If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying dish that will quickly become a family favorite, this Creamy Turkey Meatballs Recipe is a must-try. Tender turkey meatballs cooked to golden perfection, nestled in a luscious, velvety sauce infused with herbs and cream, create a harmony of textures and flavors that will warm your heart and delight your taste buds. This dish strikes the perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent, proving that turkey meatballs don’t have to be dry or boring when paired with the right creamy sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple and everyday ingredients, each playing an essential role to bring together layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the fresh parsley adding brightness to the hearty ground turkey, every component works harmoniously to make this dish truly special.
- 1 pound ground turkey: The star protein, lean yet flavorful, forms the base of the meatballs.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs: Provides just enough binder for tender, perfectly shaped meatballs.
- 1 egg: Helps hold the meat mixture together for a moist but firm texture.
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley: Adds fresh herbaceous notes and a pop of green color.
- 2 garlic cloves minced: Imparts a deep savory aroma and enhances overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Gives a subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and elevates all flavors in the meatballs and sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and a touch of spice for complexity.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for searing the meatballs to develop a golden crust.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Creates a rich base for the creamy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce into a smooth, velvety consistency.
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth: Liquids the sauce while infusing savory taste.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and indulgent.
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme: Provides earthy herbal notes that brighten the sauce.
- Optional: grated Parmesan for serving: Adds a salty, nutty finish to enhance every bite.
How to Make Creamy Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, gently combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until all ingredients come together, avoiding overworking to keep the meatballs tender. Then, shape the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs, perfect for even cooking and easy serving.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly. This step locks in juices and builds flavor through the wonderful crust that forms. Once done, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to create a golden roux, which will thicken the sauce beautifully. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps, until the sauce becomes smooth. Stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme, then let the sauce simmer gently to develop richness and aroma.
Step 4: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over the meatballs and allow everything to simmer together for another 5 to 7 minutes. This final step ensures the meatballs soak up some of that creamy, flavorful sauce and heat through thoroughly, bringing the dish to perfect harmony.
How to Serve Creamy Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top adds a salty, nutty boost that complements the creamy sauce wonderfully. You can also add a dash of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of vibrant green and fresh flavor that contrasts nicely with the velvety sauce.
Side Dishes
These meatballs shine when served with comforting sides like fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or steamed white rice. Each option absorbs the sauce in its own way, ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying. Roasted or sautéed vegetables also pair beautifully, adding color and nutrition to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve straight from the skillet for a rustic feel that’s super inviting. If you want to impress guests, plate the meatballs atop a creamy polenta bed or inside warm pita pockets topped with the sauce and fresh greens. This Creamy Turkey Meatballs Recipe is versatile enough to shine in many presentations!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover meatballs with sauce can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making reheated leftovers just as delicious, if not more so.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and sauce separately or together in freezer-safe containers or bags. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, preserving all that creamy goodness without compromising texture.
Reheating
Gently warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much after chilling, simply stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it back to the perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the regular breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour with gluten-free versions, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free Creamy Turkey Meatballs Recipe that everyone can enjoy.
Is ground turkey a good choice for meatballs?
Yes, ground turkey is a lean and healthier alternative to beef but can sometimes be dry. However, this recipe’s creamy sauce and use of breadcrumbs and egg keep the meatballs juicy and full of flavor.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?
Sure thing! Baking at 400°F for about 18 to 20 minutes is a great option if you want to avoid extra oil or a stovetop mess. Just be sure to brown them lightly in the sauce afterward for best results.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, half-and-half works well and keeps the sauce creamy. Just note the sauce may be a bit thinner but still deliciously rich.
How long do these meatballs take to prepare?
The entire process takes about 40 minutes, with 15 minutes for prep and 25 minutes for cooking, making this an excellent weeknight dish that’s both quick and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Turkey Meatballs Recipe enough for your next cozy dinner. It’s simple, comforting, and full of flavor in every bite, perfectly balancing healthy turkey with a luxurious creamy sauce. Once you try it, these meatballs will surely become one of your go-to crowd-pleasers. So grab your skillet and get cooking — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Creamy Turkey Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These creamy turkey meatballs are a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Made with lean ground turkey and enveloped in a rich, velvety cream sauce infused with herbs, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a delicious meal that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground turkey
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- Optional: grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped parsley, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs, then shape the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the formed meatballs to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning regularly to brown all sides evenly and ensure they are cooked through. Once done, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth and no lumps remain.
- Finish the Sauce and Simmer: Stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Return the browned meatballs to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the meatballs are heated through.
- Serve: Serve the creamy turkey meatballs warm, optionally topped with grated Parmesan for extra richness and flavor.
Notes
- These meatballs are excellent served with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- You can bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying by placing them on a baking sheet and cooking at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes.
- To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and all-purpose gluten-free flour.
