Get ready to fall in love with a flavor-packed favorite: Turkey Meatballs with Maple Mustard Sauce. These tender, juicy meatballs are loaded with fresh herbs and generously coated in a velvety maple-Dijon sauce that’s the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Whether you’re serving them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a family-friendly main, or meal-prepping for the week, this dish brings warmth and a hint of luxury to every bite. The best part? Everything comes together in just over 30 minutes, making Turkey Meatballs with Maple Mustard Sauce a weeknight winner you’ll crave again and again.

Turkey Meatballs with Maple Mustard Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Turkey Meatballs with Maple Mustard Sauce is in how each ingredient pulls its weight, creating layers of savory, sweet, and aromatic notes. Gather these simple staples and get ready for a harmony of flavors and textures that’s truly unforgettable!

Ground turkey: Lean yet juicy, turkey shines as the tender base for these meatballs.
Large egg, lightly beaten: Acts as the perfect binder to hold everything together.
Onion, finely chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and moisture throughout every bite.
Almond flour: A gluten-free option that makes the meatballs soft and just a bit nutty.
Garlic cloves, minced: Brings a punch of aromatic flavor you’ll notice instantly.
Fresh rosemary, finely chopped: Offers an earthy, piney fragrance that pairs perfectly with poultry.
Fresh thyme, finely chopped: Adds brightness and an irresistible herbal twist.
Kosher salt: Seasons the mixture and enhances every flavor note.
Freshly ground black pepper: A little spice for depth and warmth.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Helps achieve that golden, crispy sear while keeping things moist.
Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and brings a savory kick to the sauce.
Dijon mustard: Gives the sauce its sharp, tangy edge.
Maple syrup: Just the right touch of sweetness to balance out the mustard.
Mayonnaise: Adds body and creaminess so the sauce clings to every meatball.
Extra fresh rosemary and thyme for garnish: Finish with a burst of color and aroma.

How to Make Turkey Meatballs with Maple Mustard Sauce

Step 1: Make the Turkey Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground turkey with the beaten egg, chopped onion, almond flour, minced garlic, fresh rosemary, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Get your hands in there and mix until everything is just combined. Don’t overwork it — you want tender, juicy meatballs, not dense ones! This fresh herb-and-turkey mixture is the foundation of our Turkey Meatballs with Maple Mustard Sauce and sets the stage for layers of flavor.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Using a medium cookie scoop or your hands, portion out about 1 1/2 tablespoons of your turkey mixture and roll it gently between your palms. Continue until you have about 30 even-sized meatballs, setting them neatly on a plate. This ensures they cook at the same rate — plus, they’ll look absolutely irresistible lined up in the pan!

Step 3: Pan Sear the Meatballs

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your favorite braiser or skillet over medium heat. Add half the turkey meatballs, giving them space to brown beautifully on all sides (about 5 to 8 minutes). Transfer the seared batch to a plate, add that last tablespoon of oil, and repeat with the rest. This step is key for locking in those savory juices and creating mouthwatering flavor in the pan, which we’ll use for the sauce.

Step 4: Make the Maple Mustard Sauce

With the meatballs resting, keep the pan on the stove and pour in your chicken broth, using a spatula to scrape up any golden bits. Add your Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and mayonnaise, whisking until the mixture comes together smoothly. Let the sauce bubble gently and thicken until it’s glossy and creamy — you want it to coat the back of your spoon and fill the kitchen with that sweet-tangy aroma that makes this dish so special.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Slide the meatballs back into the pan, nestling them into the luscious sauce. Let everything warm through for a minute or two, and sprinkle with a handful of extra fresh rosemary and thyme for the final touch. Now you’re ready to serve your Turkey Meatballs with Maple Mustard Sauce — fresh, vibrant, and absolutely irresistible!

How to Serve Turkey Meatballs with Maple Mustard Sauce

Garnishes

Never underestimate the power of a finishing touch! Sprinkle extra chopped rosemary and thyme over the top just before serving — it adds a burst of green and an herby aroma that everyone will notice. For a little sparkle, try a pinch of flaky sea salt or a few grinds of black pepper right at the end.

Side Dishes

Pair Turkey Meatballs with Maple Mustard Sauce with fluffy rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or buttered egg noodles to soak up that creamy, vibrant sauce. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a crisp arugula or mixed green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. Roasted veggies (like carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts) make a colorful and delicious plate, too!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get creative, try skewering the meatballs for party appetizers or tucking them into slider buns for a fun twist on classic meatball subs. Arrange them in a shallow platter with a drizzle of extra sauce, and garnish with fresh herbs — perfect for sharing or special occasions. You can even serve the sauce as a fondue-style dip if you’re feeling playful!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Saved some for later? Simply place any leftover turkey meatballs and sauce in an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your Turkey Meatballs with Maple Mustard Sauce even more satisfying the next day. Just remember to cool everything to room temperature before refrigerating so you keep that perfect texture.

Freezing

Turkey Meatballs with Maple Mustard Sauce freeze beautifully! Arrange the cooled meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Pour the sauce separately into a freezer-safe container. Both will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

To bring your turkey meatballs back to their just-cooked glory, gently reheat them in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short bursts, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. This way, the sauce stays creamy and the meatballs remain juicy and tender.

FAQs

Can I use something other than almond flour as a binder?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for a nut-free substitute, a gluten-free flour blend or even classic breadcrumbs work perfectly. Just use the same amount and you’ll still get tender, delicious meatballs with great texture in your Turkey Meatballs with Maple Mustard Sauce.

Can I bake these meatballs instead of pan searing?

Yes! Arrange your formed meatballs on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and cooked through. While the meatballs are in the oven, prepare the sauce in a skillet on the stove, then combine everything at the end for an easy, hands-off option.

How can I make the sauce a bit thicker?

If you like your maple mustard sauce extra thick and creamy, just mix 1 teaspoon of arrowroot powder with 2 teaspoons of water and add it to the sauce as it simmers. In a minute or two, it’ll transform into the dreamiest glaze for your Turkey Meatballs with Maple Mustard Sauce.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Definitely! This dish is naturally dairy-free — just make sure the mayonnaise you use is dairy-free, and you’re set for a luscious, completely dairy-free meal everyone can enjoy.

What’s the best way to meal prep this dish?

Prepare the meatballs and maple mustard sauce completely, then cool and store them in meal prep containers. They reheat beautifully for lunchboxes or quick weeknight dinners. You can also freeze portions for grab-and-go meals whenever you need them!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a recipe that combines simplicity, flavor, and versatility, Turkey Meatballs with Maple Mustard Sauce is truly hard to beat. Whether you’re serving it at a cozy family dinner or wowing guests at your next get-together, these meatballs are sure to bring comfort and a touch of excitement to every table. Give them a try — and get ready to put them on repeat!