Are you tired of the same old meatball recipes? Do you want to try something new and exciting for dinner tonight? Look no further than these tender and flavorful turkey meatballs in wine sauce.

This recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to spice up their weeknight dinners or impress guests at a dinner party. The combination of juicy ground turkey, aromatic herbs, and a decadent wine sauce is sure to have your taste buds singing.

Not only are these meatballs delicious, but they are also easy to make with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, this recipe provides several variations and substitutions to cater to any dietary needs or preferences.

So why settle for boring meatballs when you can elevate your dinner game with these turkey meatballs in wine sauce? Get ready for a mouth-watering meal that will leave you wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you looking for a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that would make an excellent dinner? Then turkey meatballs in wine sauce recipe should be on top of your list. This recipe is quick to whip up, and the result is incredibly tender meatballs drenched in a savory yet tangy wine sauce. It’s perfect for people who are health-conscious, as it uses ground turkey, which is a leaner alternative to red meat.

These turkey meatballs work well with many types of sauces such as marinara, mushroom, or even cranberry sauce. However, the standout version has got to be meatballs in wine sauce recipe as the red or white wine adds depth and a rich flavor to the dish. The wine’s acidity level also balances out the richness of the meatballs, making you want more with each bite.

Aside from its incredible taste and health benefits, this simple recipe is also versatile and can accommodate various dietary restrictions. From gluten-free to dairy-free turkey meatballs, you have various options when it comes to choosing your ingredients. You can also mix different meats like veal or chicken on this recipe without compromising the flavors.

Whether you’re looking for an easy weekday dinner or trying to impress guests with something fancy yet straightforward, Turkey Meatballs in Wine Sauce Recipe should be on your radar. This recipe is easy to customize according to your preferences while still bringing out the best flavors possible. So why not give it a try today?

Ingredient List

Freshly made turkey meatballs simmering in a flavorful wine sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Turkey Meatballs:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 2 tablespoons bread crumbs
– 1 egg and 1 egg white, beaten together
– 1/4 cup nonfat milk
– 1/4 cup onion, minced
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
– Salt and Pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme (optional)

For the Wine Sauce:
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 cups dry white wine (or red wine)
– 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granule (or a chicken broth cube)
– 1/2 cup cold water
– Olive oil (for frying meatballs)

Optional Additions:
– Fresh mushrooms, sliced or chopped
– Lemon and rosemary turkey meatballs (substitute rosemary for thyme)

Substitutions/Variations:
– Gluten-free Turkey Meatballs: use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
– Cream Sauce: substitute nonfat milk with whole milk, add 1 cup cream and stir into the wine sauce.
– Meatballs in Red Wine or Lemon Sauce: substitute white wine with red wine or lemon juice.
– Mushroom Sauce: Add fresh mushrooms to the sauce.
– Marinara Sauce: substitute wine sauce with tomato sauce.

Serving and Pairing:
This turkey meatballs in wine sauce recipe pairs well with pasta or potatoes. Try it with a glass of Cabernet Franc.

The Recipe How-To

The perfect comfort food for a cozy night in.

Now that you have all the necessary ingredients on hand, let’s move on to the recipe how-to. Putting together tender turkey meatballs in wine sauce recipe may seem daunting for some but trust me it’s pretty easy. This recipe will serve 4 people without letting them down. Follow the steps below carefully and make sure you don’t miss any!

Step 1: Preparing Meatball Mixture

In a bowl, stir together egg, bread crumbs, parsley, onion, milk, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Add in the ground turkey and mix with your fingers until just combined.
Using a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into 22-24 meatballs of equal size.

Step 2: Browning the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large ovenproof Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat.
Add enough meatballs to fill the skillet without overcrowding, searing them by turning occasionally until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
Transfer the cooked meatballs into a bowl and repeat the process with the remaining balls.

Step 3: Preparing Wine Sauce

Return all browned meatballs back into the skillet.
Pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine, 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and chicken bouillon granule.
Bring to a simmer while stirring constantly and make sure to scrape up any browned bits on the skillet bottom and sides until mixed entirely with liquid for few minutes until reduce in half.
Stir together cornstarch and cold water in small bowl then pour into sauce to thicken, .
Add 1/2 cup of nonfat milk and 1 1/2 cups of fresh mushrooms. Stir until well combined.
Simmer until sauce reduces since it thickened- roughly 7-10 minutes over medium heat.

Step 4: Baking Meatballs

Transfer the skillet or Dutch oven into the preheated oven and bake, covered for 20-25 minutes or until turkey meatballs are fully cooked through.
Once finished, remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes.

Step 5: Finishing Touches and Serving

Take the meatballs in wine sauce out of the oven.
Season with more salt if needed then garnish with chopped parsley.
You can serve them on top of creamy mashed potato or egg noodles along with roasted vegetables such as asparagus or green beans, and steamed rice for gluten-free optional.

Enjoy your delicious homemade “turkey meatballs wine sauce recipe” meal!

Substitutions and Variations

Spoon up these tender, juicy meatballs for a hearty meal.

If you don’t eat turkey, or want to switch up the protein, ground chicken, pork or veal are great substitutions for the turkey meatballs. You can also use gluten-free bread crumbs if you have a gluten sensitivity or intolerance.

For a different sauce, try making a mushroom sauce by sautéing sliced fresh mushrooms in butter until golden brown, then adding chicken or vegetable broth and simmering until reduced and thickened. Alternatively, try a red wine sauce by deglazing the pan with about 1/2 cup of red wine after removing the cooked meatballs, then stirring in beef or chicken broth and reducing the mixture slightly.

If you prefer a creamy sauce, substitute the tomato sauce with bechamel or cream sauce. A lemon-rosemary cream sauce is also a great option with the hint of acidity from lemon and savory fragrance from rosemary pairing well with tender meatballs.

For those who enjoy spice, add crushed red pepper flakes to your liking when making the meatballs. For those who love Italian flavors, use Romesco sauce instead of marinara sauce.

You can also serve these meatballs over pasta or alongside roasted vegetables. If you have leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving dinner, mix it with red wine for a tangy and fruity glaze for your baked turkey meatballs.

No matter what variations you choose to make, these tender and juicy turkey meatballs in wine sauce are sure to impress guests and satisfy even the pickiest eaters!

Serving and Pairing

Drizzle the wine sauce over the meatballs to perfection.

When it comes to serving turkey meatballs in wine sauce, you have plenty of options for pairing to make your meal even more enjoyable. The creamy sauce coupled with the tender meatballs makes for a warm, comforting dish that is perfect for dinner parties or a simple weeknight dinner.

One classic option for pairing with turkey meatballs in wine sauce is a red wine such as Cabernet Franc. The full-bodied flavor of the wine complements the rich tomato-based sauce and savory turkey meatballs, bringing out the subtle spice notes of this dish.

If you prefer white wines, try pairing your meal with a dry white wine. A lemon and rosemary-infused white wine would be perfect for enhancing the brightness and freshness of this dish.

For those who want to stick to non-alcoholic beverages, serve this dish with sparkling water or cranberry juice. Cranberry perfectly balances the savory turkey meatballs and the sweet tomato sauce.

When it comes to sides, you can never go wrong with garlic bread or a classic pasta like spaghetti. Rice pilaf would also be an excellent choice for pairing since it’ll soak up all that delicious sauce. Salads with zesty dressings like Caesar salad or spinach salad are ideal too because they add freshness to every bite.

In conclusion, turkey meatballs in wine sauce could be paired well with long-grain fluffy rice, freshly prepared creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles garnished with some fresh parsley. Think of what will work best for your guests’ preferences and pair accordingly!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Each bite bursts with a rich blend of savory flavors.

If you want to save time, you could make the turkey meatballs in wine sauce beforehand as it’s an easy recipe to prepare in advance. You can store the cooked turkey meatballs wine sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

If you don’t plan on eating them right away, you can freeze them for later use. To do so, transfer the cooled turkey meatballs and sauce to a freezer-safe container or plastic bag and store them in the freezer for up to two months.

When it’s time to enjoy your turkey meatballs wine sauce, you can reheat them on the stove or microwave. For stovetop reheating, add some liquid, such as water or chicken broth, to the pan and heat over medium-low heat until the meatballs are heated through. If microwaving, place the turkey meatballs and sauce in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high in 30-second intervals until they’re heated through.

While reheating, add some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, and drizzle some olive oil over the top for added flavor. Leftover turkey meatballs wine sauce is also great served over pasta with some grated Parmesan cheese.

By making-ahead turkey meatballs in wine sauce or freezing leftovers, you’ll always have a delicious meal on hand whenever you’re short on time.

Tips for Perfect Results

A delicious twist on classic spaghetti and meatballs.

To ensure that your turkey meatballs in wine sauce recipe turns out perfectly, follow these tips:

1. Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary will add a burst of flavor to your turkey meatballs. Avoid using dried herbs if possible, as they don’t taste as fresh.

2. Don’t overmix the meat: Overworking the ground turkey can lead to tough meatballs. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

3. Keep the meatballs tender: Adding nonfat milk and bread crumbs to the ground turkey mixture will keep the meatballs tender and juicy.

4. Make uniform-sized meatballs: Using a scoop or measuring spoon will help you create evenly sized meatballs, which bake evenly.

5. Brown them first: Before adding the meatballs to the wine sauce, brown them in olive oil or butter for extra flavor.

6. Let them simmer: Once the wine sauce comes to a boil, lower the heat and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle.

7. Add cornstarch slurry for thicker sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the boiling sauce.

8. Choose the right wine pairing: A dry white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs well with turkey meatballs in white wine sauce, while a red wine like Cabernet Franc complements turkey meatballs in red wine sauce.

By following these tips, you’ll end up with tender and delicious turkey meatballs in wine sauce that are sure to impress your dinner guests!

FAQ

As with any recipe, there may be some questions that come up while preparing these turkey meatballs in wine sauce. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to help guide you through the cooking process.

What wine goes best with turkey meatballs?

One of the award-winning wines we recommend for a luxurious experience is the Vina Valdivieso’s Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc. This red wine pairs excellently with Lebanese-inspired spiced turkey meatballs. However, to complement the dish’s healthier ingredients, we suggest savoring a Chardonnay as well.

What wine is best for meatballs?

When it comes to pairing wine with meatballs, red wines are definitely the way to go. Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, and Syrah are top picks to complement the rich and savory flavors of this classic dish.

Why are my turkey meatballs rubbery?

Achieving tender turkey meatballs involves being gentle and avoiding overworking the meat or compacting the mixture too much. A delicate touch and gentle mixing can help prevent the meatballs from becoming hard or rubbery.

How do you keep meatballs from falling apart in sauce?

When combining minced meat with other ingredients, it’s important to add a lightly beaten egg or a substitute that binds everything together. A small amount of egg would suffice for each pound of minced meat to accomplish the job. Otherwise, if someone is avoiding the consumption of eggs, they may choose to soak fresh bread in milk and squeeze out excessive milk before using it as a binder.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this turkey meatballs in wine sauce recipe is a fantastic dish to try out for anyone looking to spice up their dinner options. The combination of tender meatballs and delicious wine sauce makes for a delectable flavor experience that can elevate any meal. Plus, with so many variations and substitutions available, this dish can be adapted to fit your dietary needs or preferences.

Whether you are in the mood for a red or white wine sauce, creamy or mushroom-based sauce, or even gluten-free alternatives, this recipe has got you covered. Additionally, the ability to make-ahead and store the meatballs and sauce means that busy schedules won’t interfere with enjoying this tasty meal.

So why not give it a try? Cooking up these savory turkey meatballs in wine sauce may just become a new family favorite for years to come. And as always, don’t forget to pair it with your favorite wine (Cabernet Franc anyone?) for maximum enjoyment.

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