Cranberry Orange Turkey Meatballs – A Sweet and Savory Turkey Meatballs Recipe
If you love the combination of sweet and savory flavors, then these Cranberry Orange Turkey Meatballs are a must-try. This healthy turkey meatballs recipe features lean ground turkey paired with a tangy, citrusy, and slightly sweet cranberry orange sauce that brings everything together. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb dinner, a meal prep option, or a holiday-inspired dish, these meatballs with turkey deliver big flavor without the guilt.
Cranberry Orange Turkey Meatballs | Healthy, Low Carb, and Easy Turkey Meatballs Recipe with a Sweet and Tangy Sauce
DifficultyEasy
Servings4-6
Prep time12 minutes
Cook time20 minutes
Total time35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Turkey Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped, (or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp orange zest
For the Cranberry Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup cup orange juice , (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar , (for depth of flavor)
Let's Get Cooking!
Instructions:
- 1
Make the Turkey Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, rosemary, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and orange zest.
- Mix gently with your hands until just combined—do not overmix.
- Roll into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
- 2
Cook the Turkey Meatballs
Oven Method (Healthier Option):
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place meatballs on the sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes until cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
Skillet Method (For Extra Crispiness):
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sear meatballs for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
- 3
Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Stir in balsamic vinegar and cook for 1 more minute.
- 4
Combine and Serve
- Return the meatballs to the skillet with the sauce.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until the meatballs absorb the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary and orange zest.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Equipment
Recipe Notes and Variations
Recipe Notes for the Best Turkey Meatballs
How to Keep Turkey Meatballs Moist
- Use the Right Ground Turkey: 93% lean turkey is ideal—it has enough fat to keep the meatballs juicy while still being lean. Avoid 99% lean ground turkey, which can dry out easily.
- Add a Binding Agent: Breadcrumbs, almond flour (for low carb), or an egg help retain moisture and prevent dry meatballs.
- Use Fresh Orange Zest and Juice: Fresh citrus enhances the bright, fresh flavors in the sauce and meatballs.
- Simmer the Meatballs in Sauce: Cooking turkey meatballs in sauce keeps them extra tender and moist while infusing them with flavor.
Can I Make These Turkey Meatballs Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make turkey meatballs gluten-free, simply replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko.
What Makes These Turkey Meatballs Healthy?
- High in Protein: With about 28g of protein per serving, these are a great protein-packed meal.
- Low in Calories: Since turkey is leaner than beef or pork, these are lower in calories than traditional meatballs.
- Low Carb Option Available: By using almond flour instead of breadcrumbs, these meatballs become low-carb and keto-friendly.
Variations of Cranberry Orange Turkey Meatballs
1. Cooking Method Variations
✔ Baked Turkey Meatballs (Healthy Option):
- Bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes instead of pan-frying for a lower-fat version.
✔ Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs in Cranberry Sauce:
- After forming the meatballs, place them in a slow cooker and cover with the cranberry sauce.
- Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
✔ Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F and cook for 12-14 minutes, shaking halfway through.
✔ Turkey Meatballs in Dutch Oven:
- Sear meatballs in a Dutch oven, then add the sauce and let it simmer for 20 minutes for extra deep flavors.
2. Sauce & Flavor Variations
✔ Spicy Cranberry Orange Turkey Meatballs:
- Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Drizzle with sriracha honey glaze before serving.
✔ Cranberry BBQ Turkey Meatballs:
- Swap half of the cranberry sauce for ½ cup BBQ sauce for a sweet-smoky twist.
✔ Honey Mustard Cranberry Meatballs:
- Add 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard to the sauce for a tangy contrast.
✔ Balsamic Glazed Turkey Meatballs:
- Replace orange juice with balsamic vinegar for a deeper, richer sauce.
✔ Cranberry Maple Turkey Meatballs:
- Replace honey with pure maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.
✔ Citrus Herb Turkey Meatballs:
- Swap rosemary for thyme or sage for a different flavor profile.
3. Alternative Protein Options
✔ Chicken Meatballs with Cranberry Orange Sauce:
- Swap turkey for ground chicken for a similar lean and healthy option.
✔ Beef or Pork Meatballs:
- Use lean ground beef or ground pork for a richer, more traditional meatball.
✔ Vegetarian Cranberry Orange Meatballs:
- Replace turkey with a mix of mashed chickpeas, quinoa, and flaxseed meal for a plant-based alternative.
4. Side Dish Pairings
✔ Classic Pairings:
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes – A creamy, slightly sweet complement.
- Garlic Herb Rice Pilaf – Light and fluffy, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Buttered Egg Noodles – A comforting, simple side.
✔ Vegetable-Based Sides:
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze – Adds a savory contrast.
- Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds – A fresh, crunchy side.
✔ Light & Fresh Options:
- Arugula Salad with Citrus Dressing – Refreshing and crisp.
- Cranberry Walnut Slaw – A crunchy, tangy complement to the flavors.
✔ Wine Pairing Suggestions:
- White Wine: A Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc enhances the citrus notes.
- Light Red Wine: A Pinot Noir or Zinfandel balances the sweetness of the sauce.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
✔ Make-Ahead Turkey Meatballs:
- Prepare the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the fridge before cooking.
✔ Storage:
- Store leftover turkey meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
✔ Freezing:
- Freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
- Freeze cooked meatballs with sauce for up to 2 months.
✔ Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power to prevent drying out.
- Stovetop: Simmer in extra cranberry-orange sauce to restore moisture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes.
✔ Packed with Flavor: The sweet-tart cranberry orange sauce enhances the savory turkey meatballs.
✔ Healthy and Nutritious: High-protein, low-calorie, and meal-prep friendly.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or meal prep, this dish is versatile and satisfying.
These Cranberry Orange Turkey Meatballs are a delicious, sweet-savory dish that’s healthy, protein-packed, and easy to prepare. Whether you’re making a quick dinner, planning a meal-prep session, or looking for a unique holiday dish, these turkey meatballs with sauce will become a new favorite!
Nutrition
| Calories | 280 |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
| Sugar | 9g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 6g |
History, Evolution, and Inspiration Behind This Recipe
The Classic Appeal of Turkey Meatballs
Turkey meatballs have become a popular alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs, mainly due to their leaner profile and high protein content. While turkey can sometimes be drier than beef, adding moisture-rich ingredients like orange juice, breadcrumbs, or eggs helps maintain a juicy, tender texture.
The inspiration for these cranberry turkey meatballs comes from classic holiday flavors. Cranberries and oranges have long been used in festive dishes across cultures, and their sweet-tart balance enhances the mildness of turkey beautifully.
The Art of Cooking Perfect Turkey Meatballs
How to Keep Turkey Meatballs Moist
✔ Choose the Right Ground Turkey: 93% lean turkey is ideal because it has a little fat to keep the meatballs moist without being greasy.
✔ Use a Binding Agent: Adding breadcrumbs, almond flour (for low-carb), or an egg helps hold moisture and prevent dryness.
✔ Don’t Overwork the Meat: Overmixing makes meatballs tough—gently mix the ingredients until just combined.
✔ Let Meatballs Rest After Cooking: This locks in the juices before serving.
Interesting Things About This Recipe
- A Unique Twist on Classic Meatballs: The cranberry orange sauce adds tangy sweetness, making these turkey meatballs dinner-ready and holiday-friendly.
- A One-Pan Meal: The meatballs and sauce come together in one skillet, making cleanup super easy.
- Great for Meal Prep: Store leftovers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Perfect for Holiday Gatherings: The flavors complement Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve meals.
An Overview of the Recipe Components
This turkey meatballs recipe easy consists of three key elements:
- The Turkey Meatballs: Seasoned with garlic, onion, rosemary, and orange zest, these meatballs are light yet flavorful.
- The Cranberry Orange Sauce: A blend of fresh cranberries, orange juice, and honey, creating a tangy-sweet glaze.
- The Cooking Method: These turkey meatballs with sauce can be pan-fried, baked, or slow-cooked, making them incredibly versatile.
What Occasions Is This Recipe Perfect For?
✔ Weeknight Dinners: Quick and healthy for a protein-packed meal.
✔ Holiday Feasts: A great addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas menus.
✔ Meal Prep: These turkey meatballs meal prep-friendly and store well for up to four days.
✔ Low-Carb Diets: Naturally low in carbs and high in protein, making them keto-friendly with a simple breadcrumb swap.
