Are you craving the flavors of Thanksgiving but do not want to wait until November? This easy sheet-pan dinner allows you to enjoy a taste of the holiday any time of the year.
With turkey meatballs, green beans, and potatoes, this recipe brings together all the classic flavors in a convenient and delicious way. Prepare your taste buds for a comforting meal that feels like a festive feast.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make this delightful dish, gather the following ingredients: half a cup of extra-virgin olive oil, a 16-ounce package of stuffing mix, one cup of whole milk, a medium onion, a large egg, one pound of ground turkey, half a cup of finely chopped parsley, garlic powder, freshly ground pepper, kosher salt, baby Yukon Gold potatoes, green beans, whole berry cranberry sauce, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and honey. Each of these components contributes to a well-rounded and flavorful meal.
Preparing the Meatballs
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and placing a rack in the upper and lower thirds. Next, pour 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil over a rimmed baking sheet. In a large bowl, mix the stuffing mix and whole milk, letting it sit for five minutes to hydrate the bread. This ensures that the meatballs remain tender and moist.
Forming the Meatballs
In another bowl, combine the grated onion, egg, ground turkey, parsley, garlic powder, ground pepper, and kosher salt. Mix until just combined. Scoop out 1/4-cup portions of the meat mixture, rolling them into balls. The mixture will be very soft, but that is okay. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, rolling them in oil to coat.
While this step might seem meticulous, it is crucial for ensuring that the meatballs are evenly seasoned and maintain their shape during cooking.
The stuffing mix not only adds flavor but also provides a unique texture that differentiates these meatballs from traditional recipes.
Roasting the Vegetables
Toss the halved potatoes and trimmed green beans in a large bowl with the remaining olive oil, garlic powder, ground pepper, and kosher salt. Ensure that the vegetables are well coated with the seasoning for the best flavor.
Arrange the vegetables in a single layer on another rimmed baking sheet. This allows them to roast evenly and develop a beautiful, golden-brown color.
Place the tray of meatballs on the upper rack and the tray of vegetables on the lower rack. Bake for 30-35 minutes for the meatballs and 40-45 minutes for the vegetables.
Making the Cranberry Sauce
While the meatballs and vegetables are baking, prepare the tangy cranberry dipping sauce. In a blender, purée the whole berry cranberry sauce, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, and kosher salt until smooth. This process should take about 30 seconds.
This sauce is the perfect accompaniment to the savory meatballs, adding a hint of sweetness and acidity.
Set the sauce aside until you are ready to serve the meal.
Serving the Dish
Once the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through, and the potatoes are tender and deeply browned, remove both trays from the oven. Arrange the meatballs on top of the roasted vegetables on a serving plate.
Serve the cranberry sauce alongside the meatballs and vegetables. This creates a visually appealing and deliciously satisfying meal.
Combining all these elements on one plate gives you a taste of Thanksgiving in every bite.
Additional Tips and Variations
Feel free to experiment with variations of this recipe. You can add other seasonal vegetables such as carrots or Brussels sprouts to the roasting tray.
For an extra kick, try incorporating different herbs and spices into the meatball mixture. Sage and thyme would complement the stuffing mix beautifully.
This recipe is also versatile enough to be adapted for different dietary needs, such as using a milk alternative or gluten-free stuffing mix.
This turkey and stuffing meatballs recipe is a great way to enjoy a Thanksgiving-inspired meal any night of the week. With its simple preparation and delicious results, you will want to make it again and again.
Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself to a cozy and comforting dinner that celebrates the flavors of the holiday season.
Source: Bonappetit