Warmly spiced, tender, and coated in a luscious sauce, Turkey Meatballs with Gravy are one of those magical comfort dishes that look impressive but are delightfully fuss-free to make at home. With fragrant fresh herbs, salty Parmesan, and an irresistibly creamy gravy draping every bite, this cozy meal is pure dinnertime joy. Whether you’re hosting friends or tucking into a plate with family, these turkey meatballs feel special every single time.

Turkey Meatballs with Gravy Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy for Turkey Meatballs with Gravy, but every ingredient pulls serious weight in the final result. Each item, from fresh herbs to creamy panko panade, is thoughtfully chosen to create a meatball that’s both flavorful and fabulously tender.

Panko breadcrumbs: These light, crispy crumbs help make the meatballs moist and airy.
Milk: Essential to soak the panko, forming a panade that guarantees tenderness in every bite.
Ground turkey (preferably 93% lean): Lean but still juicy, turkey keeps the meatballs light and healthy.
Garlic: Four fresh cloves bring a gentle kick and savory aroma.
Eggs: The all-important binder to keep the meatballs together without being dense.
Finely grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a little nutty, umami richness and helps bind, too.
Grated yellow onion: Brings mellow sweetness and moisture into the mixture.
Worcestershire sauce: A dash in the mix (and gravy!) offers complex tang and depth.
Minced fresh rosemary: Infuses the meatballs with fresh, woodsy notes (so worth it to use fresh here!).
Minced fresh sage: Adds earthy, savory lift that’s classic with turkey.
Minced fresh thyme: A floral, almost lemony boost for both meatball and gravy.
Fine sea salt: For balanced seasoning and to amplify all the flavors.
Freshly ground black pepper: For subtle warmth and complexity throughout.
Optional fried fresh sage leaves: A stunning, crunchy garnish if you want to go all out.
Unsalted butter: Adds rich silkiness to your homemade gravy.
All-purpose flour: Key to thickening the gravy for just the right consistency.
Chicken or turkey stock: The backbone of your gravy; use homemade if you have it.
Fresh thyme sprigs: Simmered right in the gravy for incredible depth and aroma.

How to Make Turkey Meatballs with Gravy

Step 1: Make the Panade

Begin by stirring together your panko breadcrumbs and milk in a large mixing bowl. Let them soak for about 5 to 10 minutes. This little step is the secret to tender, never-dense turkey meatballs, as the panade keeps the meat juicy and succulent while locking in flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Meatballs

Add ground turkey, garlic, eggs, Parmesan, onion, Worcestershire, rosemary, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper right into the panko bowl. Using clean hands, gently fold everything together just until combined. The less you work the mixture, the lighter and softer your Turkey Meatballs with Gravy will be.

Step 3: Chill the Mixture (Optional)

If you have a little extra time, cover and refrigerate the meatball mixture for 30 to 60 minutes. This step firms things up, making it much easier to shape the meatballs (and prevents them from falling apart when cooking). It’s not required but makes life easier!

Step 4: Form the Meatballs

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture per meatball, rolling them gently in your palms to create roughly 24 evenly sized balls. Line them up on a tray or large plate as you go. Uniform size ensures they all cook evenly and look bakery-window perfect.

Step 5: Brown the Meatballs

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a couple of tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Working in batches so as not to crowd the pan, brown each meatball for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning for an even, golden crust. You don’t need them cooked through yet, just beautifully seared!

Step 6: Make the Gravy

Wipe out any burnt bits from the pan, but do keep those fabulous browned bits stuck to the bottom—that’s pure flavor. Melt your butter, then whisk in the flour and let it bubble for about 2 minutes until gently golden. Gradually whisk in the chicken or turkey stock, along with those thyme sprigs, some salt, pepper, and a little Worcestershire. Let the gravy simmer and thicken for 5 minutes, stirring often, until gorgeously velvety.

Step 7: Simmer Meatballs in the Gravy

Now, nestle your browned meatballs (with their tasty juices) right into the simmering gravy. Cover the pan and let everything cook on medium-low for 5 to 10 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through (165°F at center) and the gravy has thickened just to your liking. Don’t forget to remove the thyme sprigs before serving.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

If you want to really wow, fry a few fresh sage leaves in a splash of butter until crisp and scatter on top. Serve your Turkey Meatballs with Gravy hot, spooned generously over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or fluffy white rice—the more gravy, the better!

How to Serve Turkey Meatballs with Gravy

Garnishes

Sometimes it’s the finishing touches that make the meal memorable. For Turkey Meatballs with Gravy, a sprinkle of extra chopped herbs or crispy fried sage leaves not only looks stunning but adds a lovely aroma and gentle crunch. A little grated Parmesan on top also never hurts.

Side Dishes

These meatballs are at their best swaddled in something soft and comforting. Think buttery mashed potatoes, wide ribbons of buttered egg noodles, or a mound of steamed rice to soak up every drop of that savory gravy. For freshness, a leafy green salad or simple green beans are wonderful on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Change things up and pile the meatballs into a warm sub roll for an open-faced sandwich, or serve appetizer-size skewers for a party twist. For a rustic, crowd-pleaser dinner, arrange Turkey Meatballs with Gravy family-style in a big platter, letting everyone dig in themselves!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, pack any leftover Turkey Meatballs with Gravy (and that incredible sauce) into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making this an absolutely dreamy lunch the next day!

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze cooled meatballs and gravy, either together or separately, in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator—this method is perfect for easy weeknight meals or meal prep.

Reheating

Gently reheat Turkey Meatballs with Gravy over medium-low heat on the stove, adding a splash of extra stock if needed to loosen the gravy. If you’re using the microwave, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally, so everything warms evenly.

FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs if fresh aren’t available. Use about one-third of the amount called for, as dried are more potent. The flavor will be slightly different, but still absolutely delicious.

Can I make Turkey Meatballs with Gravy gluten-free?

Absolutely. Swap in your favorite gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the gravy. Make sure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free as well, and you’re set!

Why do my turkey meatballs sometimes turn out dry?

Lean meat can dry out quickly, but the panade of milk and breadcrumbs in this recipe helps a lot. Be careful not to overmix the mixture and don’t overcook. Pull them off the heat as soon as they reach 165°F for juicy results.

What’s the best way to fry sage leaves for garnish?

Heat a tablespoon or two of butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh sage leaves in a single layer and cook just until crisp; it only takes 30 seconds to a minute. Drain briefly on paper towels, then add atop your Turkey Meatballs with Gravy for a chef’s touch.

Can I use a different ground meat?

Definitely. While turkey is especially light and flavorful, you can substitute chicken, pork, or a turkey-and-chicken blend. Just know that leaner meats benefit most from the panade and herb mix in this recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about a plate of Turkey Meatballs with Gravy—rich, savory, and impossibly comforting. If you’ve never tried making them from scratch, you’ll love how simple and satisfying it is. Gather your favorite people and dig into this homestyle classic—you might just find it becomes a new favorite tradition!