If you’re searching for a cozy, crave-worthy dish to steal the spotlight at your holiday table, you’ve absolutely got to try my Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Meatballs with Gravy Recipe. These aren’t just any meatballs—they’re stuffed with flavorful stuffing, baked to juicy perfection, and bathed in a rich, comforting gravy. Trust me, once you try them, your family will be begging for seconds (or thirds!). I’m excited to share this recipe that feels like Thanksgiving dinner, all rolled into bite-sized deliciousness.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All-In-One Flavor Bomb: Turkey meatballs packed with herbaceous stuffing bring the best Thanksgiving tastes together effortlessly.
Juicy & Tender Texture: I discovered that mixing and handling the turkey just right creates meatballs that stay moist, never dry.
Easy Gravy Finish: The simple homemade gravy turns these into a comforting, warm meal that feels extra special.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep those stuffing balls ahead of time for less stress on the big day.

The dish shows two pieces of a round meat item sliced in half revealing a soft, greenish inner filling with small bits inside. These are placed on a bed of smooth white mashed potatoes that form the bottom layer. A thick dark brown gravy generously covers the top of the meat pieces and part of the mashed potatoes. Some small green herb leaves and cracked black pepper are sprinkled over the dish. The whole meal sits on a round white plate with small brown specks, resting on a white marbled surface. A gold fork is visible on the left side of the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Thanksgiving turkey stuffing meatballs comes from combining seasonal flavors and fresh herbs that elevate ordinary turkey meatballs into something memorable. When shopping, fresh herbs really make the difference, so look for vibrant sage, thyme, and rosemary.

Stuffing mix: This is the cozy filling center—choose your favorite boxed mix or homemade classic.
Ground turkey or chicken: I recommend 85% lean for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
Unsalted butter: Needed for cooking veggies and enriching your gravy later.
Celery: Adds that classic savory crunch and freshness in the meatball mix.
Yellow onion: Sweet aroma that softens and complements the herbs beautifully.
Garlic: Use fresh chopped or grated for the most punchy, warm flavor.
Fresh sage, thyme, rosemary: These herbs bring your meatballs that signature Thanksgiving herbal warmth.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold those meatballs together nicely.
Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out all the flavors.
White wine: This brightens the pan and lifts your gravy’s flavor.
All-purpose flour: To thicken your homemade gravy perfectly.
Chicken stock or broth: Base of the gravy, flavorful and comforting.
Chicken base: Adds an umami punch to deepen the gravy flavor.
Garlic powder and onion powder: Enhances the savory profile of the gravy.
Optional Kitchen Bouquet browning: A small splash adds color and complexity to your gravy.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Meatballs with Gravy Recipe is—there’s plenty of room for you to add your own spin and make it truly your own. Whether you keep it traditional or try some fun twists, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Herb swaps: If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, dried work well too—just use less. I sometimes add fresh parsley for a milder herbal note.
Meat alternatives: Feel free to swap ground turkey for lean chicken or even pork for a different flavor profile.
Spice things up: For a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne—my family loves a subtle kick.
Gravy variations: Try mushroom gravy or add a splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten the classic sauce.

How to Make Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Meatballs with Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Workstation & Make Stuffing Balls

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment—trust me, cleanup here is so much easier. Prep all your ingredients before diving in; chopping the celery, onion, herbs, and garlic upfront sets you up for smooth sailing. Then, measure out half a cup of your stuffing mix crumbs into a small bowl and set aside. Prepare your stuffing per the box directions, then let it cool completely. Once cool, use a tablespoon to portion and roll 16 small stuffing balls—these are the hidden treasures that will go inside each meatball. Pop them into the freezer so they’re nice and firm for assembly.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics for Maximum Flavor

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet on medium heat, then add your finely diced celery and onion with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cooking these down until soft (about 5-6 minutes) builds a fantastic flavor base. Toss in the garlic and fresh herbs last, cooking just 1-2 more minutes until fragrant—watch your kitchen fill with that glorious holiday aroma! Transfer this mixture to a bowl and take the skillet off the heat.

Step 3: Mix Your Meatball Base Carefully

Take those reserved stuffing crumbs and crush them up finely with your hands—that’s your secret for texture without overpowering the mix. Combine those crumbs with your sautéed aromatics and the egg in a large bowl; add 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper. Mix this gently by hand until fully combined, then add your ground turkey. This is crucial—mix just until everything comes together. Over-mixing can make turkey meatballs dry, and nobody wants that! Now you have the perfect meatball base.

Step 4: Stuff and Form Your Meatballs

Grab those frozen stuffing balls—ready to be wrapped in turkey goodness! Divide your meat mixture into 16 equal parts. Flatten one into a patty in your palm, place a stuffing ball in the center, and carefully fold the meat around it, sealing the edges tight. Roll gently into a smooth ball and place on your prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all are formed. This is the most fun part because you’re essentially creating little pockets of Thanksgiving joy.

Step 5: Bake and Brown Your Meatballs

Bake your meatballs for 10-12 minutes in the already hot oven—this gets them mostly cooked through. Then, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet, and brown the meatballs for 2-3 minutes per side. This extra step adds gorgeous color and locks in flavor. By now, your kitchen should smell like a holiday dream come true.

Step 6: Whip Up the Rich Gravy and Simmer

Deglaze the skillet with white wine, scraping up all those tasty browned bits—you don’t want to miss them! Whisk together your flour with chicken stock to make a smooth slurry, then add it to the pan along with chicken base, garlic, onion powders, and Kitchen Bouquet if using. Stir constantly until your gravy thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Lower the heat and add your browned meatballs back in, coating them with that luscious gravy. Let them simmer gently for 6-8 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the meatballs to cool slightly before serving. These are wonderful spooned over creamy mashed potatoes or any starchy favorite. I promise, these meatballs paired with gravy will quickly become your new Thanksgiving tradition.

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Pro Tips for Making Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Meatballs with Gravy Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Meat: Mixing just until combined keeps your turkey meatballs tender and juicy—overmilling makes them tough.
Freeze Stuffing Balls First: Freezing the stuffing bites helps keep their shape and makes assembly easier.
Brown Meatballs in Butter: This adds extra richness and a beautiful golden crust before the gravy.
Use Fresh Herbs When Possible: Fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary completely transform the flavor compared to dried.

How to Serve Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Meatballs with Gravy Recipe

A white plate holds a layer of fluffy white mashed potatoes spread as the base. On top, there are three round, brown meatballs, one cut in half showing a light greenish-yellow inside with herbs and a crumbly texture. Thick brown gravy is being poured over the meatballs and mashed potatoes from a small rustic pitcher, creating a glossy coating. Small green herb sprigs are sprinkled on the meatballs and around the plate. A gold fork rests on the bottom left corner of the plate. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to finish these meatballs with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few more leaves of sage on top for a pop of color and herbal brightness. A little cracked black pepper right before serving adds nice contrast. Feel free to get creative—crispy fried sage leaves can be a lovely textured garnish, too!

Side Dishes

For sides, my family always pairs these meatballs with mashed potatoes—that gravy just can’t go to waste! I also love serving them alongside green bean casserole, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a sweet potato casserole. A crisp fall salad with tart cranberries provides a refreshing balance, too.

Creative Ways to Present

Last year, I tried serving these meatballs in mini cast iron skillets during our holiday meal—it was a huge hit. They stayed warm and looked so festive when kissed with fresh herbs. Another fun idea is to skewer meatballs with rosemary sprigs as “sticks” for a charming appetizer vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Meatballs with Gravy store beautifully. I let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing flavor or texture.

Freezing

If you want to freeze these, it’s best to freeze the meatballs (before adding gravy) on a tray in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and reheat gently in gravy.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the meatballs in a skillet with some leftover gravy over low heat so they don’t dry out. Microwave works too—cover the dish tightly, and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally to keep everything moist and delicious.

FAQs

Can I make these turkey stuffing meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing balls and meatball mixture a day ahead. Freeze the stuffing balls, and keep the meat mixture refrigerated. Assemble and bake the day you plan to serve. This makes Thanksgiving meal prep much easier!
What if I don’t have fresh herbs for the meatballs?

Don’t worry! Dried herbs work fine in a pinch. Use roughly one-third the amount you would with fresh herbs to avoid overpowering the meatballs. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I use a different type of bread stuffing?

Yes! You can use your favorite boxed or homemade stuffing mix, whether it’s cornbread or traditional bread style. Just be sure to follow the package instructions and adjust seasoning as needed.
How do I prevent the meatballs from drying out?

The key is to avoid overmixing the turkey and not overbaking them. Mixing until ingredients just come together keeps them tender, and browning in butter before simmering in gravy seals in moisture.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Meatballs with Gravy Recipe brings the heart of the holiday into a fun, approachable dish. When I first made these, I was amazed at how something so simple could taste so rich and comforting—and they instantly became a family favorite. Give these a try, especially if you want all the best flavors of Thanksgiving in one easy-to-eat bite. Trust me, you won’t regret it, and your family will thank you for this delicious twist on tradition. Happy cooking and even happier eating!