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
Scale
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.
