Our family always loves these soft, tender turkey meatballs coated in the most delectable sticky sweet sauce, which can be prepared in less than 30 minutes!
Raise your hand if you enjoy meatballs! These Asian glazed turkey meatballs are a huge hit in our house; they are seriously finger-licking GOOD! Tender, flavorful meatballs are all smothered in the most amazing sweet and savory sauce! This sauce is great mixed with the meatballs, but it’s also fantastic drizzled over brown rice and vegetables! It’s a great way to prepare meals in advance because leftovers are even better the next day!
Looking for the perfect side dish to accompany your flavorful turkey meatballs? Look no further! This comprehensive guide offers 17 delectable options that will complement your meal and leave you satisfied,
Keywords: turkey meatballs, side dishes, dinner, lunch, meal planning
Turkey meatballs are a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer. But what to serve with them? This guide provides 17 tasty side dishes that will pair perfectly with your turkey meatballs, ensuring a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
17 Delicious Side Dishes for Turkey Meatballs
1. Mashed Potatoes: This classic comfort food is a perfect accompaniment to turkey meatballs. Creamy fluffy, and full of buttery goodness, mashed potatoes can be customized with garlic, cheese, or herbs for added flavor.
2. Jasmine Rice: Aromatic and fluffy, jasmine rice is a great choice for soaking up any delicious sauce from your meatballs. It adds a touch of exotic flavor and complements the lighter texture of the meatballs.
3. Gluten-Free Pasta: For those watching their gluten intake, gluten-free pasta offers a delicious alternative. Toss it with a simple marinara or garlic and olive oil sauce for a satisfying and inclusive side dish.
4. Worcestershire Green Beans: These aren’t your average steamed green beans. A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds a zesty tang, elevating the flavor and making them a perfect complement to the meaty goodness of turkey meatballs.
5. Quinoa: This protein-packed grain is a healthy and flavorful option. Its nutty taste and fluffy texture pair well with turkey meatballs, and it can be cooked in chicken broth for extra flavor.
6. Scalloped Potatoes: For a decadent treat, try scalloped potatoes. Thin slices of potato baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce create a rich and satisfying side dish that pairs wonderfully with the lighter texture of turkey meatballs.
7. Zucchini Noodles: This low-carb alternative offers a fresh and light counterpoint to the meatballs. A quick sauté with garlic and olive oil adds flavor and creates a healthy and satisfying side dish.
8. Ratatouille: This colorful vegetable medley of zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and tomatoes simmered in a rich tomato sauce adds vibrancy and nutrition to your meal. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a hearty and flavorful side dish.
9. Polenta: This creamy Italian cornmeal dish is a perfect backdrop for turkey meatballs. Add herbs, cheese, or even a bit of butter for extra flavor and create a versatile side dish that can be simple or fancy.
10. Caesar Salad: This classic salad brings a refreshing element to the table. Crisp romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and a tangy dressing make for a light and flavorful side dish that complements the richness of the meatballs.
11. Garlic Roasted Broccoli: Add more vegetables to your meal with garlic roasted broccoli. The florets are tossed with olive oil, garlic, and salt, then roasted until crispy, creating a simple, healthy, and flavorful side dish.
12. Cornbread: This sweet and crumbly bread adds a homey touch to your meal. Make it from scratch or use a mix, and add jalapeños or cheese for a spicy twist. Cornbread pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of turkey meatballs.
13. Sweet Potato Fries: For a fun twist on classic fries, try sweet potato fries. They offer a natural sweetness and a pop of color that’s perfect for both kids and adults. Bake them with salt and paprika for a healthier alternative to regular fries.
14. Sautéed Spinach: This quick and nutritious side dish is ready in minutes. Sautéed with garlic, olive oil, and a dash of salt, spinach adds a burst of color and nutrition to your turkey meatball dinner.
15. Apple Coleslaw: This sweet and tangy coleslaw brings a refreshing crunch to the meal. Thinly sliced apples, shredded cabbage, and a creamy dressing make for a unique and flavorful side dish that pairs well with turkey meatballs.
16. Tomato Basil Soup: If you’re in the mood for soup, a tomato basil version is a great choice. It’s warm, comforting, and the flavors complement turkey meatballs perfectly. It’s also a great way to start a multi-course meal.
17. Chickpea Salad: This hearty and healthy salad is packed with protein and flavor. Diced veggies and a simple lemon vinaigrette make it a filling but not heavy side dish that pairs wonderfully with the Mediterranean flair of turkey meatballs.
With these 17 delicious side dish options, you’re sure to find the perfect accompaniment for your turkey meatballs. Whether you’re looking for classic comfort food, healthy options, or something with a unique twist, this guide has something for everyone.
Can I Make These in a Skillet?
Of course, pan-frying these meatballs would be delicious! All you’d need is a tablespoon or two of olive oil to coat the pan on medium heat, then add the meatballs and turn them constantly until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, which should take about 12 minutes. Baking meatballs is just easier and requires less cooking. To prevent overcrowding the pan, you might need to do this in batches.
Why We Love These
I can assure you that the entire family will enjoy these simple turkey meatballs, which are ready in less than thirty minutes to prepare. And yes, these turkey meatballs not only make a fantastic dinner but also a killer appetizer for get-togethers or parties! This recipe yields about 25 to 26 meatballs, so if you’d like more, you should definitely double it! These meatballs freeze well, so why not make extra? I always double the recipe if I’m serving them at a party because, believe me, they’ll disappear quickly!
- ground turkey: For these meatballs, I used lean ground turkey since it’s high in protein and low in fat and calories. However, you could also use ground chicken, ground beef, ground pork, or even Italian sausage.
- breadcrumbs: If necessary, feel free to use gluten-free panko bread crumbs or almond flour. I used whole wheat Panko bread crumbs to help bind the meatballs to maintain their round shape.
- Egg: serves as a binder to keep everything together.
- Low-sodium soy sauce is what I always use because regular soy sauce tends to make food taste too salty. To make this gluten-free, you could also replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Honey is a great way to sweeten the sauce without using refined sugars, and it also makes a nice sticky sweet glaze. If you don’t have any honey on hand, you can also use maple syrup instead of honey.
- If you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can substitute water for it. Beef broth gives the sauce a deeper flavor.
- Sesame oil gives the sauce a mouthwatering Asian taste!
- Ginger: For this recipe, freshly grated ginger works best. You’ll use it in the sauce and the meatballs. If all you have on hand is ground ginger, the recipe below has substitutions for you to try.
- Garlic—fresh minced is always the best—adds a flavor boost to the meatballs and sauce!
- Add some color and taste with green onions; you can also use fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or other herbs.
- seasonings: a blend of salt, pepper, and crushed red chili flakes
The BEST Baked Turkey Meatballs | LOADED With of Flavor!
FAQ
What’s a good side dish for turkey meatballs?
What pasta to serve with meatballs?