Turkey Meatballs

I look forward to making these turkey meatballs every fall and winter! They’re packed with garlic and herbs, simmered in the most heavenly maple mustard sauce, and are easy to make in one pan. 

Why You’ll Love These Turkey Meatballs

I really love that you can make different meatballs for each season. And when the weather cools and autumn hits, these turkey meatballs are one of the first recipes on my seasonal to-do list. Instead of Italian meatballs with marinara sauce, these turkey meatballs are infused with fresh rosemary and thyme and simmered in the most luxurious and creamy maple mustard sauce. Honestly, the sauce alone gets me every single time! I even make extra to drizzle on roasted turkey for Thanksgiving (hint, hint). But here are a few more reasons to love this turkey meatball recipe:

• It’s light yet comforting. Similar to my turkey meatloaf or turkey burgers, ground turkey is a great option for a lean source of protein.
• It’s ready in about 30 minutes. And if you bake the meatballs (see the recipe card notes), it’s even quicker!
• It can be served in endless ways. It’s equally loved as a holiday dinner or party appetizer. Plus, I’ve got even more fun ideas below. 

Turkey Meatball ingredients

• Ground Turkey: I’m using ground turkey for a leaner option, but you can also swap in ground beef, pork, chicken, or even a blend of two meats.
• Egg & Almond Flour: These act as the binder that keeps the meatballs from falling apart.
  Onion & Garlic: Most meatball recipes call for two cloves of garlic, but I’m using four. The more garlic, the better, if you ask me!
• Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme add that cozy, aromatic flavor that makes these meatballs feel extra special.
• Chicken Broth: For the sauce, either chicken broth or turkey broth works. So feel free to use what you have on hand. 
• Dijon Mustard & Mayonnaise: The mustard thickens the sauce and brings that signature tangy, slightly spicy flavor, while the mayo gives it a creamy, aioli-like finish.
• Maple Syrup: Maple adds the perfect touch of fall sweetness. But you could also swap in honey for a honey mustard version.

Find the printable recipe with measurements below.

How To Make Turkey Meatballs

Step one: Make the meatball mixture by mixing the ground turkey, egg, almond flour, onion, garlic, and herbs with your hands. My secret to tender meatballs is not over-mixing. That’s why I always use my hands instead of a mixer!

Step two: To keep your meatballs the same size (so they cook evenly), use a medium cookie scoop. Roll each portion between your palms into a ball, then set them on a plate.

Step three: Heat a little oil in a pan and cook half the meatballs first. This way, you don’t overcrowd the pan. Once they’re browned and cooked through, transfer them to a plate, then repeat with the second batch.

Step four: Now for the sauce! Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, then whisk in Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and mayonnaise until it’s silky and creamy. Add the meatballs back in, toss to coat them in that delicious sauce, and finish them off with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Ways To Serve

• With roasted veggies: Pair the meatballs with sides like roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted broccoli, or garlic herb roasted potatoes. For a seasonal twist, try my Parmesan herb roasted acorn squash.
• On mashed veggies: Saucy meatballs topped on a creamy mash are always a delicious combination. Think mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, mashed sweet potatoes, or even mashed butternut squash.
• As a party appetizer: I love making this as a savory Christmas appetizer. Just stick a toothpick in each one and serve on a platter. They’ll disappear fast!

More Meatball Recipes

• Chicken Meatballs: Topped with fresh chimichurri.
• Tuna Meatballs: Perfect for a light snack.
• Fennel Pork Meatballs: So juicy and delicious.

This recipe was originally published October 2021, but updated to include new photos and nformation for your benefit!