If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, flavorful weeknight meal that’s anything but ordinary, this Maple Mustard Turkey Meatballs Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how these tender turkey meatballs get coated in a creamy, tangy maple mustard sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish hits the sweet spot between comforting and fresh. Keep reading—I promise, you’re going to want to make this again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The maple syrup’s sweetness pairs beautifully with tangy mustard, bringing out the mild turkey flavor in the best way.
Healthy and Lean: Using ground turkey keeps it light without sacrificing any juiciness or taste.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: You probably have most of these staples in your kitchen, making it easy to whip up any time.
Family Favorite: My crew always asks for seconds—and I bet yours will too!

A white pan with two white handles holds about twenty browned meatballs scattered in an irregular pattern. Each meatball has a golden-brown crust with darker spots from cooking, showing a slightly rough texture. The pan's surface shows some browned bits around the meatballs, suggesting they were cooked well. In the top left corner, a white plate partially enters the frame holding four meatballs with the same browned texture. The whole scene sits on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and light background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients are straightforward but thoughtful. Each one plays its part, making sure your turkey meatballs stay juicy and flavorful, while the sauce delivers that perfect maple-mustard zing.

Ground turkey: I prefer lean but not too lean to keep the meatballs tender and moist.
Large egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together without stiffness.
Onion: Finely chopped so it melts into the mixture and adds subtle sweetness.
Almond flour: A great gluten-free option that keeps the texture light and helps absorb moisture.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic gives a vibrant kick that brightens the whole dish.
Fresh rosemary and thyme: These herbs add an earthy aroma and deepen the flavor profile beautifully.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning that wakes up all the other ingredients.
Extra-virgin olive oil: For pan-searing and adding richness without overpowering.
Chicken broth: Used to deglaze the pan and add savory depth to the sauce.
Dijon mustard: Brings that signature tang that balances the sweetness of maple syrup perfectly.
Maple syrup: Real maple syrup is worth it here—it’s the star of the sauce and tastes fantastic.
Mayonnaise: Makes the sauce creamy and smooth without heaviness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tweaking this Maple Mustard Turkey Meatballs Recipe to match moods or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—sometimes a little twist makes the dish even more exciting.

Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mix or swap Dijon for spicy brown mustard—I tried this last fall, and it’s fantastic if you like a gentle heat.
Gluten-free swap: Almond flour works well, but I’ve also used crushed gluten-free crackers for a different texture.
Herb variations: If you don’t have fresh rosemary or thyme, dried herbs work—just reduce the amount since dried is more concentrated.
Vegetarian version: Substitute turkey for plant-based meatballs; just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How to Make Maple Mustard Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients Gently but Thoroughly

Start by combining ground turkey, beaten egg, finely chopped onion, almond flour, minced garlic, fresh rosemary and thyme, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. I like to use my hands here—it helps me feel the texture and make sure everything’s well incorporated without overmixing, which can make meatballs tough. When I first tried mixing with a spoon, the meatballs ended up a bit dry, so trust me on this handy tip.

Step 2: Form Meatballs Evenly for Perfect Cooking

Using about 1 ½ tablespoons of mixture—or a medium cookie scoop if you have one—roll the mixture into roughly 30 uniform meatballs. Keeping them all the same size means they’ll cook evenly. I find the scoop makes this step so much faster and less messy, but your hands work just fine. Lay them out on a plate while you finish shaping them all.

Step 3: Pan-Sear Meatballs Until Beautifully Golden

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add half the meatballs, giving them some space so they brown nicely, and cook for about 5 to 8 minutes, turning them to brown all sides. Once done, transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining meatballs, adding another tablespoon of oil if needed. Browning creates those irresistible crispy edges and locks in the juices—don’t rush this part!

Step 4: Whisk Up the Maple Mustard Sauce

After you’ve removed the meatballs, pour chicken broth into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up all the tasty browned bits with a spatula—this is flavor gold. Then whisk in Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and a touch of mayonnaise. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens and turns creamy. The combo of sweet maple and tangy mustard comes alive here, and the mayo adds that luxurious smoothness without heaviness.

Step 5: Warm the Meatballs in the Sauce and Garnish

Pop the meatballs back into the pan, stirring gently to coat them in the sauce, and let them warm through for a couple of minutes. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped rosemary and thyme for that herbal aroma and a pretty presentation. I always find this final touch makes a big difference in flavor and looks like you’ve put in extra effort.

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Pro Tips for Making Maple Mustard Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Gentle Mixing: Avoid overworking the turkey mixture to keep meatballs tender and juicy every time.
Uniform Size Matters: Use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon to keep meatballs consistent, which helps them cook evenly.
Don’t Skip Browning: Searing on all sides not only adds flavor but also keeps the meatballs moist inside.
Sauce Scraping Magic: Deglaze the pan thoroughly to incorporate those deeply browned bits into the sauce—it makes all the difference!

How to Serve Maple Mustard Turkey Meatballs Recipe

The image shows a white pan filled with golden-brown meatballs that have a slightly crispy texture. They are arranged closely together and topped with small green herb leaves. A silver spoon is pouring creamy light brown sauce over the meatballs, adding a shiny, smooth layer on top. A sprig of fresh rosemary lies on the meatballs near the bottom right, adding a pop of green. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always garnish these meatballs with a sprinkle of fresh rosemary and thyme because their bright, piney flavors elevate the whole dish. Sometimes I add a few thin lemon zest strips for an extra pop of freshness—especially during warmer months. It’s a simple touch but one your friends and family will notice and appreciate.

Side Dishes

I love serving these maple mustard turkey meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta to soak up all that luscious sauce. Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans on the side add the perfect crunch and balance. One time, I served them alongside garlic herb quinoa, which was a lovely lighter option that soaked up every drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to serve the meatballs on wooden skewers with a small dollop of sauce on the side for dipping—easy finger food that looks elegant. You can also turn them into a slider by placing meatballs on small buns with a little extra sauce and arugula. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and such a fun way to jazz up casual nights or game days.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover meatballs and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge, which keeps them tasty for up to 3 days. I find this recipe reheats well, and the meatballs remain juicy as long as you warm them gently.

Freezing

These turkey meatballs freeze beautifully! Just freeze them flat on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slowly in a skillet with a little sauce to keep them moist. I like to double the recipe and freeze half for quick weeknight dinners.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm meatballs and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to dry turkey out. When reheated this way, they taste freshly made, which never fails to impress me.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey for this Maple Mustard Turkey Meatballs Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well, though it’s often leaner than turkey, so you might want to add a little extra moisture—like a splash of olive oil or a bit more mayonnaise in the sauce—to keep meatballs from drying out.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free as long as you use dairy-free mayonnaise. The creamy sauce comes from mayo, not cream or cheese, so it’s a great option for those avoiding dairy.
How do I know when meatballs are fully cooked?

Turkey meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open—the inside should be no longer pink and juices run clear. Thanks to pan searing and simmering in sauce, these meatballs cook evenly and stay moist.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?

You can! Bake them on a lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and cooked through. Then proceed with the sauce in a pan or even simmer the baked meatballs directly in the sauce.
What’s the best way to serve leftover Maple Mustard Turkey Meatballs?

Leftovers are perfect warmed over mashed potatoes, tossed with pasta, or made into hearty sandwiches. You can also dice leftovers and add them to a salad for a protein-packed lunch.

Final Thoughts

This Maple Mustard Turkey Meatballs Recipe is close to my heart because it’s become a go-to for busy weeknights and special gatherings alike. Whenever I make this, I get those happy satisfied smiles around the table, and it’s such a joy to know it’s nourishing and delicious. If you’re looking for an easy recipe that feels a little fancy but cooks up fast and with simple ingredients, I can’t recommend this enough. Give it a try—I think you’ll fall in love just like I did!