Turkey meatballs don’t get the credit that they deserve. Just because they are made from extra lean meat doesn’t mean they have to be dry. In fact, it’s hard to believe that these meatballs are made from ground lean turkey meat. I would pick them over many other types of meatballs. No wonder that this recipe has been our family favorite for a long time.
I find that the best way to get the most tender, flavorful and juicy meatballs is to quickly sear them then cook over low heat covered until done. I use the same method to make my famous beer brats, extra tender chicken wings and other dishes. It only takes less than 30 minutes to cook these meatballs to the internal temperature of 160F. Don’t worry, the temperature will continue rising after you take them off the heat, reaching 165F in a few minutes.
To keep turkey meatballs moist, I add chicken broth, bread crumbs and minced onion to the mix. Instead of onion, you can also try leeks. I like using both interchangeably.
To boost the flavor, I sautee the onion and the garlic. Sauteeing softens them up, removes harshness, and adds flavor. Even more flavor comes from the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and Worcestershire sauce. Worcestershire is a must; it adds a beautiful savory zing.
I could say that these meatballs are so moist and tender that they don’t need any sauce. But I won’t. I like my turkey meatballs with a little bit of gravy, the recipe for which I provided below. Gravy and garlic mashed potatoes. A comforting dinner for a cold winter night. Or make turkey meatball sandwiches with sourdough bread or brioche buns.
If you are looking for a lighter and healthier version, serve them with roasted vegetables, or a zesty tomato and cucumber salad.
These meatballs are delicious, both freshly made and re-heated the next day. I like having leftovers for lunch. I recommend reheating them the same way they were cooked – in a pan over medium-low heat until the internal temperature reaches 160F.
If you’d like to freeze these meatballs, place them in a vacuum sealer bag, with the sauce, and freeze for a couple of hours, unsealed. Once the meatballs are firm, seal in a vacuum sealer and freeze for up to 3 months.
Turkey Meatballs
Print Pin RateIngredients
Meatball ingredients
- 2 lbs ground turkey
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp butter unsalted
- 1 cup onion minced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley minced; plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup green onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 egg beaten
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs seasoned
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Gravy ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup water cold
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Drizzle two tablespoons of olive oil into a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and the garlic. Saute for 5-6 minutes, until tender but not brown. Add the chicken broth and the Worcestershire sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large bowl, gently mix the ground turkey with the rest of the meatball ingredients, including the sauteed onions and garlic. Do not overmix. Shape into 20 balls of equal size, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- To make the gravy, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add the cornstarch dissolved in cold water, followed by the Worcestershire sauce. Cook for a minute or so, until thickened. Set aside.
- In a large non-stick skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook, undisturbed, for 2 minutes or until browned. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pour the gravy over the browned meatballs, lower the heat to low, cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs reach 165F internal temperature.
- Serve hot, over mashed potatoes, drizzled with the gravy from the pan, and garnished with minced parsley.
Nutrition
Jess
I made these turkey meatballs for lunch today, with the garlic mashed potatoes, and they turned out excellent. This recipe is a keeper, will be making again soon. Thanks for sharing!