If you are on the lookout for a hearty yet low-carb meal that excites your taste buds, this Amazing Keto Turkey Meatballs in a Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Tender turkey meatballs baked to perfection and smothered in a luxuriously creamy parmesan sauce create a comforting dish that feels indulgent but fits perfectly into a keto lifestyle. The balance of herbs, garlic, and rich parmesan cheese delivers a flavor explosion that’s both familiar and uniquely satisfying. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For such a flavorful dish, you only need a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering taste, texture, and that irresistible creamy sauce. These basics come together effortlessly to make something truly special.
- 1 pound ground turkey: The lean protein base that keeps the meatballs light yet juicy.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold those meatballs together perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the meat.
- 1 teaspoon garlic: Provides aromatic warmth — fresh or powder works in the meat.
- 2 teaspoons parsley: Offers a fresh herbal note and lovely color contrast.
- 1 3/4 cup heavy cream: The velvety base for the creamy parmesan sauce that wraps the meatballs in silky goodness.
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (cut from the block): Freshly grated parmesan gives sharp, nutty richness unmatched by pre-grated varieties.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Intensifies the garlic flavor in the sauce for that extra punch.
How to Make Amazing Keto Turkey Meatballs in a Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
Start by combining the ground turkey, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic, and parsley in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until the mixture is evenly combined. This ensures every bite of the meatballs bursts with balanced flavor.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking, then roll the mixture into meatballs about the size of a quarter — you should get roughly 15. These perfectly sized bites will cook evenly and fit neatly in your skillet for browning.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Heat some oil over medium in a skillet and brown the meatballs on all sides. This step seals in the juices, giving the meatballs a lovely caramelized crust. Cook until they’re fully cooked through, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
After removing the meatballs, lower the skillet heat and add the heavy cream, freshly grated parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture gently until it thickens into a rich, creamy sauce. The parmesan melts right into the cream, creating a luscious coating for the meatballs.
Step 5: Combine and Broil
Return the meatballs to the skillet, gently turning them to coat with the sauce. Then, pop the skillet under the broiler for just a few minutes to get a subtle extra browning on top, adding both texture and flavor depth. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley just before serving to brighten the entire dish.
How to Serve Amazing Keto Turkey Meatballs in a Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra parmesan enhance both the look and taste of this dish. For a bit more zest, a few red pepper flakes can add a welcome spicy kick.
Side Dishes
These creamy turkey meatballs pair beautifully with keto-friendly sides like steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or cauliflower rice. The freshness and texture of these sides balance the richness of the meatballs perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these meatballs over zucchini noodles for a low-carb take on a classic pasta dish. You could also stuff them into baked portobello mushrooms for a hearty appetizer or present them atop a mixed greens salad for a lighter meal option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover meatballs, including the sauce, in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even more delicious meal the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Separate the meatballs and sauce into portions and freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or warm combined in the microwave until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, stir in a splash of water or cream to loosen it back to the perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and will still give you tender meatballs. Just be mindful that the flavor might be slightly milder, so you might want to adjust seasoning accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for a dairy-free keto diet?
This recipe relies heavily on cream and parmesan, so it’s not dairy-free as is. However, you could try swapping the heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative, though the flavor will change.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time and cook them later?
Yes, you can prepare and shape the meatballs ahead and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking. This helps save time when you’re ready to cook and serve.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, you can add a small amount of xanthan gum for a keto-friendly thickener without affecting flavor.
What is the best way to prevent meatballs from drying out?
Using ground turkey with a bit of fat, like 93/7 lean, helps keep moisture. Don’t overcook the meatballs: brown them just until cooked through. The creamy parmesan sauce also adds moisture and richness that keeps the meatballs wonderfully juicy.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Amazing Keto Turkey Meatballs in a Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe enough if you want a comforting meal without straying from your keto goals. It’s simple, elegant, and packs so much flavor into every bite. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular rotation in your kitchen. Give it a go and enjoy every creamy, cheesy, tender bite!
Print
Amazing Keto Turkey Meatballs in a Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
These Amazing Keto Turkey Meatballs in a Creamy Sauce are a delicious low-carb dinner option. Tender turkey meatballs are seasoned with garlic and parsley, browned to perfection, and then simmered in a rich, creamy parmesan sauce. Finished under the broiler for a golden top, this recipe is both comforting and keto-friendly, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced or powder)
- 2 teaspoons parsley (fresh, chopped)
For the Creamy Sauce
- 1 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated from block)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to broil to prepare for finishing the dish later.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined to ensure flavor throughout.
- Form Meatballs: Lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking and roll the mixture into approximately 15 meatballs, each about the size of a quarter for even cooking.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil. Add the meatballs and cook, turning often, until browned on all sides and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Remove meatballs from skillet and reduce heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and add grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and is smooth.
- Coat and Broil: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, gently stirring to coat them evenly with the creamy sauce. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil briefly, about 2-3 minutes, to achieve a golden, slightly crispy top.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy these keto-friendly meatballs hot for a creamy, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for best flavor and melting properties.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when browning meatballs to ensure even cooking and browning.
- If you don’t have a broiler-safe skillet, transfer meatballs and sauce to a baking dish before broiling.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste in the sauce after thickening.
- These meatballs can be served over low-carb vegetables or zoodles for a complete keto meal.
