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Turkey Meatballs and Gravy: Comfort Food Made Healthy

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Tender turkey meatballs simmered in a silky mushroom gravy made lighter with Greek yogurt—not cream. Ready in 35 minutes, this healthy comfort food delivers cozy flavor, lean protein, and a creamy finish you’ll crave on busy weeknights. Serve over egg noodles for a complete meal.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • Whole wheat bread — 1 slice, mashed for binding

  • Skim milk — 2 Tbsp, creates tender texture

  • White ground turkey breast — 1 lb, lean and protein-rich

  • Medium onion — 1, minced (use 1/4 cup in meatballs; reserve the rest for gravy)

  • Garlic cloves — 2, minced, fresh and fragrant

  • Salt — 1/2 tsp, enhances flavors

  • Black pepper — 1/2 tsp, freshly ground preferred

  • Egg yolk — 1, binds meatballs

  • Olive oil — 1 Tbsp, for browning

  • Mushrooms — 8 oz, sliced, earthy and meaty

  • Reduced-sodium chicken broth — 1 1/2 cups, rich base for gravy

  • Worcestershire sauce — 1 tsp, umami depth

  • Cornstarch — 1 Tbsp, natural thickener

  • White wine — 1/4 cup, adds sophistication (or extra broth)

  • 2% plain Greek yogurt — 1/2 cup, creamy finish

  • Fresh parsley — 2 Tbsp, finely chopped, bright garnish

  • No yolk egg noodles — 4 oz, cooked separately

Instructions

  • Prepare the panade & mix: In a small bowl, mash the whole wheat bread with skim milk to a paste. In a large bowl, combine turkey, 1/4 cup minced onion, garlic, salt, pepper, bread mixture, and egg yolk. Mix gently until just combined; form 20–24 1-inch meatballs. Tip: Wet hands and avoid overmixing for tender texture.

  • Brown the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Brown meatballs 2–3 minutes per side (they’ll finish cooking later). Transfer to a bowl; keep drippings in the skillet.

  • Build the mushroom base: Add remaining onion to the skillet; cook ~2 minutes until translucent. Add mushrooms; sauté 5–7 minutes until their liquid evaporates. Pour in broth and Worcestershire; bring to a rolling boil. In a cup, stir cornstarch with 1 Tbsp cold water to make a slurry.

  • Thicken & simmer: Whisk slurry into the boiling liquid; cook ~1 minute until visibly thickened. Stir in white wine. Return meatballs and any juices to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 5 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.

 

  • Finish creamy & serve: Turn off heat. Stir in Greek yogurt and parsley until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately over cooked no-yolk egg noodles. Tip: Add yogurt off heat to prevent curdling.

Notes

  • Make it alcohol-free: Replace white wine with additional chicken broth.

  • Gravy consistency: If too thick, whisk in warm broth 1–2 Tbsp at a time; if too thin, simmer uncovered briefly.

  • Swap the noodles: Great with mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, brown rice, or whole-wheat pasta.

  • Meal prep: Meatballs can be formed a day ahead. Reheat gently over low heat; add a splash of broth to loosen sauce.

 

  • Gluten-free option: Use GF bread for the panade and serve over GF noodles or rice.

  • Author: Amber
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Healthy, Comfort Food
  • Method: Skillet, Stovetop, One-Pan
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (meatballs, gravy & noodles)
  • Calories: 385 kcal
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg