A Party Favorite
Savory Party Meatballs are my go-to recipe whenever I’m hosting a gathering. The first time I made these Savory Party Meatballs, I was preparing for a game day celebration. I wanted something that was easy to eat but packed with flavor, and these meatballs fit the bill perfectly. With ground turkey as the base, quick oats for a bit of heartiness, and a tangy tomato sauce that clings to every bite, these meatballs became an instant hit. I had no idea they would become a staple at all my future events!
The Secret to Flavor
What makes these Savory Party Meatballs so special is the combination of simple ingredients that come together to create something delicious. The ground turkey is tender and juicy, while the quick oats add a unique texture that everyone loves. The sauce, made from ketchup, brown sugar, and a hint of chili powder, provides the perfect balance of sweet and savory. When these meatballs are baking in the oven, the aroma fills the house, making it hard to wait until they’re done.
A Versatile Dish
One of the things I love most about Savory Party Meatballs is how versatile they are. They can be served as an appetizer on a platter, or as the main dish alongside mashed potatoes or over a bed of spaghetti. I’ve even tried adding some finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the mix for a bit of variety, and they always turn out fantastic. These meatballs are not only easy to make but also easily adaptable to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
The Perfect Crowd-Pleaser
Every time I serve these Savory Party Meatballs, they disappear quickly, with guests often asking for the recipe. They’re a crowd-pleaser, and I always make sure to have extra on hand just in case. Whether it’s for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or a special occasion, these meatballs never fail to impress. They’ve become a tradition in my home, and I’m sure they’ll become a favorite in yours too!
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Savory Party Meatballs
- Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure that your ground turkey and eggs are cold before mixing. This helps the meatball mixture hold together better and makes it easier to shape.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. A light hand ensures tender and juicy meatballs.
- Test for Seasoning: Before forming all the meatballs, cook a small portion of the mixture in a skillet to check for seasoning. Adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
- Uniform Meatballs: For even cooking, ensure that all meatballs are the same size. A small ice cream scoop or cookie scoop is perfect for this.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and refrigerate them separately. When ready to cook, pour the sauce over the meatballs and bake as directed.
- Double Batch for Freezing: Consider doubling the recipe and freezing half of the uncooked meatballs for later. Freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be baked directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
- Substitute Fresh Garlic: If you prefer a more pronounced garlic flavor, substitute the garlic powder with 2-3 minced garlic cloves.
- Serving Ideas: These meatballs pair well with a tangy dipping sauce, like a mixture of mustard and honey, or a yogurt-based dip with herbs and lemon.
Savory Party Meatballs
4
servings20
minutes40
minutes250
kcal10
minutes1
hour10
minutesGet ready to wow your guests with these Savory Party Meatballs! Perfect for any gathering, these meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With a blend of ground turkey, oats, and a tangy tomato sauce, this dish is both healthy and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a game day or a family dinner, these meatballs will be the star of the show!
Ingredients
- Meatball Mixture
2 pounds ground turkey
1 cup finely diced onion
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup evaporated milk
2 large eggs, beaten
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Sauce
1 cup ketchup
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp chili powder
- Alternative Ingredients:
Ground Beef replaces ground turkey
Almond Milk replaces evaporated milk for dairy-free
Gluten-Free Bread Crumbs replaces quick-cooking oats
Directions
- Prepare Meatball Mixture – In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely diced onion, quick-cooking oats, evaporated milk, beaten eggs, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. This should take about 5 minutes.
- Form Meatballs – Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are evenly spaced to cook uniformly.
- Preheat Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the sauce.
- Make Sauce – In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, packed brown sugar, and chili powder until smooth. This should take about 2 minutes.
- Bake Meatballs – Pour the sauce over the meatballs on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
- Rest and Serve – Allow the meatballs to rest for about 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Potassium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 18g
- Vitamin A: 500IU
- Vitamin C: 5mg
- Calcium: 100mg
- Iron: 2mg
FAQs- Savory Party Meatballs
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
Yes, ground beef can be used as a direct substitute for ground turkey. The meatballs will have a richer flavor, but the cooking time and method remain the same.
How can I make these meatballs dairy-free?
To make the meatballs dairy-free, substitute the evaporated milk with almond milk or any other plant-based milk. Ensure the milk is unsweetened and plain.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Absolutely! You can freeze the meatballs either cooked or uncooked. For uncooked, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. For cooked meatballs, let them cool completely before freezing. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.
What can I use instead of quick oats?
If you don’t have quick oats, you can use gluten-free bread crumbs or regular rolled oats. If using rolled oats, pulse them a few times in a food processor to break them down slightly.
How can I prevent the meatballs from sticking to the baking sheet?
Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat will prevent the meatballs from sticking. Additionally, lightly greasing the parchment paper or mat with cooking spray ensures easy removal after baking.
