If you’re searching for comfort food that feels both indulgent and wholesome, look no further than this Creamy Turkey Meatballs Recipe. It’s a delightful dish where tender turkey meatballs swim in a luxurious, velvety sauce that’s bursting with savory flavor. Each bite offers just the right balance of herbs, Parmesan, and a gently rich cream sauce, making it perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is sure to become one of your go-to favorites, delivering hearty satisfaction without heaviness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each bringing its own magic—from the lean ground turkey that keeps things light, to the creamy richness of heavy cream that makes the sauce irresistible. The Parmesan and Italian seasoning infuse the meatballs with delightful flavor, while garlic and onion add that cozy, familiar aroma.
- 1 pound ground turkey: A lean protein base that stays tender and juicy in the meatballs.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them wonderfully soft.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Introduces a salty, nutty depth of flavor.
- 1 egg: Acts as the perfect binder for all ingredients.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a punch of savory aroma.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion: Sweetness and texture that enhances the overall mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and elevates all flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just enough kick to keep the taste interesting.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that marries the dish together beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the meatballs and adding richness.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Creates a silky base for the creamy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth: Adds savory depth and moisture to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Provides that luxurious creaminess that makes the sauce so comforting.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances garlic flavor without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the subtle sweetness in the sauce.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch when serving.
How to Make Creamy Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning. Mix just until everything has come together; overworking can lead to tougher meatballs, and we want them tender and juicy. Then, shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This size cooks quickly and ensures a balanced bite of meat to sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, just enough to coat the bottom. Add the meatballs carefully, making sure not to crowd the pan, and cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes. Turn frequently so they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust on all sides without overcooking the inside. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside to rest while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter and sprinkle the flour over it. Whisk constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until the flour cooks through but doesn’t take on any color—this is your roux, the foundation for the sauce’s thickness. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps, stirring until the liquid turns smooth and starts to thicken. Add the heavy cream, garlic powder, and onion powder, and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. This creates a velvety, flavorful base perfect for the meatballs.
Step 4: Finish Cooking the Meatballs in the Sauce
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Let them cook gently for another 8 to 10 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked through and the sauce thickens just right around them. This simmering step allows the meatballs to soak up some of that luscious sauce, making every bite flavorful and moist.
How to Serve Creamy Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled over the top not only brightens the plate but also adds a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness of the sauce beautifully. Grating a little extra Parmesan cheese just before serving can also enhance the flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
These creamy turkey meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them over fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce or alongside creamy polenta for an extra comforting meal. Pasta lovers can twirl fettuccine or pappardelle underneath, letting the sauce coat every noodle. Even a bed of rice offers a wonderful way to enjoy the luscious sauce soaking into every grain.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a little fancy, serve these meatballs on a family-style platter garnished with sprigs of fresh herbs and lemon zest for a pop of color. For casual dinners, place them in small bowls with crusty bread on the side for dipping. You can also skewer meatballs as an appetizer, spooning over a bit of sauce for individual portions perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy turkey meatballs stay delicious when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the meatballs nestled in the sauce to prevent them from drying out, and they’ll remain tender and flavorful, ready to enjoy for a quick lunch or dinner.
Freezing
For longer storage, these meatballs freeze beautifully. Allow them to cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag with plenty of sauce to keep them moist. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the meatballs and sauce in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This slow reheating preserves the creamy texture of the sauce and keeps the meatballs juicy. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent uneven warming or drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well as a lean alternative and will still produce tender meatballs with the same great flavor. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by substituting the regular breadcrumbs and flour with gluten-free varieties. This tweak makes the recipe accessible without sacrificing any of its creamy goodness.
Can I make the sauce without heavy cream?
Yes, for a lighter version, you can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich and slightly thinner in texture.
How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
Mix the ingredients just until combined and be gentle when shaping the meatballs. Using an egg and breadcrumbs helps bind them well, and browning them carefully helps create a crust that keeps them intact.
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Definitely! You can mix and form the meatballs, then refrigerate them overnight before cooking. This makes dinnertime quicker and stress-free while still giving you that fresh, homemade taste.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Turkey Meatballs Recipe is a true keeper—combining simplicity, comfort, and impressive flavor in one delightful dish. It’s perfect for cozy weeknights or when feeding loved ones who appreciate a hearty, satisfying meal with a touch of elegance. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Creamy Turkey Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Creamy Turkey Meatballs offer a comforting, flavorful main course featuring tender ground turkey meatballs cooked in a rich and velvety cream sauce. Perfect for a hearty dinner, this recipe balances lean protein with a luscious sauce made from chicken broth, heavy cream, and aromatic seasonings, all prepared easily on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture. Shape the mixture into small meatballs approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the formed meatballs to the hot oil and cook them for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
- Make the Roux: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour while whisking constantly. Continue to whisk the flour and butter mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, creating a roux that removes the raw flour taste and thickens the sauce.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to keep the sauce smooth. Add the heavy cream, garlic powder, and onion powder, stirring well. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the cream sauce. Simmer the mixture for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked all the way through and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve these creamy turkey meatballs with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.
Notes
- For a lighter alternative, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- These meatballs pair excellently with mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice for a complete meal.
- You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and gently reheat them in the sauce before serving.
- To keep this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour alternatives.
