Turkey Swedish Meatballs

Turkey Swedish Meatballs are lighter than traditional Swedish Meatballs but are still packed with flavor and served in a delicious creamy sauce. 

Healthier Swedish Meatballs

I grew up eating Swedish Meatballs. Not Ikea Swedish Meatballs, but my mom's Swedish Meatballs.

And while I enjoy Ikea's version, my mom's recipe is still my favorite.

My mom's recipe for Swedish Meatballs is made with lean ground turkey that is seasoned with sauteed onions and herbs, baked instead of fried and served with a creamy gravy that is incredibly flavorful.

While lower in fat and cholesterol than the traditional recipe, these Turkey Swedish Meatballs still hit a home run in the flavor department!

Notes on Ingredients

• Ground Turkey: Because Swedish Meatballs are so packed with flavor, this is a great time to use lean ground turkey. However, if desired, you can use pork or beef (or combination of the two) in place of the ground turkey for a more traditional Swedish Meatball.
• Bread: Instead of breadcrumbs, this recipe uses bread to help bulk up and bind the meatballs. Use whole wheat, white, or even gluten-free bread to make these meatballs.
• Milk: Use milk in place of half and half to keep these lower in fat, or use heavy cream to really make these meatballs decadent. You can also use unflavored non-dairy milk if desired.
• Stock: Use low-sodium chicken stock or broth to make the meatballs and gravy. Turkey stock can be used in place of the chicken stock if desired.
• Nutmeg: I love to add nutmeg to cream sauces, but it is always beter in terms of flavor to grate whole nutmeg using a Microplane instead of using ground nutmeg.
• Thyme: Feel free to omit the thyme, this is not traditional, I just find it adds tons of flavor and pairs really beautifully with the turkey.

How to Make Swedish Meatballs

• Soak the bread in ¼ cup of milk, allowing the bread to absorb the milk and become soggy.
• While bread is soaking, heat a skillet over medium heat.
• Add the butter to the skillet. Once the butter is melted, add in the onions and herbs and saute until the onion is softened. Remove from the heat.
• In a large mixing bowl, mix together the sauteed onions, bread, milk, seasonings, and eggs until well combined.
• Add ground turkey to mixture and mix meatball mixture with your hands, as to not overwork your meatballs.
• Scoop the meatball mixture with a medium cookie scoop unto rimmed sheet pan.
• Pour 1 cup chicken or turkey stock around meatballs. This trick allows meatballs to stay moist and tender and lower in fat.
• Bake the meatballs until they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees. They will finish cooking as they rest out of the oven.

Swedish Meatball Sauce

Most people prefer to serve their Swedish Meatballs with simple pan gravy. I agree, that a sauce is needed for these meatballs, but I like to infuse my gravy with a bit more flavor than is typically traditional.

• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Whisk in flour, until thick paste forms.
• Cook-off raw flour for 1-2 minutes.
• Slowly add in chicken or turkey stock, whisking to incorporate.
• Season with salt, pepper, freshly grated nutmeg, and 2 sprigs of fresh thyme.
• Bring the gravy to a boil and then reduce heat to medium-low.
• Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until sauce is thick.
• Remove thyme sprigs and add in Worcestershire Sauce.
• Serve Sauce over Meatballs.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alone with gravy.
• Serve over mashed potatoes.
• Serve over cooked egg noodles that are tossed with a bit of butter.

Storage Instructions

Leftover Swedish Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container along with the sauce for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce and meatballs in 1-minute intervals in the microwave until warmed through.

If desired, you can also freeze the baked Swedish meatballs in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. However, the Swedish Meatball sauce does not freeze well, therefore I recommend making the sauce right before serving the meatballs for the best results.

To reheat the frozen meatballs, either drop into simmering Swedish Meatball sauce for 20 minutes or reheat in a 350 degree F oven for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.

Notes/Modifications for Swedish Meatballs

• For Gluten-Free Swedish Meatballs use gluten-free bread in place of regular bread in the meatball mixture and use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free Worcestershire sauce for the sauce.
• Swedish Meatballs are a great recipe to use leftover stuffing. In place of the bread slices, use leftover stuffing. In fact, the stuffing is packed with tremendous flavor, making the meatballs some of the best you have ever had.
• Be sure all your meatballs are the same size before baking. This ensures even baking time.

More Meatball Recipes

• Baked Italian Meatballs
• Lentil Meatballs
• Meatball Subs
• Instant Pot Meatballs

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If you enjoyed these Turkey Swedish Meatballs, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.