Turkey stuffing meatballs are a must-try! These Thanksgiving meatballs encapsulate all of the cherished flavors of Thanksgiving into a delicious and juicy meatball. It is the perfect combination of tender ground turkey and the rich savory notes of traditional stuffing all rolled into one incredible meatball recipe.
They are so effortless to make with just a few simple ingredients you can whip up a batch in no time. These turkey stuffing meatballs are versatile and can be enjoyed year-round, bringing a touch of holiday magic to any occasion. They capture the essence of Thanksgiving in every savory mouthwatering bite.
When we first shared this meatball recipe, it went viral, and we were beyond excited to see so many of you making it part of your Thanksgiving traditions! If you haven’t tried these meatballs, you don’t want to miss them!
Why You Will Love Turkey Stuffing Meatballs
- These meatballs have the crave-worthy flavors of Thanksgiving.
- You get the delicious flavors of turkey and stuffing all rolled into one.
- These meatballs are easy to make and come together quickly.
- You only need a few simple ingredients to make this recipe.
- Enjoy these meatballs during the holidays or anytime.
- There is no butter or olive oil in this recipe!
What Are Turkey Stuffing Meatballs?
Turkey stuffing meatballs are also known as Thanksgiving meatballs. We have combined the Thanksgiving flavors of turkey and stuffing into one mouthwatering meatball! These meatballs are easy to prepare and are much easier than making an entire turkey or batch of stuffing. With this recipe, you get the same Thanksgiving flavors in a far more effortless way.
Ingredients Needed
- Dried Stuffing Mix: Use your favorite dried seasoned boxed stuffing mix.
- Chicken Broth: Heat the chicken broth and pour it over the dried stuffing mix. The chicken broth softens the dried stuffing mix and adds flavor.
- Ground Turkey: Use 99% fat-free ground turkey breast.
- Eggs: Whisk two eggs. The eggs help make these meatballs moist and act as a binder.
- Celery: Add chopped celery for flavor.
- Onion: Use diced white or sweet onion.
What Stuffing To Use
Use 4 cups of your favorite dried seasoned boxed stuffing mix for this recipe. We used a classic herb seasoned boxed stuffing mix. A cornbread stuffing mix or a gluten-free stuffing mix are other great options.
How To Make Turkey Stuffing Meatballs
Step 1: Add the dried seasoned boxed stuffing mix to a large heat-safe bowl.
Step 2: Heat the chicken broth in a saucepan on the stove until it is hot, but not boiling.
Then, pour the chicken broth over the bowl with the stuffing mix. Thoroughly mix to soften the stuffing mix and let it absorb the liquid.
Step 3: Add the ground turkey breast, whisked eggs, chopped celery, and diced onion to a separate large bowl.
After that, add the stuffing mixture to the bowl. From there, thoroughly combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Use a large cookie scoop to form 16-18 meatballs and use your hands to roll them into balls. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Bake the meatballs in the oven at 400°F for 20-22 minutes, or until they are fully cooked.
Step 6: Top the meatballs with gravy and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Heat The Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth into a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat on the stove until it is hot. Then, pour it over the dried stuffing mix.
- Evenly Chop: Finely and evenly chop the celery and onion. It helps ensure that the celery and onion are distributed throughout the meatballs.
- Use A Large Scoop: We made large meatballs that were about 2 inches in size. To ensure all the meatballs are the same size, use a large cookie scoop or ice cream scoop.
- Don’t Overcook Meatballs: You don’t want to overcook the meatballs or they will dry out. Make sure the meatballs are fully cooked, but not overcooked. They are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
What To Serve With Turkey Stuffing Meatballs
These turkey stuffing meatballs capture the flavors of Thanksgiving. They are the perfect addition to any holiday feast. Also, they make for a comforting weeknight meal. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve them and what to serve them with:
- Gravy: Once cooked, top these turkey stuffing meatballs with homemade gravy and fresh herbs such as chopped parsley.
- Cranberry Sauce: Dip these turkey stuffing meatballs in cranberry sauce for the ultimate combination of Thanksgiving flavors!
- Mashed Potatoes: Serve these meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes.
- Green Beans: Enjoy these meatballs with a side of crispy air fryer green beans.
Storage Instructions
To Store: Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Or, let these meatballs cool and freeze them in a freezer-safe container for 1-2 months.
To Reheat: Reheat these meatballs in the microwave. Or, reheat them in a saucepan on the stove with gravy until warm.
Variations
- Add Cranberries: For a burst of cranberry flavor in the meatballs, add three tablespoons of roughly chopped dried cranberries.
- Add Apple: For a sweet and savory meatball, add one diced medium-sized apple. Macintosh, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady apples are great options.
- Chicken Broth Substitution: If you have chicken broth, I recommend using it in this recipe because it adds flavor to the meatballs. If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth. In a pinch, you can use water.
- Ground Turkey To Use: We used 99% fat-free ground turkey breast in this recipe. You could substitute it for 93% lean ground turkey, 85% lean ground turkey, or ground chicken.
- Make These Meatballs Gluten-Free: To make these meatballs gluten-free, use a gluten-free boxed stuffing mix.
- Sauté The Ingredients: For added flavor, you can sauté the onions and celery in a skillet over medium heat with a teaspoon of butter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Stuffing Mix In Meatballs?
Yes, you can use stuffing mix in meatballs. It makes for delicious turkey and stuffing meatballs with Thanksgiving flavors. Soften the stuffing mix with warm chicken broth before adding it to the meatball mixture.
How Long Do Turkey And Stuffing Meatballs Last?
These meatballs are best enjoyed within four days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can You Freeze Turkey Stuffing Meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze these meatballs. Let them cool completely and transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Freeze them for 1-2 months.
More Recipes To Try Next!
- Gluten-Free Turkey Meatballs
- Italian Turkey Meatloaf
- Homemade Pumpkin Pie
- Easy Turkey Burgers
- Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
- Cheesy Smashed Potatoes
If you try this recipe please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you.
Nutrition Facts
16 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories98
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
1.4g
2%
- Saturated Fat 0.2g 0%
- Cholesterol 38mg 13%
- Sodium 273mg 12%
- Total Carbohydrate
11.6g
4%
- Dietary Fiber 0.7g 0%
- Sugars 1.8g
- Protein 9.7g 18%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Do you have a low point gravy recipe?
Yes, we have one that is coming out Monday! It is super delicious! Thank you so much for asking, if you need the recipe before then just email me and I will be more than happy to send it to you!
Is it 4 cups of boxed stuffing ? Because one box is 2 cups but you don’t reference using 2 boxes. I haven’t made it yet but seems east for make ahead.
Hello, the box of stuffing we used is much larger with about 6-8 cups total, and we used 4 cups of the dried mix, but not to worry. If the total boxed stuffing you have only has two cups dried stuffing mix you can use two full boxes for a total of 4 cups. Or, you can use the one box and half the amount of ground turkey, chicken broth, onion, and celery. Still use a full egg.
These are delicious and so easy!!
We are so glad you enjoyed the meatballs! Thank you so much for letting us know! Now you can have an effortless Thanksgiving anytime – just make sure to keep some stuffing mix on hand!
Love this recipe . Has anyone tried this as a potluck in a crock pot with the gravy? Wondering how they would hold up?
Hello Patti, thank you so much for the wonderful review, we are so happy you are enjoying the recipe! We have not tried making them in the Crockpot. But, I’m sure you could cook them first so they hold their shape and then put them in the Crockpot with some gravy to keep them warm. We have a Crockpot chicken and gravy recipe coming soon that you may enjoy!
Really easy and very tasty. I sautéed the onion and celery as suggested in hints.
My husband has requested these for Thanksgiving!! We usually have a rotisserie chicken but he loved these meatballs so I will be making for the holiday. Thanks for making my life easier and for helping me with my WW journey 💕
Hi Mary, I’m so glad the meatballs turned out so well and that your husband loved them! It’s amazing that they’re going to be part of your Thanksgiving celebration! I’m happy to be a small part of your WW journey and to help make things a bit easier. Wishing you a beautiful holiday filled with delicious food and great memories!