Turkey Meatballs: The Ultimate Turkey Meatballs in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Introduction to Turkey Meatballs
Turkey meatballs are a delightful and nutritious alternative to traditional meatballs, offering a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. In this recipe, we’ll explore how to make flavorful turkey meatballs smothered in a creamy Parmesan sauce that is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a dish to serve at gatherings, these turkey meatballs will not disappoint.
A Personal Story Behind My Turkey Meatballs Journey
Growing up, my family often gathered around the dinner table to enjoy hearty meals, and meatballs were always a highlight. I remember my grandmother’s kitchen, filled with the aromas of garlic and herbs, where she would lovingly prepare her famous meatballs. This recipe is inspired by those cherished memories, combining the goodness of turkey with a rich, creamy sauce that brings warmth to any meal.
What Makes This Turkey Meatballs Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out due to its simplicity and the use of lean ground turkey, making it a healthier choice. The creamy Parmesan sauce elevates the dish, adding richness without being overwhelming. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, taking only about 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy evenings. The combination of flavors and textures creates a comforting meal that everyone will love.
The Full Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 3/4 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to broil. This will give your meatballs a nice golden-brown finish later.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey with the egg, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. This mixture will be sticky, so to make rolling easier, oil your hands before shaping the meatballs.
- Form the turkey mixture into meatballs about the size of a quarter, ensuring they’re thick enough to hold their shape but not too thick. You should yield around 15 meatballs.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Carefully add the meatballs, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them in batches if necessary, browning on all sides until they are cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and reduce the heat to low to medium. Discard any excess grease. Pour in the heavy cream, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture and allow it to simmer gently, stirring frequently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. This should take about 5 minutes.
- After the sauce has thickened, add the meatballs back into the skillet, coating them in the creamy sauce. For an extra touch, place the skillet in the oven briefly to lightly brown the top of the meatballs and sauce, about 2-3 minutes.
- Once done, remove from the oven, garnish with additional parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for presentation. Allow to cool slightly before serving, as the sauce will be hot.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Turkey Meatballs
These turkey meatballs in creamy Parmesan sauce are wonderfully versatile. Serve them over a bed of spaghetti or zoodles for a delicious twist. They also pair well with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a lighter option. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick. You can also substitute the Parmesan with other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Meatballs
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat together before serving.
Can I freeze turkey meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs. Just ensure they are fully cooled before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with turkey meatballs?
These meatballs go well with pasta, rice, or vegetables. A simple salad or steamed broccoli can also complement the dish nicely.
Turkey Meatballs in Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Equipment
- Mixing bowl For mixing ingredients.
- Skillet For cooking meatballs and making sauce.
- Oven For broiling meatballs.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1.75 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to broil. This will give your meatballs a nice golden-brown finish later.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey with the egg, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. This mixture will be sticky, so to make rolling easier, oil your hands before shaping the meatballs.
- Form the turkey mixture into meatballs about the size of a quarter, ensuring they’re thick enough to hold their shape but not too thick. You should yield around 15 meatballs.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Carefully add the meatballs, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them in batches if necessary, browning on all sides until they are cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and reduce the heat to low to medium. Discard any excess grease. Pour in the heavy cream, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture and allow it to simmer gently, stirring frequently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. This should take about 5 minutes.
- After the sauce has thickened, add the meatballs back into the skillet, coating them in the creamy sauce. For an extra touch, place the skillet in the oven briefly to lightly brown the top of the meatballs and sauce, about 2-3 minutes.
- Once done, remove from the oven, garnish with additional parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for presentation. Allow to cool slightly before serving, as the sauce will be hot.