Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs

These turkey meatballs are inspired by classic Thanksgiving flavors, made lighter and easier for everyday cooking. Juicy, well-seasoned, and baked in the oven, they’re perfect served with gravy, mashed potatoes, or tucked into sandwiches.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Made with lean ground turkey

• Juicy and flavorful, not dry

• Oven-baked and easy to prepare

• Perfect for meal prep or leftovers

• Cozy, comforting flavors without the fuss

Ingredients notes

• Ground turkey: Use lean ground turkey for the best balance of moisture and flavor.

• Breadcrumbs: Help keep the meatballs tender and prevent them from drying out.

• Egg: Acts as a binder and keeps the mixture cohesive.

• Onion & garlic: Add depth and savory flavor throughout.

• Herbs: Sage and thyme give these meatballs a classic, seasonal taste.

• Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the meatballs brown evenly.

How to make Turkey Meatballs

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic, olive oil, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs dense.

Using your hands or a scoop, form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one.

Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly golden on the outside.

Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with gravy, roasted vegetables, or your favorite sides.

Image credit: Demo recipe images are credited to Minimalist Baker and are used solely for preview and demonstration purposes.