Tangy Turkey Meatballs with Sweet Sauce
These delectable Tangy Turkey Meatballs are a healthier twist on classic meatballs, made with lean ground turkey for reduced fat. Infused with garlic and dried basil, they are tender and bursting with flavor. The special sweet and sour sauce features a delightful balance of brown sugar and white vinegar, making them irresistible to even the pickiest of eaters. Dubbed 'Sweetballs' by my kids, these meatballs are perfect for family dinners and are best served over a bed of fluffy rice, complemented by your choice of vibrant vegetables. A delightful dish that the entire family will enjoy, perfect for any weeknight meal or entertaining guests.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Turkey
3 lbs (raw)
Eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
Rolled Oats
1/2 cup (dry)
Garlic Powder
1 tablespoon (dry)
Dried Basil
1 tablespoon (dry)
Brown Sugar
1 cup (packed)
White Vinegar
3/4 cup (liquid)
Ketchup
3 tablespoons (liquid)
Soy Sauce
3 tablespoons (liquid)
Flour
3 tablespoons (dry)
Water
1 cup (liquid)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, lightly beaten eggs, rolled oats, garlic powder, and dried basil. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3
Using your hands, roll the mixture into 48 equal-sized meatballs and arrange them in a glass baking dish lined with foil. For easier cleanup, lightly grease the foil with oil if using ground turkey, or rotate the meatballs during cooking to prevent sticking.
4
Bake the meatballs for 20-30 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have browned slightly.
5
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar and flour until evenly blended.
6
Add the white vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and water (or extra vinegar for a tangier flavor). Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the sauce begins to thicken, about 5-10 minutes.
7
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven, discard the foil, and return them to the baking dish.
8
Pour the sweet and tangy sauce over the meatballs, covering them evenly. Cover the dish with foil and lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
9
Bake for an additional 30 minutes, stirring the meatballs once or twice to evenly coat them in the sauce.
10
Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then serve over rice with a side of your favorite vegetables.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tangy Turkey Meatballs?
Tangy Turkey Meatballs are a healthier version of classic meatballs made with lean ground turkey and a custom sweet and sour sauce.
What is the primary protein used in this recipe?
The recipe uses three pounds of lean ground turkey as the primary protein.
How many meatballs does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 48 equal-sized meatballs.
What ingredients provide the tangy flavor in the sauce?
The tanginess comes from white vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce.
What makes the sauce sweet?
The sauce is sweetened using one cup of packed brown sugar.
Why are these meatballs called 'Sweetballs'?
They were nicknamed 'Sweetballs' by the creator's children because of the delightful sweet and sour sauce.
What is the initial oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) for the first stage of baking.
How long is the first baking period?
The meatballs bake for 20-30 minutes during the first stage until they are cooked through.
What temperature is used for the second baking stage?
The oven temperature is lowered to 350°F (175°C) once the sauce is added.
How long do the meatballs bake with the sauce?
They bake for an additional 30 minutes after being covered in the sweet and tangy sauce.
What type of oats are used in the meatball mixture?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of dry rolled oats.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 8 servings.
What is the recommended side dish for these meatballs?
They are best served over a bed of fluffy rice with a side of your favorite vegetables.
Are these meatballs suitable for children?
Yes, they are described as family-friendly and toddler-friendly, even for picky eaters.
What binders are used to hold the meatballs together?
The recipe uses two lightly beaten eggs and rolled oats as binders.
How do I prepare the sauce?
Whisk brown sugar and flour in a saucepan, then add vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and water, cooking until thickened.
Can I make the sauce tangier?
Yes, you can use extra vinegar in place of water if you prefer a sharper, tangier flavor.
How do I prevent the meatballs from sticking to the pan?
Line the baking dish with foil and lightly grease the foil with oil before arranging the meatballs.
What spices are used to season the meat?
The meatballs are seasoned with garlic powder and dried basil.
What type of vinegar should be used?
The recipe specifies using 3/4 cup of white vinegar.
Is flour used in this recipe?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of flour are used to help thicken the sauce.
Should the meatballs be covered while baking with the sauce?
Yes, the dish should be covered with foil during the final 30-minute baking period.
How often should I stir the meatballs in the sauce?
You should stir the meatballs once or twice during the final bake to ensure they are evenly coated.
How long does the sauce take to thicken on the stove?
The sauce typically takes about 5-10 minutes of cooking over medium heat to thicken.
What is the preparation for the eggs?
The two eggs should be lightly beaten before being added to the meat mixture.
Can these be served at a party?
Yes, they are perfect for entertaining guests or for a standard weeknight family meal.
What should I do with the foil after the first bake?
You should discard the original foil used for the first bake before returning the meatballs to the dish for saucing.
Is soy sauce a necessary ingredient?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce are used to provide depth of flavor to the sauce.
Is this recipe low in fat?
Yes, using lean ground turkey makes these a lower-fat alternative to traditional beef meatballs.
What kind of baking dish is recommended?
The recipe recommends using a glass baking dish.