Thanksgiving turkey meatballs ahead of time. I often prepare the meatballs a day in advance. After forming the meatballs, place them on a baking sheet. Cover them and store in the fridge. When you are ready to cook, just sauté and bake them as usual. This saves time on Thanksgiving day and lets you enjoy time with family. You can serve turkey meatballs with various sides. Here are some great options: - Mashed potatoes for a classic touch - Green bean casserole for some crunch - Cranberry sauce for sweetness - Stuffing for a holiday favorite - Roasted vegetables for a healthy option Mix and match these sides to create a festive meal. To check if your meatballs are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one meatball in half. The meat should be no longer pink, and the juices should run clear. Trust me, checking for doneness is key to juicy and safe meatballs. Thanksgiving turkey meatballs are a tasty twist for your holiday feast. We covered key ingredients, easy cooking methods, and tips to keep them moist. You discovered creative variations and smart storage options to enjoy later. Remember, preparing ahead can save time and stress. With flavorful sauces and the right sides, you can impress your guests. Try these ideas and make your Thanksgiving meal truly special. Enjoy your cooking and have a joyful celebration!$

Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs

Delicious turkey meatballs seasoned with herbs, perfect for a festive meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey
0.5 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon dried thyme
0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 large egg
0.25 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
to taste salt and pepper
as needed olive oil for sautéing
optional cranberry sauce for serving

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, sage, thyme, nutmeg, egg, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
Using your hands, mix the ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches (not overcrowding the pan) and sauté until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Once browned, transfer the meatballs back to the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve warm with a side of cranberry sauce if desired.

Notes

Arrange the meatballs on a festive platter, drizzle with some cranberry sauce, and sprinkle additional chopped parsley on top for a pop of color before serving.

Keyword holiday, meatballs, Thanksgiving, turkey