Healthy Apple Cider Turkey Meatballs Recipe
These Healthy Apple Cider Turkey Meatballs are a flavorful and wholesome dish featuring lean ground turkey seasoned with warm spices and fresh herbs, then pan-seared to a golden brown and coated in a tangy apple cider glaze sweetened with maple syrup. Perfect for a nutritious family dinner, these meatballs deliver a delicious balance of savory and sweet with a comforting autumn-inspired twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs (serves 4) 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
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
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: 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, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, salt, black pepper, and grated parmesan cheese if using. Gently mix with clean hands until just combined, taking care not to overmix to ensure tender meatballs.
- Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into approximately 20 meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, roughly the size of a tablespoon each, for even cooking and consistent size.
- Heat the Skillet: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat until shimmering, indicating the oil is hot enough to sear the meatballs properly.
- Cook the Meatballs: Carefully add the meatballs to the skillet in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning occasionally, until they are evenly browned all over. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 8-10 minutes total. Remove meatballs to a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm.
- Make the Apple Cider Glaze: In the same skillet with the meat drippings, add 1 cup apple cider, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the glaze reduces by half and thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Coat the Meatballs in Glaze: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet and gently toss to coat them thoroughly with the apple cider glaze. Simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes until the meatballs are heated through and well glazed.
- Serve: Plate the meatballs hot, optionally garnishing with additional fresh herbs such as sage or thyme for extra flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy as a hearty main dish perfect for any season.
Notes
- Using 93% lean ground turkey keeps the meatballs healthy while still moist.
- Be careful not to overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender and juicy.
- Cook the meatballs in batches if your skillet is small to avoid overcrowding and ensure even browning.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried sage and thyme can be used—use about one-third of the fresh quantity.
- The glaze can be prepared ahead of time and reheated gently before coating the meatballs.
- Serve with whole grain sides or steamed vegetables to keep the meal balanced and nutritious.
Keywords: healthy turkey meatballs, apple cider meatballs, autumn recipes, low fat meatballs, skillet meatballs, maple syrup glaze, lean ground turkey recipe
