Albóndigas de Pavo en Salsa Verde (Turkey Meatballs in Green Sauce)
Tender turkey and rice meatballs poached in a tangy green tomatillo sauce, with pot beans on the side.
Made with Green enchilada sauce and Frijoles de la olla (pot beans). Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time50 min
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £2.58 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Mix the turkey mince, rice, egg, garlic, oregano, cumin and 1 tsp salt with your hands until just combined. Do not overwork. Roll into 20 balls.
- 2
Bring your ready made green enchilada sauce (see the base recipe) and the stock to a gentle simmer in a wide pan.
- 3
Lower the meatballs carefully into the sauce. Cover and simmer very gently for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once, until cooked through with no pink inside.
22 min 30 s - 4
Meanwhile reheat your ready made frijoles de la olla (see the base recipe) with some of their broth until steaming hot all the way through.
5 min - 5
Taste the sauce and adjust the salt. Scatter with the coriander and serve with the beans.
Tips
- The cooked rice keeps the meatballs tender without breadcrumbs, and keeps them gluten free.
- Simmer gently, never boil, or the meatballs may break up.
- Wet your hands when rolling so the mince does not stick.
- To be sure they are cooked, cut one open or check the centre reaches 75C.
Storing and freezing
Cool within 1 hour and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Can I use chicken or pork mince?
Yes. Chicken mince is a close swap. Pork mince is richer and gives a more traditional albóndigas.
Can I bake them instead?
Yes, bake at 200C for 18 to 20 minutes, then simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes.
Is it egg free?
No, there is an egg to bind the mixture. For an egg free version use a tablespoon of masa harina mixed with water.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes. Roll the meatballs a day ahead and keep covered in the fridge, then simmer from cold, adding 5 extra minutes.
More made with green enchilada sauce
Chuletas de Cordero con Salsa Verde y Frijoles (Lamb Chops with Green Sauce)
DFEFNFArroz con Pollo Verde (Mexican Green Chicken and Rice)
GFDFEFBistec en Salsa Verde (Steak in Green Sauce)
DFEFNFFlautas de Pollo con Salsa Verde (Crispy Chicken Flautas)
GFDFEFDouble check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.