Healthy Apple Cider Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

These Healthy Apple Cider Turkey Meatballs offer a flavorful and wholesome twist on classic meatballs. Infused with warm spices and coated in a sweet apple cider glaze, they make a perfect main dish for a family dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (16 oz) 93% lean ground turkey
• 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup apple cider
• 1/2 small onion, very finely diced (about 1/4 cup)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the glaze:

• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Pinch of cinnamon

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, whole wheat breadcrumbs, beaten egg, 1/4 cup apple cider, diced onion, minced garlic, chopped sage, thyme leaves, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese if using.
2. Step 2: Using clean hands, gently mix all ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
3. Step 3: Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, roughly 1 tablespoon each. You should get about 20 meatballs.
4. Step 4: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
5. Step 5: Carefully add the meatballs to the skillet, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
6. Step 6: Cook the meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F, about 8-10 minutes total.
7. Step 7: Transfer cooked meatballs to a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm.
8. Step 8: In the same skillet with the drippings, add 1 cup apple cider, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and a pinch of cinnamon.
9. Step 9: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the mixture is reduced by half and slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
10. Step 10: Return the meatballs to the skillet and gently toss to coat them in the glaze.
11. Step 11: Simmer for another 1-2 minutes until the meatballs are heated through and evenly glazed.
12. Step 12: Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried can be substituted in a pinch (use about one-third of the amount).
• For a nut-free option, omit the parmesan cheese or replace with nutritional yeast for a cheesy note.
• Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a hint of spice.
• These meatballs also work well baked in the oven at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze meatballs (without glaze) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months; thaw before reheating and adding glaze.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken is a great substitute and will yield similarly tender and flavorful meatballs.

Is whole wheat breadcrumb necessary?

You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko if whole wheat isn’t available, but whole wheat adds extra fiber and a nuttier flavor.

Healthy Apple Cider Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 82 reviews

These Healthy Apple Cider Turkey Meatballs combine lean ground turkey with warm spices and fresh herbs, finished with a sweet and tangy apple cider glaze. Perfectly cooked in a skillet, these meatballs are a nutritious and flavorful main dish that is easy to prepare and ideal for a family meal.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 20 meatballs (serves 4) 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 1 pound (16 oz) 93% lean ground turkey
• 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup apple cider
• 1/2 small onion, very finely diced (about 1/4 cup)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Glaze

• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Pinch of cinnamon

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, whole wheat breadcrumbs, beaten egg, 1/4 cup apple cider, finely diced onion, minced garlic, chopped fresh sage, fresh thyme leaves, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, black pepper, and grated parmesan cheese if using. Gently mix everything together with clean hands just until combined to avoid tough meatballs.
2. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter, about 1 tablespoon of mixture each. This should yield around 20 meatballs.
3. Heat Oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering and hot.
4. Cook Meatballs: Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning occasionally, until browned evenly and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F, approximately 8-10 minutes total.
5. Keep Meatballs Warm: Transfer cooked meatballs to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm while preparing the glaze.
6. Prepare Glaze: In the same skillet with the meatball drippings, add 1 cup apple cider, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of cinnamon. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the glaze is reduced by half and slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Glaze Meatballs: Return the meatballs to the skillet and gently toss them in the glaze to coat evenly.
8. Final Simmer: Let the meatballs simmer in the glaze for another 1-2 minutes until heated through and well coated with the flavorful sauce.
9. Serve: Serve the meatballs hot, optionally garnished with additional fresh herbs like sage or thyme for extra aroma and presentation.

Notes

• Using lean ground turkey keeps the meatballs healthy but be careful not to overcook to keep them moist.
• Fresh herbs add bright flavor; dried herbs can be substituted but reduce quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs reach 165°F for safe consumption.
• Whole wheat breadcrumbs increase fiber content and add texture but regular breadcrumbs can be used if preferred.
• The apple cider glaze lends a subtle sweetness and pairs well with the spices and herbs in the meatballs.
• To make the dish dairy-free, omit the parmesan cheese.
• These meatballs can be doubled easily for larger groups and freeze well for meal prep.

Keywords: turkey meatballs, apple cider glaze, healthy meatballs, low fat dinner, skillet meatballs, autumn recipe