Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs
These Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs are a delicious and healthier alternative to classic dishes, combining lean ground turkey with fresh herbs for robust flavor and moist texture.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 2 tbsp olive or avocado oil
- 1/2 large white or yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 large celery stalks, finely diced
- 1 tsp sea salt, divided
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, minced
- 1 tsp fresh sage, minced
- 1 lb ground turkey
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive or avocado oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and celery, along with half of the sea salt. Sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Transfer the sautéed vegetable mixture to a mixing bowl and let it cool slightly.
- Mix in the panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, minced rosemary, minced sage, the remaining salt, and the ground turkey. Be careful not to overwork the mixture.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, each about 1 1/2 tablespoons in size.
- Place the formed meatballs onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cooking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.
- For the final 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, switch to the broiler and watch closely to prevent burning. Ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Notes
For the best results, let the vegetable mixture cool before combining with the turkey, avoid overmixing, and be sure to check the internal temperature of the meatballs for safe consumption.