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Savory Turkey Meatballs with Stuffing and Cranberries

turkey meatballs - featured image

These savory turkey and stuffing meatballs with cranberries are like little bites of holiday magic. They’re tender, bursting with flavor, and the perfect way to enjoy all the best parts of a traditional turkey dinner—without the hassle of baking a whole bird!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 cup stuffing mix (about 100g)
  • 1/2 cup milk (120ml)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (30g)
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries (25g)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (30g)
  • 1 large egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for greasing baking sheet
  • Gravy or cranberry sauce (optional for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup (about 100g) of stuffing mix with 1/2 cup (120ml) of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to soften.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, add 1 lb (450g) of ground turkey, the soaked stuffing mix, 1/4 cup (30g) finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup (25g) dried cranberries, 2 tablespoons (30g) chopped fresh parsley, 1 large egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix gently until well combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
  4. Use your hands to form the mixture into small balls, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each meatball.
  5. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Check for doneness by slicing one open—it should no longer be pink inside.
  6. Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair them with gravy, cranberry sauce, or enjoy them as-is.

Notes

[‘Don’t overmix the ingredients to keep the meatballs tender.’, ‘Wet your hands slightly before shaping the meatballs to prevent sticking.’, ‘Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).’, ‘Feel free to experiment with herbs and spices like thyme or rosemary for added flavor.’, ‘If using fresh cranberries instead of dried, add a little sugar to balance the tartness.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Turkey meatballs, stuffing, cranberries, holiday recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, baked meatballs