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
Scale
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.
