Tiếng ViệtAre you tired of dry, bland turkey? Traditional turkey can be a bit of a snooze-fest. Here at AK FOOD, we will introduce the ultimate turkey and dressing meatballs recipe, bursting with flavor and guaranteed to become a new family favorite.
These juicy, tender meatballs are packed with all the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving dinner but in a fun, easy-to-eat package. Whether you’re looking for a healthier weeknight dinner, a creative appetizer for your next gathering, or a delicious way to use up leftover turkey, this recipe is a surefire winner.
Turkey and dressing meatballs
What are turkey and dressing meatballs?
Origin
While the exact origin remains unclear, turkey and dressing meatballs likely emerged in American kitchens sometime in the mid-20th century, alongside the rising popularity of convenience foods and creative recipe adaptations.
This innovative dish cleverly combines the traditional flavors of the beloved American Thanksgiving feast – succulent turkey and savory stuffing (also known as dressing) – into a convenient and flavorful meatball form.
This makes turkey and dressing meatballs a fantastic way to enjoy those classic flavors.
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Ingredients
Turkey and dressing meatballs feature a simple yet satisfying blend of ground turkey, stuffing mix, aromatic vegetables like onions and celery, and a touch of seasoning.
The addition of chicken broth is essential for adding moisture and ensuring the meatballs stay tender, while eggs act as a binder, holding everything together. These core ingredients create the foundation for delicious turkey and dressing meatballs.
Variations
The beauty of turkey and dressing meatballs lies in their adaptability. Some cooks embrace the festive spirit, incorporating dried cranberries into their turkey and dressing meatballs for the sweetness and tartness.
Others opt for a more savory approach, adding fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and parsley to elevate the flavor profile. No matter your preference, it is a turkey and dressing meatball variation for you.
Dried cranberries
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Ingredients of turkey and dressing meatballs
This recipe yields approximately 12-15 turkey and dressing meatballs, perfect for serving 4-6 people.
Essential Ingredients
1 pound ground turkey
2 cups stuffing mix (your favorite variety)
1 cup chicken broth
2 large eggs
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped celery
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 tablespoon fresh herbs (such as sage, thyme, parsley), chopped
Add a tablespoon of Worcestershire to the mix
How to cook turkey and dressing meatballs
Make the meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking your turkey and dressing meatballs or heat a large skillet over medium heat if pan-frying.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, stuffing mix, chicken broth, eggs, onion, celery, garlic, salt, and pepper. This will form the base of your turkey and dressing meatballs.
- If desired, add cranberries, fresh herbs, and Worcestershire sauce to the turkey and dressing meatball mixture.
- Using clean hands, gently combine all the ingredients until just incorporated. For tender meatballs, do not overwork the mixture.
- Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, about 1 ½ to 2 inches in diameter.
Cook the meatballs
Baking method
- Place the formed turkey and dressing meatballs onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F (74°C).
Meatballs cooked by baking method
Pan-frying method
- Add a tablespoon of olive oil or cooking spray to the preheated skillet.
- Carefully place the turkey and dressing meatballs in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned on all sides and cooked through.
Meatballs cooked by pan-frying method
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Tips for Perfect Turkey and Dressing Meatballs
When making turkey and dressing meatballs, keep these tips in mind to ensure a delicious outcome:
Ensuring moisture and flavor
Use enough chicken broth to keep the mixture moist
Chicken broth is essential for creating moist and flavorful turkey and dressing meatballs. The broth moistens the stuffing mix, ensuring the meatballs stay tender and don’t dry out during cooking. However, don’t just stop at adding enough broth. To further enhance moisture and flavor, try these ideas:
- Substitute some of the broth with an egg yolk: The richness of the yolk adds incredible moisture and binds the mixture beautifully.
- Experiment with different broths: While chicken broth is classic, consider using turkey broth for a more intense flavor. Vegetable broth works well as a lighter option.
Avoid overmixing to prevent tough meatballs
Overmixing the meatball mixture can lead to tough, dense meatballs. Mix the ingredients gently until combined to avoid developing the gluten in the ground turkey. Here’s how to achieve a lighter texture:
- Use a light hand: Instead of aggressively mixing, use your fingertips to gently combine the ingredients.
- It’s perfectly fine if the mixture isn’t completely homogenous. A few small lumps of stuffing mix won’t hurt and can even add a bit of textural variation.
Flavor Enhancements
Experiment with different herbs and spices
Fresh or dried herbs and spices can significantly elevate the flavor profile of your turkey and dressing meatballs. Sage, thyme, rosemary, and poultry seasoning all pair beautifully with the turkey and stuffing flavors. Discover your favorite blend by playing around with different spice combinations.
Add a touch of Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor
A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds a savory depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the turkey and dressing meatballs. The umami notes in Worcestershire sauce complement the other savory elements in the dish.
Worcestershire sauce
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Conclusion
So, ditch the dry turkey this time and treat your family to a burst of flavor with this “Juicy & Flavorful: The Best Turkey and Dressing Meatball Recipe.” These turkey and dressing meatballs are incredibly easy to make, adaptable to your taste, and guaranteed to satisfy.
Head over to the AK FOOD website for more delicious and healthy dishes and cooking tips to explore our range of high-quality ingredients. Follow us for the latest updates, new recipes, and exclusive culinary content!
Anh Kim Food Production Joint Stock Company (AK FOOD)
Phone number: 028 3815 9696
Email: contact@akfood.com.vn
Address: Lot III – 1B, Street 1, Tan Binh Industrial Park, Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh City