Go Back

Healthy Turkey Swedish Meatballs - Light, Comforting, and Easy

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/4 pounds lean ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (whole-wheat or panko)
  • 1/4 cup finely minced onion (or grated for extra tenderness)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole milk works best)
  • Optional: 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice for brightness
  • Optional garnish: chopped parsley, freshly cracked pepper
  • Serving options: egg noodles, mashed potatoes, brown rice, or cauliflower mash

Method
 

  1. Mix the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, garlic powder, allspice, and nutmeg. Use a fork or your hands to mix gently until just combined. Don’t overwork the mixture.
  2. Shape: Roll into 18–22 meatballs, about 1 to 1 1/4 inches each. Place on a plate and chill in the fridge for 10 minutes to help them hold their shape.
  3. Sear: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in a single layer, leaving space between them. Brown on all sides, about 6–8 minutes total. Transfer to a plate; they will finish cooking in the sauce.
  4. Make the roux: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter. Once melted, whisk in flour and cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden and nutty.
  5. Build the sauce: Slowly whisk in broth, a little at a time, to avoid lumps. Stir in Dijon and Worcestershire. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.
  6. Finish with yogurt: Turn heat to low. In a small bowl, whisk Greek yogurt with a few spoonfuls of hot sauce to temper it. Stir the tempered yogurt into the skillet until smooth. If you like a touch of acidity, add lemon juice.
  7. Simmer meatballs: Return meatballs and any juices to the pan. Simmer on low for 6–8 minutes, spooning sauce over them, until cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve: Spoon the meatballs and sauce over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or your favorite base. Garnish with parsley and a grind of black pepper.