Name: Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 lb. mushrooms, finely chopped (about 3 cups); 1 cup onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 large onion); 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped; 1 lb. ground turkey breast; 1/2 cup coarsely ground cornmeal or dry cornbread stuffing; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1 egg, lightly beaten; 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Imagine all the best flavors of your holiday table—juicy turkey, fragrant herbs, and bursts of sweet cranberry—snuggled together in a tender bite you can just pop in your mouth. That’s the magic of Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs! This twist on a classic lets you savor Thanksgiving vibes any time of year, whether you’re planning a festive gathering or just want a cozy, weeknight treat. With just the right balance of savory and sweet, these meatballs are irresistible for guests and family alike.

Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs is how the ingredient list is short, simple, and packed with flavor. Each component has a role—whether it’s for moisture, texture, or that gorgeous hit of holiday seasoning—that makes every bite memorable.

Mushrooms: Finely chopped mushrooms add both earthiness and moisture, keeping the meatballs tender without overpowering the turkey flavor.
Onion: Chopped onion softens and sweetens during cooking, bringing depth and a gentle bite to the mix.
Celery: Essential for a little crunch and a classic stuffing taste, celery rounds out the holiday flavors.
Ground turkey breast: The heart of the recipe—lean, mild, and perfect for soaking up those herby notes.
Cornmeal or dry cornbread stuffing: This binds everything and gives a nostalgic, stuffing-like texture you’ll crave!
Dried cranberries: Chewy and tart, cranberries punctuate the savory meatballs with bright pops of sweetness.
Egg: A single egg holds the mixture together so your meatballs stay perfectly shaped.
Poultry seasoning: The shortcut to holiday flavor! It infuses the meatballs with sage, thyme, and just the right aroma.
Garlic powder: Adds a background savoriness and melds effortlessly with the other spices.
Kosher salt: A necessary boost that lets all the flavors shine.
Black pepper: A little bite to tie everything together and keep the flavors lively.

How to Make Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs

Step 1: Get Ready to Bake

Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper for an easy clean-up, or brush it lightly with a bit of oil so the meatballs don’t stick. Taking a few moments to prep your pan now means less stress later and beautifully baked Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs.

Step 2: Mix the Magic

In a generously sized bowl, add the chopped mushrooms, onion, celery, ground turkey, cornmeal or stuffing, dried cranberries, egg, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your clean (or gloved) hands, or a sturdy spoon, to gently combine everything. The key is to mix just until combined so the meat stays tender—not tough!

Step 3: Shape Your Meatballs

Using a meatball scoop, small ice cream scoop, or even a melon baller, portion out the mixture into 24 evenly sized meatballs, about 1½ inches across. Roll them gently between your palms to smooth their shape, then set them on your prepared pan with a little space (at least 1 inch) between each. Spreading them out lets that heat circulate, giving you perfectly browned Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs every time.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pan onto the center rack and let the meatballs bake uncovered for 18 to 22 minutes. You’re looking for a golden exterior and an interior temperature of 165ºF. Using a meat thermometer takes the guesswork out—no one likes dry turkey! When they’re done, they’ll look beautifully browned and irresistible.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once your Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs have cooled for a few minutes, transfer them to a serving platter. I love sprinkling chopped parsley over the top for a fresh pop of green. For an extra treat, put out a bowl of cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping—it’s a total crowd-pleaser!

How to Serve Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs

Garnishes

For a finishing touch that wows, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over your Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs just before serving. A light dusting of flaky sea salt or a quick grate of lemon zest can also add a zingy brightness and make the platter just pop with color at the table.

Side Dishes

Serve your meatballs alongside creamy mashed potatoes, classic green beans, or roasted root veggies for cozy, holiday-inspired comfort. If you’re hosting a party, offer toothpicks and bowls of cranberry sauce or turkey gravy for that perfect bite-sized, dippable experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Pop Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs onto mini skewers for instant party appeal or pile them atop slider buns with lettuce and cranberry mayo for a fun Friendsgiving spin. Arrange them atop a bed of sautéed greens or include them on a platter with cubes of cheddar and pickles for an appetizer board that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs store like a dream! Once cooled, tuck them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. They’re just as flavorful the next day—making them perfect for lunchboxes or easy dinners.

Freezing

To freeze, let the meatballs cool completely, then arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. This keeps them from sticking together. You can stash them away for up to three months—a lifesaver for busy weeks or unexpected guests.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs in a 350ºF oven until warmed through, about 10 minutes if thawed. You can also zap them in the microwave if you’re short on time, just cover with a damp paper towel to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?

Absolutely! While ground turkey is classic for that holiday flavor, ground chicken works seamlessly, and even beef will result in savory, hearty meatballs. Just keep an eye on fat content and adjust your cook time as needed.

What kind of stuffing mix works best?

Any dry cornbread stuffing mix will do the trick, but even plain cornmeal creates a wonderful texture if that’s what you have. Avoid wet, prepared stuffing though; it can make the meatballs too moist to hold together.

How fine should I chop the vegetables?

Go for a very fine chop—think the size of a pea or smaller—so they cook quickly and blend into the mixture. A few pulses in a food processor makes this task a breeze and ensures the meatballs hold together beautifully.

Can I make these Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs gluten free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute a gluten free stuffing mix or certified gluten free cornmeal, and double check that your other ingredients (like poultry seasoning) are gluten free as well.

Do I have to use dried cranberries?

No worries if you want to leave them out! The cranberries add a pop of color and subtle sweetness, but your Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs will still be delicious without them. Chopped dried apricots or golden raisins make great substitutes as well.

Final Thoughts

If you crave those cozy holiday flavors but want something a little different (and way less effort!), Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs are about to become a new favorite. Every bite has that heartwarming, festive magic and they’re perfect for sharing at any gathering—or simply enjoying as a treat for yourself. Give them a try and watch them disappear. Happy cooking!

Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs Recipe