Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs

These turkey and stuffing meatballs are Christmas in a mouthful. Christmas lunch is one of my favourite meals of the year but it does require a huge amount of work. This delicious recipe gives you classic Christmas ingredients and flavours—turkey, sausage meat, sage and onion—with a fraction of the work. These turkey and stuffing meatballs are easy to make, quick to prepare, and is packed with flavour. To make things even easier, you can simply bake the mixture in a loaf pan like you would a meatloaf.

Fancy making the Christmas Lunch Bowl pictured above? Pair this recipe with my Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta and Maple and my Maple Roasted Carrots and Parsnips. And if you want the full Christmas experience, just add some roast potatoes and gravy.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Ingredient Breakdown
• The Beauty of Combining Flavours
• Versatility: Meatballs or Meatloaf?
• A Quick and Easy Christmas Fix
• Tips for the Perfect Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs
• Final Thoughts

Introduction

Christmas lunch is one of those meals that we look forward to all year. The combination of classic festive ingredients, rich flavours, and the joy of sharing it with loved ones makes it truly special. But let’s face it: the preparation can be exhausting. That’s where my Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs come in. They’re a delightful way to enjoy all those beloved Christmas flavours with far less effort. These turkey and stuffing meatballs combine turkey, sausage meat, sage, and onion. Rolled into perfect bite-sized morsels, they deliver the taste of Christmas in every bite.

Ingredient Breakdown

• Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and moisture to the meatballs, ensuring they’re tender and juicy.
• Dried sage: A classic herb that brings that unmistakable taste of Christmas stuffing.
• Fine breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat mixture together while adding a soft texture.
• Boiling water: Hydrates the breadcrumbs, creating a softer texture in the meatballs.
• Large egg: Acts as a binder, holding the meatball mixture together without drying it out.
• Turkey mince: Provides a lean yet flavourful base. Leg mince is preferable for its richer taste and moisture content, while breast mince can be too lean and dry.
• Good-quality pork sausage meat: Adds fat, flavour, and a bit of indulgence to the meatballs.

The Beauty of Combining Flavours

The beauty of this Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you’re able to capture the essence of Christmas. The combination of turkey mince and sausage meat creates a balance of lean and fatty meat, ensuring the meatballs are moist and flavourful. The grated onion adds a hint of sweetness and keeps the mixture from drying out. Dried sage is the star herb here, evoking the classic stuffing flavours that are synonymous with Christmas.

The fine breadcrumbs play a dual role. They not only help bind the mixture together but also contribute to a softer texture, preventing the meatballs from becoming too dense. A splash of boiling water ensures the breadcrumbs hydrate properly, while the beaten egg helps to bind everything together without making the meatballs tough. The key to achieving the perfect texture is to avoid overmixing, which can lead to dense, tough meatballs. Light hands make light work!

Versatility: Meatballs or Meatloaf?

This Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs recipe offers flexibility depending on your preference or the occasion. Rolling the mixture into meatballs is perfect for a party appetiser or a light meal. They roast quickly in the oven, developing a golden, slightly crispy exterior while remaining juicy inside. Lightly oiling your hands before rolling the meatballs makes the process smoother and prevents sticking.

Alternatively, if you want to save time or serve a more substantial dish, baking the mixture in a loaf pan is an excellent option. This method is reminiscent of a traditional meatloaf but with all the festive flavours packed in. The loaf pan allows for a thicker, more robust texture, which pairs beautifully with a generous serving of gravy. Just pop it in the oven, set a timer, and let the warmth of your kitchen do the rest. This is especially handy when you’re juggling multiple dishes during the busy festive season.

A Quick and Easy Christmas Fix

What makes this Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs recipe truly stand out is its convenience. You get all the flavours of a traditional Christmas meal without the hours of preparation and cooking. The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. It’s perfect for those moments when you crave a taste of Christmas but don’t have the time or energy to prepare an entire feast.

These turkey and stuffing meatballs are also an excellent choice for batch cooking. You can easily double the recipe, prepare a large batch, and freeze them for later. When you’re in need of a quick dinner or an easy appetiser, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer. They make an excellent addition to a Christmas-themed buffet or as a main dish when paired with sides.

Tips for the Perfect Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs

• Use a mixture of meats: The combination of turkey and sausage meat balances leanness and flavour, preventing dry meatballs.
• Don’t overmix: Overworking the mixture can lead to dense, tough meatballs. Mix until just combined.
• Lightly oil your hands: This prevents the mixture from sticking to your hands and makes rolling the meatballs easier.
• Roast, don’t fry: Roasting in the oven helps to develop a nice crust on the meatballs while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
• Try different herbs: While sage is a classic, you can experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavour profile.

Final Thoughts

These Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs offer a comforting, delicious, and stress-free way to enjoy the flavours of Christmas. They bring together the essence of a festive meal in a simple, approachable recipe that can be prepared in a fraction of the time. Whether you serve them as part of a Christmas Lunch Bowl or on their own with some gravy and roast potatoes, these turkey and stuffing meatballs are sure to be a hit. So, this festive season, give yourself a break without compromising on taste—let these meatballs be your new go-to for a quick Christmas fix.

For more Christmas recipes, check out my Christmas Recipe Collection, where you’ll find a curated selection of festive recipes, perfect for the holiday season. From indulgent mains and comforting sides to delightful desserts and warming drinks, each recipe is crafted to bring joy to your Christmas celebrations.