The aroma of Christmas Spiced Turkey Meatball Bake wafts through the kitchen, wrapping you in a warm, comforting embrace as the spices mingle with the savory turkey. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender meatballs, each bursting with holiday flavors and cozy memories that creep into every bite.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Christmas Spiced Turkey Meatball Bake</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use different meats for the Christmas Spiced Turkey Meatball Bake?
- How long does it take to bake the meatballs?
- What can I serve with this dish?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This delightful dish isn’t just for festive gatherings; it’s perfect for any chilly evening when you crave something hearty and wholesome. The combination of spices fills your home with the essence of the holidays, creating an atmosphere that makes everyone feel like they’re gathered around the table for a feast.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Christmas Spiced Turkey Meatball Bake is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavor profile combines sweet and savory notes, making it irresistible
- Each meatball is visually appealing, showcasing seasonal colors that brighten any dinner table
- Versatile enough to serve as a main course or a festive appetizer at parties
My friends’ faces lit up the first time I served this dish, proving it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Turkey: Choose lean ground turkey to keep the meatballs moist without adding too much fat.
Breadcrumbs: Use fresh or panko breadcrumbs for texture; they help bind the meatballs perfectly.
Eggs: One large egg adds moisture and helps hold everything together.
Onion: Finely chop one medium onion for sweetness and flavor; sauté until translucent before mixing.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances flavor; use 2-3 cloves depending on your preference.
Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice): These warm spices give the meatballs their signature holiday flavor; adjust according to taste.
Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens up the dish; chop finely before adding to the mixture.
Tomato Sauce: A rich sauce adds moisture and coats the meatballs beautifully during baking.
For extra flavor:
Olive Oil: Use this for sautéing onions and drizzling over before baking for enhanced taste.
Cheese (optional): Sprinkle shredded cheese on top just before serving for an extra layer of deliciousness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Christmas Spiced Turkey Meatball Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large baking dish and coat it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, releasing its sweet aroma. Stir in minced garlic until fragrant.
Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, sautéed onion-garlic mixture, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently until just combined.
Form Meatballs: With clean hands or a scoop, form mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Place them in your prepared baking dish evenly spaced apart.
Add Tomato Sauce: Pour tomato sauce over meatballs ensuring each is coated well. Optionally sprinkle cheese on top for extra flavor.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until meatballs are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Serve warm with crusty bread or over pasta for a cozy meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy your festive feast!
You Must Know
- This Christmas Spiced Turkey Meatball Bake is a holiday delight, combining warmth and festive flavors
- The delightful aroma fills your kitchen, making it feel like a cozy winter wonderland
- It’s easy to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for family gatherings or solo indulgence
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the meatballs first and letting them rest while you make the sauce. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Bake everything together until bubbly for that perfect comfort food experience.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground turkey for chicken or beef if preferred. Toss in some chopped veggies like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition and color without sacrificing flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, ensuring that the meatballs stay juicy and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your meat mixture is well-seasoned for maximum flavor; this is where the magic happens
- Don’t skip resting time after mixing; it helps enhance texture immensely
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform meatballs; they’ll cook evenly and look adorable on your plate
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of family holidays filled with laughter and delicious food. Watching everyone enjoy this dish reminds me why I love cooking for those I cherish.
FAQ
Can I use different meats for the Christmas Spiced Turkey Meatball Bake?
Yes, ground chicken or beef can be used instead of turkey for varied flavors.
How long does it take to bake the meatballs?
Bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
What can I serve with this dish?
Serve with mashed potatoes or a side salad for a complete festive meal experience.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Christmas Spiced Turkey Meatball Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6
Description
Experience the warmth of the holiday season with this Christmas Spiced Turkey Meatball Bake. Bursting with cozy flavors from cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, these tender turkey meatballs are baked to golden perfection and served in a rich tomato sauce. Ideal for festive gatherings or chilly evenings, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser that evokes fond memories of family feasts.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs or panko
- 1 large egg
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and coat a baking dish with non-stick spray.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, then add minced garlic; cook until fragrant.
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, sautéed onion and garlic, spices, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently.
- Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour tomato sauce over the meatballs and sprinkle cheese on top if desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until meatballs are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 3 meatballs (150g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
