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

Cranberry-Orange-Turkey-Meatballs

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

    1. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, rosemary, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and orange zest.
    2. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—do not overmix.
    3. Roll into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.

  • 2

    Cook the Turkey Meatballs

    Oven Method (Healthier Option):

    1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    2. Place meatballs on the sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes until cooked through (internal temp 165°F).

    Skillet Method (For Extra Crispiness):

    1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
    2. Sear meatballs for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
    3. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  • 3

    Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce

    1. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
    2. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
    3. Stir in balsamic vinegar and cook for 1 more minute.
  • 4

    Combine and Serve

    1. Return the meatballs to the skillet with the sauce.
    2. Simmer for 5 minutes until the meatballs absorb the flavors.
    3. Garnish with fresh rosemary and orange zest.
    4. Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

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

Calories280
Carbohydrates18g
Cholesterol80mg
Fat10g
Fiber2g
Protein28g
Saturated Fat2g
Sodium580mg
Sugar9g
Unsaturated Fat6g

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:

  1. The Turkey Meatballs: Seasoned with garlic, onion, rosemary, and orange zest, these meatballs are light yet flavorful.
  2. The Cranberry Orange Sauce: A blend of fresh cranberries, orange juice, and honey, creating a tangy-sweet glaze.
  3. 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.

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