Ingredients
- Meatballs:
- A portion of panko bread crumbs, adding a delightful crunch
- A beaten egg to bind the mixture together
- Minced onion for a subtle flavor
- Diced water chestnuts for a unique texture
- Applesauce, with the goodness of Mott's® Natural Applesauce
- Finely grated Parmesan cheese for a savory touch
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped for a burst of freshness
- Pinch of salt to enhance the flavors
- Dash of dry mustard powder for a hint of spice
- Poultry seasoning for a comforting aroma
- Ground turkey, about a pound, for the base of the meatballs
- Sauce:
- Apple jelly for a touch of sweetness
- Mott's® Natural Applesauce for a fruity twist
- Cider vinegar for a tangy kick
- Minced onion to infuse flavor
- Ketchup for a hint of tomato goodness
- Chili sauce, such as Heinz®, for a spicy note
- Tomato paste for depth of flavor
- Brown sugar to balance the flavors
- Dijon mustard for a sharp edge
- Dry mustard powder, like Coleman's®, for a subtle heat
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish and a pop of color
Step 1
To begin, preheat your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with a sheet of shiny aluminum foil.
Step 2
In a spacious bowl, combine a delightful mix of bread crumbs, an egg, fragrant minced onion, crunchy water chestnuts, a touch of applesauce, savory Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, a hint of salt, zesty mustard powder, and aromatic poultry seasoning. Introduce the ground turkey into this flavorful medley, gently blending until just melded.
Step 3
Form the turkey mixture into charming 1 1/2-inch meatballs and lovingly place them on the awaiting baking sheet.
Step 4
Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and let the meatballs bake to perfection, usually around 20 minutes. A trusty instant-read thermometer is a great tool to ensure they reach an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
Step 5
While the meatballs are baking, it's time to whip up a luscious sauce. In a saucepan, whisk together sweet apple jelly, more applesauce, tangy cider vinegar, more minced onion, tangy ketchup, spicy chili sauce, robust tomato paste, rich brown sugar, piquant Dijon mustard, dry mustard, and a pinch of salt. Let this concoction simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to harmonize beautifully.
Step 6
Once the meatballs are cooked through, transfer them to the simmering sauce. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the meatballs bask in the flavors for another 10 minutes. To finish, sprinkle a touch of fresh parsley for a lovely garnish before serving.
Extra Tips & Suggestions
- 1. Make sure to store your savory turkey meatballs in an airtight container to seal in all the delicious flavors.
- 2. Consider storing them in the refrigerator for easy access when you're craving a quick and tasty meal.






