# Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs: A Delicious Main Course
If all the traditional, herby, flavorful elements of Thanksgiving were blended into one delightful main dish, these turkey meatballs would be the result! They are significantly simpler to prepare than roasting a turkey, making them ideal for intimate holiday gatherings and year-round Thanksgiving cravings.
Only **10 ingredients** are necessary, and they complement Thanksgiving favorites like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce beautifully. Let us guide you through the process!
## Ingredients for Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs
These simple, flavorful ground turkey meatballs need just a handful of essential ingredients:
– **Ground turkey** – Turkey is a Thanksgiving staple! Ground chicken could also be utilized in this recipe, but ground beef has a more powerful flavor that may overshadow the herbs.
– **Sautéed onion, celery & garlic** – These vegetables create a savory flavor foundation, and when sautéed, they soften and add a sweet, caramelized taste. Additionally, sautéing lowers the water content for perfectly browned meatballs.
– **Panko breadcrumbs** – These serve as the binder (no eggs needed!), while also absorbing any excess moisture. Gluten-free breadcrumbs work equally well for our GF guests!
– **Fresh herbs** – We enjoy a mixture of rosemary, sage, and parsley, encapsulating the flavors of Thanksgiving. Using fresh herbs guarantees the best taste, but dried herbs can also be applied in this recipe (just reduce the quantities by half!).
– **Sea salt** – To enhance taste! Any finely ground salt will suffice, although we prefer the flavor of sea salt.
## How to Prepare Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs
1. **Sauté the vegetables** – Cook the onion and celery in olive oil with salt for enhanced flavor until they are soft and aromatic, then add the garlic and keep cooking for an additional minute.
2. **Combine** the sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, herbs, salt, and turkey. Mix until the herbs and salt are well distributed, but be careful not to overwork the meat (this can make the meatballs tough).
3. **Scoop & shape** – Utilize a cookie scoop for convenience in forming uniformly sized meatballs (which supports even cooking).
4. **Bake** for 18-20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 Celsius).
5. **Broil** – This concluding step adds a golden outer layer and additional flavor to the meatballs!
## Can These Turkey Meatballs Be Prepared in Advance?
Absolutely! For optimal flavor and texture (great for serving at a holiday event), prepare through step 4 (mixing ground turkey with seasonings and breadcrumbs), refrigerate the mixture, then shape and cook just before serving. Alternatively, you can fully cook the meatballs and reheat them in the oven, or freeze the formed meatballs before baking and cook them straight from frozen.
## Can I Cook on the Stovetop?
Yes, although the meatballs may not be perfectly round! You can cook them over medium heat in a lightly oiled skillet, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If they are browning too quickly before cooking through, lower the heat.
## Do I Have to Use a Cast Iron Skillet?
No! (Although we appreciate that it keeps this a 1-pan dish and the high heat of cast iron offers the meatballs enhanced browning!) However, you can sauté the vegetables in any skillet, then cook the meatballs on a lightly oiled baking sheet or in any broil-safe dish (NOT glass).
We hope you enjoy these meatballs! They are:
– Flavorful
– Tender
– Herbal
– Satisfying
– Quick & simple
– Ideal for small Thanksgiving gatherings!
These meatballs pair particularly well with Thanksgiving staples such as mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce. Their simplicity also makes them perfect for any time of year, including busy weeknights!
## More Holiday-Friendly Main Dishes
If you try out this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo on Instagram. Enjoy!