Saucy Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Recipe Category: Poultry
Keywords: Meat, Kid Friendly, < 60 Mins, Easy, Inexpensive
Calories: 321.4 per serving
Fat Content: 17.1g
Saturated Fat Content: 5g
Cholesterol Content: 148.2mg
Sodium Content: 763.6mg
Carbohydrate Content: 15.5g
Fiber Content: 0.7g
Sugar Content: 2.6g
Protein Content: 25.2g
Description:
This delightful recipe for Saucy Turkey Meatballs has been a staple in many households, originally sourced from a church cookbook. It’s beloved for its balanced flavors, featuring a hint of mustard that adds a unique depth without overwhelming the palate. Perfectly suited for even the pickiest eaters, it’s a family-friendly dish that can be served over rice or noodles for a comforting meal any day of the week.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- Pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- 1 egg
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 tbsp prepared mustard
- Cooking oil (for frying)
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, finely chopped onion, pepper, salt, egg, and mix well until thoroughly combined. The mixture should be evenly blended to ensure the meatballs hold together during cooking. |
| 2 | Shape the turkey mixture into one-inch meatballs. This can be done by rolling a small amount of mixture between your palms until round and compact. Set aside on a plate or tray. |
| 3 | Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook until browned on all sides, turning as needed for even cooking, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer cooked meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. |
| 4 | In a separate bowl, whisk together condensed soup, milk, and prepared mustard until smooth and well combined. This will form the creamy sauce that coats the meatballs. |
| 5 | Pour the sauce mixture over the browned meatballs in the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the meatballs are heated through. |
| 6 | Serve the Saucy Turkey Meatballs hot over cooked rice or noodles, spooning extra sauce over each portion as desired. Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper for added flavor and presentation. |
Serving Suggestions:
These Saucy Turkey Meatballs are versatile and can be served in various ways to suit different tastes and preferences:
- Over Rice: The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with steamed white or brown rice, absorbing the flavors and providing a hearty base for the meatballs.
- With Noodles: Opt for your favorite pasta noodles, such as spaghetti or egg noodles, to create a comforting and filling meal that’s perfect for a family dinner.
- Side Salad: Serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette to add freshness and balance to the meal.
- Garlic Bread: Enjoy with a side of warm garlic bread or dinner rolls for a complete and satisfying dinner experience.
Nutritional Information:
Each serving of these Saucy Turkey Meatballs is packed with protein from the ground turkey, essential for muscle repair and growth. The addition of onions provides a subtle sweetness while enhancing the overall savory profile of the dish. With a moderate amount of calories and fat per serving, it’s a wholesome meal option that can be enjoyed without guilt.
Tips for Success:
- Mixing the Meat: Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined when mixing the ground turkey and seasonings. This ensures consistent flavor in every bite and helps the meatballs hold their shape during cooking.
- Browning the Meatballs: When frying the meatballs, make sure the oil is hot enough to achieve a nice brown crust on the outside without overcooking the interior. This step adds texture and flavor to the dish.
- Simmering the Sauce: Allow the meatballs to simmer in the creamy sauce for at least 5 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a richer and more cohesive dish.
Variations:
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground turkey with plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version of this dish.
- Cheese Topping: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese over the meatballs during the final minutes of simmering for a cheesy upgrade.
Make-Ahead and Storage:
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the meatball mixture and shape them into balls ahead of time. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to fry and serve.
- Storage: Store any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through before serving.
Conclusion:
Saucy Turkey Meatballs are a classic comfort food dish that balances ease of preparation with delicious flavors the whole family will love. Whether served over rice, noodles, or alongside your favorite side dishes, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Enjoy the tender meatballs coated in a creamy, mustard-infused sauce for a satisfying and hearty dinner option any night of the week.
