Ground Turkey Swedish Meatballs are my go-to when I want something comforting but not heavy. You know those evenings you’re craving old-school flavor, but your skinny jeans are begging for mercy? Yep, this is it. Plus, I used to think making these beauties was way above my pay grade, but then I found out how simple the process can be. Actually, if you’re curious about all kinds of Swedish meatball twists, there’s a spot with an easy Swedish meatballs recipe that’s worth a peek. These ground turkey wonders seriously check every box: smart, tasty, and friendly for your busy weeknight.
Why This Recipe Works
Alright, so here’s why I will swear by this. Using ground turkey instead of beef slashes the heavy factor, but oh, they still taste rich. You won’t miss beef, I promise. The seasoning brings all the savory, herby vibes, and there’s still that classic creamy sauce (but lightened up, of course).
It’s like grandma’s secret recipe, just a bit more 2024-friendly. And you don’t need chef-level skills — I’m talking fork-mash, roll, brown, simmer. Even with turkey, you get juicy, tender meatballs every time. It’s almost weird how good and easy it is, honestly.
I brought these to a family gathering once, and nobody even guessed there was turkey in them. My aunt nearly fainted when she found out. That’s the vibe.
“These might just be my favorite weeknight dinner now. Even my picky 12-year-old cleared his plate. And that never happens.”—Megan from Cincinnati
How to Make Ground Turkey Swedish Meatballs
Let’s just get it out there: you don’t need fancy gadgets, and the cleanup is totally manageable. Mix your ground turkey with breadcrumbs, a splash of milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley (fresh or dried, both work). I usually just go in with my hands — it’s kind of satisfying in a goofy way.
Roll the mixture into little balls (think about the size of a golf ball, or maybe a toddler’s bouncy ball). Pop them in a hot pan with olive oil and brown them all around. Don’t stress about perfection — as long as they’re cooked through, you’re good.
Once your meatballs look golden, pull them out. In the same pan, whisk together a little flour and broth (chicken broth works best, in my opinion), then add a big spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or light sour cream for creaminess. Stir those meatballs back in, simmer, and let them soak all that goodness.
I’m telling you, the sauce soaks in, and magic happens. Cozy magic.
Expert Tips and Variations
Alright, small confessions — I’m all about shortcuts and tweaks. Swapping a bit of the turkey with ground chicken makes these even softer. Some days, I toss in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard into the sauce to dial up that tang (try it once — just trust me).
Not into dairy? Unsweetened almond milk and a dollop of dairy-free yogurt pull it off pretty well. If you want gluten-free, sub oat flour or almond meal for the breadcrumbs. I even dumped in chopped spinach once to sneak in greens and nobody blinked. Use what you’ve got, don’t stress if it’s not perfect.
And the sauce? If it gets too thick, splash in extra broth. Life’s too short for pasty gravy.
What do I serve with Swedish Meatballs?
- Mashed potatoes: No shocker, right? Classic and unbeatable, in my humble opinion.
- Egg noodles: When you want a “Grandma’s kitchen” vibe but are short on time.
- Steamed green beans or broccoli: Gotta get those veggies in somehow. Simple, fast, tasty.
- Lingonberry jam: Not a must, but the sweet-tart pop is surprisingly awesome if you’re feeling fancy.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Let’s keep it honest — these Ground Turkey Swedish Meatballs will not derail your week. For a typical serving (about four meatballs with sauce), you’ll get roughly 210 calories, 26 grams protein, and 9 grams fat (way less than traditional recipes). Carbs depend on what you serve with them, so sub in cauli mash or zucchini noodles to keep things lighter.
Also worth noting: turkey’s a lean protein, so you’ll feel full but not bogged down. I mean, I’m not a certified expert, but my belt says it works.
Common Questions
Can I prep these ahead?
Absolutely! Make the meatballs, brown ‘em, cool, and freeze. Thaw and simmer in sauce when you’re ready.
Can I swap out the turkey for something else?
Yep, chicken works great, or even lean ground pork if you’re feeling wild.
What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
Crushed crackers, panko, or even oats blitzed in a blender do the trick.
Is the sauce supposed to be super thick?
Not really. Thin it with more broth if it sets up too much.
How do leftovers hold up?
Better than you’d think! They keep in the fridge for a few days and taste just as awesome reheated.
Ready to Make Your Own Cozy Classic?
You’ve got all the tips you need to whip up Ground Turkey Swedish Meatballs like you’ve been doing it forever. It’s my comfort food hero that even passed the picky-kid test. If you need one more spin on this, the Easy Turkey Swedish Meatballs – Healthy Recipe breaks it down with more healthy ideas. For even more variety, check out the easy Swedish meatballs recipe and dive into your next kitchen adventure.
Trust me, you’ll shock yourself by how easy these can be. Give it a try and let me know if you become as obsessed as I am.
Print
Ground Turkey Swedish Meatballs
A comforting, lighter twist on classic Swedish meatballs using ground turkey, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons parsley (fresh or dried)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or light sour cream
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the ground turkey with breadcrumbs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley until combined.
- Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.
- In a hot pan, heat olive oil and brown the meatballs on all sides.
- Remove meatballs from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, whisk together flour and chicken broth.
- Add Greek yogurt or light sour cream to the pan and mix until creamy.
- Return meatballs to the pan, simmer, and let them soak in the sauce for a few minutes.
Notes
These meatballs can be made ahead and frozen for convenience. Try swapping ground turkey with ground chicken for a softer texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
- Diet: Paleo
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Swedish meatballs, ground turkey, comfort food, easy dinner, healthy recipe