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There is something truly heartwarming about a good meatball recipe, and this Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs Recipe is an absolute game changer. By combining lean ground turkey with savory sausage and that classic boxed stuffing, these meatballs come out tender, flavorful, and packed with comforting fall flavors all year round. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings, these meatballs deliver a perfect balance of juicy meat and seasoned stuffing that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the delicious layers of flavor and texture in this dish. From aromatic veggies to moist stuffing and seasoned meats, this list has everything you need to bring the turkey and stuffing meatballs to life.
- ½ cup yellow onion (minced): Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base for the stuffing mixture.
- 1 rib celery (very finely diced): Provides a slight crunch and fresh vegetal note that brightens the meatballs.
- ¾ cup chicken broth: Infuses moisture and a rich, savory depth into the stuffing.
- ¼ cup water: Balances the liquid content for perfect stuffing consistency.
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided): Adds velvety richness and helps soften the veggies beautifully.
- 1 (6 oz.) box turkey Stovetop stuffing: The star ingredient that brings classic seasoning and texture to the meatballs.
- 1 lb. ground turkey (85% lean): Lean and healthy protein that forms the tender meatball base.
- Salt/pepper (to taste): Essential to enhance and balance all the flavors.
- ½ lb. ground sausage: Adds juiciness and a savory punch that complements the turkey perfectly.
- 1 large egg (whisked): Binds all the ingredients together so the meatballs hold their shape.
How to Make Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Veggies
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s hot and ready to quickly seal and cook your meatballs for that perfect outer crust. While the oven warms up, melt half of the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add your minced onions and finely diced celery. Stir frequently and soften these veggies for about 5 to 6 minutes to build a flavorful aromatic base that will make the stuffing extraordinary.
Step 2: Bring the Stuffing to Life
Add the remaining butter to the saucepan along with chicken broth and water, then bring everything to a gentle boil. Stir in the stuffing mix and reduce heat to low, stirring continuously until the stuffing soaks up the liquid and everything becomes a cohesive, tender mixture. Removing from heat, transfer this delicious stuffing blend to a large bowl and let it cool for a couple of minutes before combining with your meats.
Step 3: Combine Meatball Ingredients
Season your ground turkey generously with salt and pepper, then add it to the bowl with the slightly cooled stuffing. Next, mix in the ground sausage and whisked egg. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure every bit is evenly combined. This mixture is the heart of your Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs Recipe and brings a beautiful balance of lean turkey with flavorful sausage and stuffing.
Step 4: Shape Your Meatballs
Using your hands, roll the mixture into meatballs about 1 ¾ inches in diameter — the perfect size to cook evenly and stay juicy. Place them on a lightly greased baking sheet with a light-colored surface for the best browning. This hands-on step is so satisfying, as you can feel the unity of all these flavors going into perfect little spheres of comfort.
Step 5: Bake and Broil to Perfection
Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes in your preheated oven, letting them cook through and develop a nice firm texture. Then, switch your oven to broil at 450 degrees Fahrenheit and broil the meatballs for 2 minutes to achieve a slightly crispy and golden exterior. Keep a close eye during broiling so they don’t brown too much — this finishing touch adds irresistible caramelization and depth to the flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, allow the meatballs to rest briefly before serving. These Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs Recipe beauties are ready to be the centerpiece of a cozy meal that will delight your taste buds.
How to Serve Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives can add a lively pop of color and a hint of freshness that perfectly complements the savory richness of the meatballs. A drizzle of a simple pan gravy or cranberry sauce on the side elevates the dish with extra warmth and a touch of sweetness.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines when paired with classic comfort sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or even buttery dinner rolls. The flavors marry exceptionally well, creating a meal that feels both indulgent and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique twist, serve these meatballs on toasted baguette slices as sliders topped with a dollop of cranberry sauce or whole-grain mustard. They also work beautifully over a bed of buttery egg noodles or tossed into a hearty soup for an innovative spin on traditional meatballs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs Recipe fresh for quick and easy meals later in the week.
Freezing
These meatballs freeze wonderfully. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy this comfort food at your convenience.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated meatballs gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, or warm them in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. Microwaving works too, just cover them to prevent drying out and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
Can I make Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs Recipe without sausage?
Absolutely! The sausage adds extra juiciness and flavor, but you can substitute it with more ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer a leaner option. Just keep in mind the texture might be slightly different.
What kind of stuffing mix works best?
The classic turkey-flavored Stovetop stuffing box is perfect because it’s well-seasoned and complements the meatballs beautifully. However, you can experiment with herb or cornbread stuffing mixes for a different twist.
Can I bake the meatballs in a sauce instead of baking plain?
You can, but if you bake them in sauce, you may lose the crispy edges that come from baking and broiling uncovered. If you want moist meatballs but still some crunch, bake first then briefly broil, and add sauce afterward.
How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Look for a gluten-free stuffing mix or make your own with gluten-free bread crumbs and seasonings. This way, you can enjoy all the flavor without the gluten.
Is it possible to cook these meatballs on the stovetop?
Yes, you can pan-fry them in a bit of oil over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Just be patient and turn them carefully to avoid breaking apart.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a cozy yet easy recipe that brings classic holiday flavors to your dinner table any time of the year, this Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs Recipe is it. Delicious, comforting, and absolutely satisfying, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and give it a try — your taste buds will thank you.
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Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 35 meatballs
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs combine lean ground turkey and savory sausage with traditional Stovetop stuffing to create a flavorful and moist appetizer or main dish. Perfectly baked until golden and tender, they’re a great holiday side or anytime comfort food, served alongside classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Broth
- ½ cup yellow onion, minced
- 1 rib celery, very finely diced
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup water
Butter and Stovetop Stuffing
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 (6 oz.) box turkey Stovetop stuffing mix
Meats and Egg
- 1 lb. ground turkey (85% lean)
- ½ lb. ground sausage (preferably mild or spicy Italian sausage)
- 1 large egg, whisked
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400° F to get it ready for baking the meatballs later.
- Sauté the aromatics: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced yellow onions and very finely diced celery. Cook while stirring frequently until softened, about 5-6 minutes.
- Prepare the stuffing mixture: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the chicken broth and water to the pan. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the Stovetop stuffing mix, reduce heat to low, and cook while stirring until well combined. Remove from heat and transfer the stuffing to a large bowl. Let it cool slightly for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Combine the meatball mixture: Season the ground turkey with salt and pepper to taste. Add the seasoned turkey, ground sausage, and whisked egg to the bowl with the stuffing. Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 ¾ inches in diameter. Place them on a lightly greased, light-colored baking sheet to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Bake and broil: Bake the meatballs in the preheated 400° F oven for 15 minutes. Then, switch the oven to broil at 450° F and broil the meatballs for 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent over-browning.
- Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven and serve them hot with traditional sides such as mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and cranberry sauce for a comforting and hearty meal.
Notes
- Ground sausage adds extra flavor and moisture; choose mild or spicy based on preference.
- Lightly greasing the baking sheet prevents sticking and helps with even browning.
- Watch the meatballs closely during broiling to avoid burning.
- These meatballs freeze well; store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- For a leaner option, you can omit the sausage or use turkey sausage.
