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THYME TURKEY MEATBALLS WITH MAPLE BUTTERNUT SQUASH

This thyme turkey meatball recipe with maple butternut squash is a great staple to switch up your meatball routine. The turkey balls are very simple, using only the thyme and garlic.  I serve the meatballs on top of a butternut squash puree that is lightly flavored with a teaspoon of maple syrup.

I use precooked frozen butternut squash puree that goes straight from freezer to saucepan, and it warms up in about 10 minutes.  Be careful when buying frozen squash…I see a lot of brands out there that are flavored with brown sugar.  Avoid those and opt for the plain squash with no additional ingredients.  When you use just one box of squash, it doesn’t make much, so it acts more as a dipping sauce for your meatballs.  If you want a substantial side out of it, you may want to consider doubling the squash ingredients.

If you are looking for other recipes to use some leftover fresh thyme, check out my Rosemary Pork Chops recipe. The herbed bean mash is amazing!

Thyme turkey meatballs with maple butternut squash puree and jasmine rice

Thyme Turkey Meatballs with Maple Butternut Squash

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

MEATBALLS INGREDIENTS

  • 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
  • 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme
  • 2 garlic cloves finely grated
  • 1 egg lightly beaten
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

BUTTERNUT SQUASH INGREDIENTS

  • 1 box (12 oof frozen cooked butternut squash puree
  • 1-3 drops of butter extract optional
  • 1 tsp 100% maple syrup
  • ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup toasted pine nuts for garnish optional

Instructions
 

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Place the frozen squash into a small/medium saucepan over low heat and with lid. Stir often as this thaws.
  • Prepare the meatballs by combining the turkey, thyme, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Form into 8 equal-sized balls.
  • Heat a 10” skillet to medium/high heat and add 1 tsp of extra virgin olive oil. Add meatballs to the pan without overcrowding and rotate them often to brown on all sides, until cooked through, about 10 minutes total.
  • While the meatballs are cooking, add the butter extract, maple syrup, nutmeg, and salt to the butternut squash, mixing well. Serve with pine nuts on top.

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