Okay, so picture this: it’s Wednesday night, you’re tired, and the thought of spending hours in the kitchen is just… no. I *totally* get it! That’s where these Turkey Meatballs with Maple Mustard Sauce come in. Seriously, they’re about to become your new best friend.
I mean, who doesn’t love meatballs? And these aren’t just *any* meatballs. We’re talking juicy turkey meatballs swimming in a creamy, slightly sweet, slightly tangy maple mustard sauce. My kids are obsessed, and honestly, so am I! Plus, from start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 35 minutes? Weeknight dinner WIN!
Why You’ll Love These TURKEY MEATBALLS WITH MAPLE MUSTARD SAUCE
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Quick and Easy
Seriously, from fridge to table in under 40 minutes? That’s a weeknight miracle right there!
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Flavorful Maple Mustard Sauce
Sweet maple, tangy mustard, savory meatballs… it’s a flavor explosion in your mouth! Trust me, you’ll be licking the plate.
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Versatile Meal Option
Appetizer? Main course? Over rice, pasta, or even mashed potatoes? These turkey meatballs do it all! Check out these best mashed potatoes for a perfect pairing.
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Gluten-Free Friendly
Almond flour keeps these meatballs gluten-free without sacrificing flavor. Score! For more gluten-free options, explore our recipes.
Ingredients for Your TURKEY MEATBALLS WITH MAPLE MUSTARD SAUCE
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these amazing turkey meatballs. Don’t worry if you don’t have *everything* – a little substitution never hurt anyone! But, for the *best* results, try to stick to this list:
- 1 1/2 pound ground turkey
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped (I hate chopping onions, so sometimes I use frozen!)
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (the *real* stuff, please!)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- extra fresh rosemary and thyme for garnish
How to Make TURKEY MEATBALLS WITH MAPLE MUSTARD SAUCE: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, here’s the nitty-gritty! Don’t be scared, it’s way easier than it looks. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down on delicious turkey meatballs in no time!
Preparing the TURKEY MEATBALLS Mixture
Grab a big bowl, and toss in your ground turkey, egg, onion, almond flour, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Now, *gently* mix everything together with your hands. Don’t overmix it! We want tender meatballs, not hockey pucks, okay?
Forming the TURKEY MEATBALLS
Time to get your hands dirty! I like to use a medium cookie scoop to make sure all the meatballs are the same size – about 1 1/2 tablespoons each. Roll the mixture between your palms until they’re nice and round. Pop them onto a plate until you’re ready to cook ’em.
Pan-Searing the TURKEY MEATBALLS
Heat up a large pan over medium heat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once it’s hot (but not smoking!), add half the meatballs. You don’t want to overcrowd the pan! Brown them on all sides – about 5 to 8 minutes. This gives them a *ton* of flavor. Remove the first batch, add another tablespoon of oil, and repeat with the rest.
Making the Maple Mustard Sauce
This is where the magic happens! Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan – that means scraping up all those yummy browned bits from the bottom. Then, whisk in the Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and mayonnaise. Let it simmer until it’s nice and creamy. Mmm, smells amazing, right? For more information on the benefits of Dijon mustard, you can check out resources like Healthline.
Simmering and Serving the TURKEY MEATBALLS WITH MAPLE MUSTARD SAUCE
Carefully add the meatballs back to the pan and let them warm through in the sauce. This should only take a few minutes. Now, sprinkle with some extra fresh rosemary and thyme for garnish. And…voila! Dinner is served! Get ready for some happy faces!
Tips for the Best TURKEY MEATBALLS WITH MAPLE MUSTARD SAUCE
Want to take these turkey meatballs from “good” to “OMG AMAZING?” Here are a few of my favorite tricks! These little tweaks make a HUGE difference, trust me!
Achieving Tender TURKEY MEATBALLS
Seriously, don’t overmix the meatball mixture! It’s tempting to really work it, but resist! Overmixing leads to tough meatballs, and nobody wants that, right?
Perfecting the Maple Mustard Sauce Consistency
If your sauce is too thin, just let it simmer a little longer to reduce. If it’s *too* thick, whisk in a splash of extra chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Easy peasy!
Enhancing the Flavor of Your TURKEY MEATBALLS
Want a little kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of heat! My family loves it, but if you’re spice-averse, feel free to skip it!
Variations on TURKEY MEATBALLS WITH MAPLE MUSTARD SAUCE
Okay, so you’ve made the basic recipe and you’re obsessed (I knew you would be!). Now, let’s get a little crazy! Here are some fun ways to mix things up and put your own spin on these turkey meatballs. Get creative – it’s all about having fun in the kitchen!
Spice It Up!
Feeling fiery? Toss some chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the meatballs *or* the sauce. Just be careful – a little goes a long way!
Herb Variations
Rosemary and thyme are delish, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Try adding some fresh parsley, chives, or even a little bit of oregano. Yum!
Veggie Boost
Sneak in some extra veggies by grating a little zucchini or carrot into the meatball mixture. The kids will never know!
Serving Suggestions for TURKEY MEATBALLS WITH MAPLE MUSTARD SAUCE
Okay, so you’ve got these amazing turkey meatballs… now what? Don’t stress! They go with *everything*. My personal faves are creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even just a big ol’ salad. Roasted veggies on the side? YES, please! Seriously, you can’t go wrong!
Frequently Asked Questions About TURKEY MEATBALLS WITH MAPLE MUSTARD SAUCE
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few things folks often ask me about these yummy turkey meatballs. Don’t see your question here? Just leave a comment below!
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Totally! Ground chicken works great in this recipe. Just make sure to use a similar weight, and you’re good to go!
How long can I store leftover TURKEY MEATBALLS?
Leftovers will keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Make sure they’re in an airtight container. I *love* having them for lunch the next day!
Can I freeze these TURKEY MEATBALLS WITH MAPLE MUSTARD SAUCE?
Yep! Let them cool completely, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for up to 3 months. Thaw ’em in the fridge overnight and then reheat!
Storing and Reheating Your TURKEY MEATBALLS WITH MAPLE MUSTARD SAUCE
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop ’em in an airtight container and stash ’em in the fridge. When you’re ready to reheat, just microwave ’em for a minute or two, or gently warm them in a pan on the stovetop. Make sure they’re heated through – safety first!
Nutritional Information for TURKEY MEATBALLS WITH MAPLE MUSTARD SAUCE
Okay, quick note: nutrition info can vary *a lot* depending on the brands you use. So, this is just a general estimate, okay?
Enjoyed This TURKEY MEATBALLS WITH MAPLE MUSTARD SAUCE Recipe?
Awesome! Now, do me a favor and leave a comment below, okay? Or, even better, give it a star rating! And don’t forget to share it with your friends! They’ll thank you, I promise!
Amazing TURKEY MEATBALLS WITH MAPLE MUSTARD SAUCE in 35
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 30 meatballs 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These turkey meatballs are simmered in a creamy maple mustard sauce. They are quick, easy, and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pound ground turkey
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- extra fresh rosemary and thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Make turkey mixture. To a large bowl, add the turkey, egg, onion, almond flour, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together, until fully combined.
- Form meatballs. Measure out 1 1/2 tablespoons of mixture or use a medium cookie scoop and roll the mixture between your hands, forming approximately 30 meatballs. Place the meatballs on a plate.
- Pan sear meatballs. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan on medium heat. Add half of the meatballs to the pan and brown on all sides, about 5 to 8 minutes. Remove the first batch of meatballs to a plate, add another tablespoon of oil to the pan, and repeat with the remaining half of meatballs. Once the second meatballs are cooked, remove them to the plate as well.
- Make the sauce. Deglaze the pan by adding the chicken broth, and use a spatula to scrape up any bits off the bottom. Then add the Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and mayonnaise. Whisk everything together and let the sauce simmer until it is creamy.
- Serve. Add the meatballs back to the pan and warm through. Garnish with additional fresh chopped herbs before serving.
Notes
- Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of almond flour for a nut-free option.
- Thicken the sauce with a slurry of arrowroot powder and water.
- Bake the meatballs at 400 degrees F for 20-25 minutes instead of pan-searing.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 meatballs
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
