Turkey Meatballs in Green Chile Sauce
Tender, juicy turkey meatballs simmered in a zesty and smoky green chile sauce. This comforting Southwest-inspired dish is packed with flavor and perfect for a weeknight dinner served over rice or with warm tortillas.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Aromatics and Meatball Mixture
- b.Finely mince half of the yellow onion and 2 cloves of garlic; set aside for the meatballs. Chop the remaining onion and mince the remaining 3 cloves of garlic; set these aside for the sauce.
- c.In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, almond flour, beaten egg, the finely minced onion, the 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, dried oregano, 1 tsp kosher salt, and ½ tsp black pepper.
- d.Gently mix with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix to ensure tender meatballs. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Form and Brown the Meatballs
- b.Roll the mixture into 16 evenly-sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- c.Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- d.Carefully place the meatballs in the pan in a single layer, ensuring not to crowd them (work in two batches if necessary).
- e.Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. The meatballs will not be cooked through at this stage.
- f.Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set them aside on a plate.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Green Chile Sauce
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet, using the remaining oil and rendered fat. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- c.Add the 3 minced garlic cloves and the remaining 1 tsp of ground cumin. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- d.Pour in the undrained diced green chiles, chicken broth, and the remaining 0.75 tsp of kosher salt. Stir well to combine.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer the Meatballs
- b.Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- c.Carefully return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- d.Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. The meatballs should be cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the sauce slightly thickened.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh chopped cilantro.
- c.Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.
- d.Serve the meatballs and sauce hot, with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over. Excellent with cilantro-lime rice, quinoa, or warm flour tortillas.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most tender meatballs, handle the ground turkey as little as possible when mixing and rolling.
- 2Browning the meatballs is a crucial step for developing deep, savory flavor; don't skip it!
- 3If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it uncovered for the last 5-7 minutes to allow it to reduce.
- 4This dish freezes well. Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- 5For a brighter flavor, squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish just before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier Version
Add one minced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the onions for the sauce to increase the heat level.
Different ProteinDifferent Protein
This recipe works well with ground chicken or a 50/50 mix of ground pork and beef instead of turkey.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Incorporate 1 cup of corn kernels or diced zucchini into the sauce during the last 10 minutes of simmering for extra nutrients and texture.
Creamy SauceCreamy Sauce
For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk at the very end after turning off the heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Powerhouse
Ground turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and maintaining a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight management.
Rich in Antioxidants
Garlic, onions, and green chiles are loaded with antioxidants like allicin and quercetin, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Metabolism Support
Green chiles contain capsaicin, a compound that can provide a temporary boost to your metabolism and may contribute to fat burning.
Frequently asked questions
Each serving contains approximately 420-450 calories, making it a satisfying and relatively low-calorie main course. The exact count can vary based on the leanness of the turkey and serving accompaniments.