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Leftover Turkey Meatballs

These Leftover Turkey Meatballs are the perfect 3-ingredient recipe to make after the Thanksgiving feast commences and you’re left with turkey leftovers.

leftover turkey meatballs with mashed potatoes and gravy on white plate

Every year we purposely make extra food for Thanksgiving dinner because let’s be honest, Thanksgiving leftovers have a ton of flavor the next day.

While you can certainly make the traditional turkey sandwiches, I challenge you to make these baked turkey meatballs instead.

These leftover meatballs are a great way to use leftover turkey breast, leftover mashed potatoes, leftover stuffing and leftover gravy. Serve alongside some additional mashed potatoes, gravy and a dollop of cranberry sauce and you’ve got a match made in heaven!

In under 30 minutes, you’ll have delicious homemade turkey meatballs that will quickly become one of your favorite recipes.

By the way, I challenge you to try this Crockpot Turkey Breast recipe as well. It is delicious!

leftover turkey meatballs served on white plate with mashed potatoes and gravy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make – If you enjoy easy meals, this is a great leftover recipe to make especially after a long day of cooking Thanksgiving dinner.
  • Doesn’t waste leftovers – I don’t like wasting food and recipes like this help ensure we are using all the food we cook.
  • Perfect for any sort of Thanksgiving Potluck – Aside from serving as leftovers, you can just make these for your next potluck. It would even be perfect for game day appetizers.
plate full of leftover turkey meatballs

Frequently Asked Questions

What are leftover turkey meatballs?
Leftover turkey meatballs are meatballs made from turkey meat that has been cooked and left over from a previous meal. They are a great way to use up leftover turkey meat and turn it into a new, delicious dish.

Can I freeze leftover turkey meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze leftover turkey meatballs. Make sure to cool them completely before placing them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the meatballs in the refrigerator overnight and then heat them in a saucepan or in the oven until they are warmed through.

Can I use leftover turkey meatballs in other recipes?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey meatballs can be used in a variety of recipes such as spaghetti and meatballs, meatball sandwiches, meatball subs, or even in a meatball curry. They are a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into many different dishes.

What other ingredients can I add to the turkey meatballs?
You can change the flavor of the meatballs by adding other ingredients such as; fresh herbs, black pepper, hot sauce, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, fresh parsley, finely chopped fresh vegetables, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Are leftover turkey meatballs healthy?
Leftover turkey meatballs can be a healthier option depending on how they are made. Rather than using ground beef or ground chicken, turkey meat is a lean protein, and by adding vegetables, breadcrumbs, and cheese, you can create a balanced meal. However, be mindful of the portion size and the ingredients you use, as adding too much cheese, breadcrumbs, or sauce can increase the calorie and fat content.

leftover turkey meatballs on plate

Storage Instructions:

To store these leftover meatballs, place them in an airtight container and chill in the fridge for up to 1 week. For the freezer, you can freeze for up to 3 months, also in an airtight container.

What You Will Need to Make Leftover Turkey Meatballs:

  • Leftover Turkey
  • Leftover Mashed Potatoes
  • Leftover Stuffing
  • Leftover Gravy, for serving (optional – can also use store-bought gravy)

Equipment Needed:

leftover turkey meatball ingredients in bowls on table

How to Make Leftover Turkey Meatballs:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 9×13 baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

Place the turkey in a food processor and chop until there are no large chunks left (about 30 seconds or less.)

turkey meat shredded in food processor

Measure a cup of the minced turkey and place it in a medium-large mixing bowl with the mashed potatoes and stuffing. Mix well until fully combined.

leftover turkey meatball ingredients being mixed in large glass bowl

I used a slightly overflowing 1-inch cookie scoop to make each meatball. After scooping, I would roll it into a ball using my (clean) hands.

leftover turkey meatballs on baking sheet

Line the meatballs up on the prepared pan. It should fit all of them perfectly, so you don’t need to do more than one baking round.

Bake for 15 minutes or until the bottoms are a golden brown.

leftover turkey meatballs in large white bowl

Serve immediately with gravy, if desired, or store for later use.

Leftover Turkey Meatballs

Leftover Turkey Meatballs

Yield: 28 Leftover Turkey Meatballs
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

These Leftover Turkey Meatballs are the perfect 3-ingredient recipe to make after the Thanksgiving feast commences and you're left with turkey leftovers.

Ingredients

  • 6-8 Ounces Leftover Turkey
  • 2 Cups Leftover Mashed Potatoes
  • 2 Cups Leftover Stuffing
  • Leftover Gravy, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 9x13 baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. Place the turkey in a food processor and chop until there are no large chunks left (about 30 seconds or less.)
  3. Measure a cup of the minced turkey and place it in a medium-large mixing bowl with the mashed potatoes and stuffing. Mix well until fully combined.
  4. I used a slightly overflowing 1-inch cookie scoop to make each meatball. After scooping, I would roll it into a ball using my (clean) hands.
  5. Line the meatballs up on the prepared pan. It should fit all of them perfectly, so you don’t need to do more than one baking round.
  6. Bake for 15 minutes or until the bottoms are a golden brown.
  7. Serve immediately with gravy, if desired, or store for later use.

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 28 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 138Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 53mgSodium: 176mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 15g

*Nutrition facts are an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate. Please consult with a registered dietitian for dietary advice. You may read our Nutritional Disclaimer here: https://www.simplisticallyliving.com/nutritional-disclaimer/

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