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Healthy Apple Cider Turkey Meatballs Recipe

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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/healthy-apple-cider-turkey-meatballs-recipe/