When the holidays roll around, there’s something irresistible about cozy, home-cooked meals that bring warmth to every bite. Turkey and stuffing meatballs combine everything you love about Thanksgiving — the savory turkey, the herby stuffing, and that touch of comfort — into one easy, delicious dish. Whether baked or air-fried, they make the perfect centerpiece for your festive table or a weeknight dinner twist. Learn more about cozy fall dishes in our autumn wild rice soup.
The Magic of Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs
Why This Recipe Defines Comfort Food
There’s a reason this dish feels like a hug in food form. Combining juicy ground turkey with flavorful stuffing mix creates meatballs that are moist, tender, and bursting with herbs. The stuffing mix acts as both a binder and a flavor enhancer, giving every bite that homemade Thanksgiving taste.
How Turkey and Stuffing Combine for Perfect Flavor and Texture
Unlike typical beef or pork meatballs, turkey is lean and benefits from the richness of the stuffing. When mixed together, the stuffing absorbs moisture, keeping the meatballs soft on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside. Add a hint of dried sage, parsley, and a dash of salt, and you’ve got a recipe that smells like holidays.
Check out our comforting creamy chicken and rice soup — it pairs beautifully with this dish for cozy nights.
Ingredients & Prep for the Best Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs
The Must-Have Ingredients for Authentic Taste
Here’s what you’ll need for classic turkey and stuffing meatballs:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground turkey (93% lean) | 1 lb |
| Boxed stuffing mix (herb-flavored) | 1 cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Chicken broth | ½ cup |
| Dried cranberries (optional) | ¼ cup |
| Parsley | 1 tbsp, chopped |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
This combination keeps things simple but full of depth. The chicken broth softens the stuffing, and the egg binds everything together naturally.
How to Prep Everything Ahead for Smooth Cooking
Prepping is key. Combine the stuffing mix and broth first — let it sit until soft. Then gently fold in ground turkey, egg, and herbs. Avoid overmixing; that’s the secret to tender meatballs. Shape them into 1½-inch balls, ready for the oven or air fryer.
Step-by-Step Recipe (No Pork, No Bacon, No Wine)
Mixing the Turkey, Stuffing, and Binding Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, mix the softened stuffing with the turkey and seasonings. Use clean hands or a spatula to blend everything evenly. Each scoop should hold together firmly without crumbling.
Baking or Air-Frying for the Perfect Golden Crust
For baking, line a tray with parchment paper and place the meatballs evenly spaced. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until internal temperature hits 165°F. For an air fryer version, cook at 375°F for about 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
Once done, drizzle with a touch of gravy or cranberry glaze. Don’t miss our crockpot butternut squash soup for a creamy side that complements these perfectly.
Delicious Variations — Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
Old-Fashioned Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
This nostalgic version adds dried cranberries directly into the mix for a sweet, tart burst in every bite. It’s ideal for family dinners and pairs beautifully with classic gravy or cranberry sauce.
Easy Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Pioneer Woman–Style
Inspired by homestyle cooking, this easy method skips pre-soaking the stuffing. Instead, everything mixes together at once for a more rustic texture. Perfect when you need a hearty dish without much prep time.
For a tangy twist, serve with a spoonful of cranberry orange chicken glaze.
Serving Ideas & Pairings for Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs
Best Sides and Sauces to Serve with Turkey Meatballs
These meatballs shine with traditional sides — creamy mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or sweet potato mash. For a lighter option, pair them with our marry me chicken soup or a simple salad drizzled with vinaigrette.
Creative Serving Ideas for Parties and Holidays
Serve them skewered as appetizers, or set up a “holiday meatball bar” with different sauces — cranberry glaze, turkey gravy, or honey-mustard dip. These make-ahead wonders are freezer-friendly and reheat beautifully for meal prep.
FAQs
Old-Fashioned Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
These are classic meatballs that combine ground turkey, bread stuffing, and cranberries. They’re a nostalgic nod to traditional Thanksgiving stuffing.
Easy Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
Mix everything together quickly and bake — this version is perfect for weeknights or small gatherings.
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
To make this at home, use 1 pound of turkey, 1 cup of stuffing mix, ½ cup broth, and seasonings. Bake until golden and serve with cranberry sauce.
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Pioneer Woman
Inspired by the Pioneer Woman’s cozy cooking, this variation adds butter and fresh herbs but stays alcohol-free and pork-free.
conclucion
Turkey and stuffing meatballs bring all the flavors of the holidays in an easy, shareable form. They’re rich, moist, and comforting without being heavy — ideal for family dinners, parties, or meal prep. Skip complicated roasts and enjoy something that feels like a celebration every time.
Looking for inspiration? Try our honey lime chicken creamy avocado rice next — another crowd-pleaser bursting with flavor.
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Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs — A Comforting Holiday Classic
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs (about 4 servings) 1x
Description
These Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs bring all the warm, nostalgic flavors of the holidays into one easy, delicious recipe. Made with lean ground turkey, herby stuffing mix, and a hint of cranberry, they’re tender, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prep. No pork, no bacon, and no wine — just wholesome comfort food.
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
1 cup boxed stuffing mix (herb-flavored)
½ cup chicken broth
1 large egg
¼ cup dried cranberries (optional)
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp dried sage (optional for extra holiday flavor)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine stuffing mix and broth. Let sit 3–5 minutes until softened.
In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, egg, parsley, cranberries, and seasonings. Add the softened stuffing mixture.
Gently combine until evenly mixed — do not overwork the meat.
Shape into 1½-inch balls and place evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are golden brown.
(Optional) For air-fryer method: Air fry at 375°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serve warm with cranberry sauce or turkey gravy.
Notes
For extra moisture, use a tablespoon of olive oil in the mix.
These meatballs freeze well. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or over rice for a hearty meal.
Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light and tender
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Main Course / Appetizer
- Method: Baking / Air Frying
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 meatballs
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: turkey and stuffing meatballs, cranberry turkey stuffing balls, easy holiday meatballs, Thanksgiving meatballs, turkey recipe
