Turkey Meatballs
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
- plus more to taste1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup water
cold
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
Directions
- 1
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.
- 2
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.
- 3
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.
- 4
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.
- 5
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.
- 6
Serve hot, over mashed potatoes, drizzled with the gravy from the pan, and garnished with minced parsley.
Turkey Meatballs
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Based on 29 ratings
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About this Recipe
Tired of dry, bland turkey meatballs? This recipe is here to change your mind, delivering incredibly tender and flavorful meatballs that truly rival their beefier counterparts. You’ll be amazed at how juicy and satisfying lean ground turkey can be when prepared just right.
Why These Turkey Meatballs Work Wonders
The secret to these surprisingly moist turkey meatballs lies in a thoughtful combination of ingredients and careful preparation. We’re talking about more than just ground turkey; we're incorporating rich olive oil and unsalted butter, along with aromatic minced onion and garlic. The addition of chicken broth and a touch of Worcestershire sauce infuses deep savory notes and much-needed moisture, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor and never dry. The beaten egg and seasoned bread crumbs act as binders while also contributing to a wonderfully tender texture, rounded out by a generous portion of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of richness.
What to Expect from Your First Bite
Prepare for a delightful experience that challenges everything you thought you knew about turkey meatballs. These aren't just good for turkey meatballs—they're simply delicious meatballs, period. You'll find them incredibly tender, bursting with savory flavors from the Worcestershire sauce, fresh parsley, and sharp Parmesan cheese. They hold their shape beautifully while remaining delightfully moist on the inside. The overall taste is balanced and hearty, making them perfect for a comforting meal.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to adapt this versatile recipe to your pantry or preferences. While ground turkey is central, you could experiment with ground chicken for a similar lean profile. For a different herb profile, swap out some of the fresh parsley for a mix of oregano or thyme. If you don't have Parmesan, a good quality Grana Padano or Asiago would offer a comparable salty, nutty flavor. For an extra kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes could be mixed into the meatball mixture.
Serving & Context
These versatile turkey meatballs are perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Serve them swimming in your favorite marinara sauce over pasta, alongside a pile of creamy mashed potatoes, or even tucked into a warm sub roll with melted provolone.