Turkey Stuffing Meatballs

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🦃 Turkey Stuffing Meatballs

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 20–25 minutes

  • Servings: Makes about 20–24 meatballs (Serves 4–6)

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ground Turkey (93% lean is best for moisture)

  • 2 cups Herb-seasoned stuffing mix (crushed slightly)

  • 1 Large egg, beaten

  • ¾ cup Chicken or Turkey broth (plus 2 tbsp extra if needed)

  • ½ cup Celery, very finely diced

  • ½ cup Yellow onion, very finely diced

  • 1 tsp Poultry seasoning (or a mix of dried sage, rosemary, and thyme)

  • ½ tsp Garlic powder

  • Salt & Black pepper to taste

  • Optional: ¼ cup dried cranberries (for a sweet pop)

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a small skillet, sauté the celery and onion in a drizzle of olive oil or butter until soft (about 5 minutes). Let them cool slightly.

  3. Hydrate the Stuffing: In a large bowl, mix the stuffing crumbs with the broth. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.

  4. Combine: Add the ground turkey, beaten egg, sautéed veggies, and spices to the stuffing mixture. Mix gently with your hands or a fork until just combined. Do not overwork the meat, or the meatballs will be tough.

  5. Roll: Scoop about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.

  6. Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the tops are golden brown.

💡 Tips for Success

  • Dice Small: Ensure the onion and celery are minced very finely. Large chunks of raw veggie can cause the meatballs to fall apart.

  • Wet Your Hands: Turkey is sticky. Lightly dampening your hands with water before rolling will prevent the meat from sticking to you.

  • The “Sear” Factor: For extra flavor, you can pan-fry the meatballs for 2 minutes per side before finishing them in the oven.

🌟 Benefits

  • Lean Protein: Ground turkey is a lower-fat alternative to beef or pork.

  • Meal Prep Friendly: These freeze beautifully and can be reheated in minutes.

  • Versatile: They work as a main dish with mashed potatoes or as an easy-to-grab party snack.

📊 Nutritional Info (Per 4 Meatballs)

Nutrient Amount
Calories 245 kcal
Protein 18g
Fat 9g
Carbs 22g
Fiber 2g

❓ Common Questions (Q&A)

Q: Can I use leftover prepared stuffing?

A: Yes! If using pre-made “wet” stuffing, reduce the broth in the recipe to about 2 tablespoons and add the turkey and egg. Adjust the consistency as needed.

Q: What sauce goes best with these?

A: A warm turkey gravy is the classic choice, but a cranberry glaze or even a honey-mustard dip works surprisingly well.

Q: Can I make these in an Air Fryer?

A: Absolutely. Air fry at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

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