Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs

These tender golden meatballs bring all the cozy comforting flavors of Thanksgiving to your plate. Made with ground turkey fresh herbs and classic seasonings they are perfect for a holiday appetizer main course or even a weeknight meal when you crave something warm and satisfying. Juicy on the inside and beautifully browned on the outside they pair perfectly with gravy mashed potatoes or a spoonful of cranberry sauce. Simple easy and full of seasonal flavor they are a festive favorite everyone will love

Total Time ~35 minutes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey

1 egg

1 half cup breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons milk

1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Half teaspoon dried thyme

Half teaspoon dried sage

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking

Optional turkey or chicken gravy for serving

Instructions

In a large bowl combine ground turkey egg breadcrumbs milk parsley garlic powder onion powder thyme sage salt and pepper

Gently mix with clean hands or a spoon until just combined do not overmix

Roll the mixture into 1 and a half inch balls and place on a plate or tray

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat add meatballs in batches and brown on all sides about 5 to 7 minutes

Reduce heat cover and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes until cooked through and juices run clear

Serve warm with gravy mashed potatoes or cranberry sauce

Tips

Use ground turkey with a little fat content for juicier meatballs

Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the texture tender

Chill the formed meatballs for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape

Brown the meatballs well on all sides for extra flavor and a beautiful golden crust

Double the batch and freeze half for quick future meals

Variations

Add chopped cooked beef or shredded cheese to the mixture for extra richness

Stir in finely diced apples or dried cranberries for a sweet holiday touch

Use ground chicken beef or a plant-based alternative if desired

Replace breadcrumbs with cooked stuffing for bold Thanksgiving flavor

Serve with mushroom gravy creamy mashed potatoes or over buttered noodles

Q&A

Can I bake these meatballs instead of frying
Yes place them on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 22 minutes or until fully cooked

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey
Yes ground chicken works just as well and has a similar flavor and texture

Can these be made ahead of time
Yes you can prep and refrigerate them a day ahead or freeze them raw or cooked for up to 2 months

What can I serve with these meatballs
They go great with mashed potatoes roasted vegetables stuffing or even over rice or noodles

Can I make these gluten free
Yes just use gluten free breadcrumbs and check that your gravy is also gluten free

Nutrition Info
Approximate per serving based on 4 servings

Calories 280

Protein 23g

Carbohydrates 10g

Fat 16g

Saturated Fat 4g

Fiber 1g

Sugar 1g

Sodium 420mg

Nutrition may vary based on ingredients and portion size

Conclusion

Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs are a delicious twist on classic holiday flavors made simple for any time of year. They are juicy flavorful and incredibly easy to make using ingredients you probably already have. Whether served as a main course or party bite they deliver that comforting seasonal taste in every bite. Keep a batch ready for when you crave something cozy hearty and satisfying