Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs

Whip them up for a quick dinner, and watch them become a new family favorite! We love meatballs in all forms, be it classic Italian Meatballs or more exotic varieties like Moroccan Meatball Tagine or Greek Soutzoukakia.

Why This Recipe Works

The Ground Turkey: Ground turkey is leaner and healthier compared to beef or pork, and has a milder flavor allowing the sauce to shine through. Garlic Butter Sauce: The buttery garlic lemon sauce is delicious, and when it coats the meatballs it is loved by everyone. Versatility: This recipe is quite versatile, serving beautifully with a variety of sides. We’ll give you some ideas later in the post. It’s Easy: These meatballs are a great weeknight dinner option. You can have them on the table in half an hour, start to finish.

Ingredients Notes

For a complete list, along with exact measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post. Here are the main things you’re going to need to make these meatballs:

Ground Turkey: For the juiciest meatballs, choose ground turkey that is not too lean, as a bit of fat helps keep the meatballs moist and flavorful. Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a wonderful gooey texture and a mild, creamy flavor to the meatballs. Breadcrumbs: Serve as a binding agent, helping the meatballs hold their shape while adding a slight crunch. For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. If you’re following a keto diet, think crushed pork rinds for a low-carb alternative. Herbs: Fresh parsley, dried Italian seasoning, thyme, and rosemary. If you have fresh thyme and/or rosemary on hand, use 1 tablespoon each in place of 1 teaspoon dried. Crushed Red Pepper: Adds a hint of heat. Adjust the amount based on your tolerance for spice. Butter: The base of the garlic butter sauce. For more control over sodium, you can use unsalted butter. Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is best, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Garlic: Adjust the amount of garlic based on personal preference, but don’t be shy – garlic is a star ingredient here.

How to Make Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs

Form the Meatballs: Combine all ingredients for meatballs until well mixed. Roll the meatballs into 16-20 equal sized meatballs (about 1.5 inch), and arrange them on a lightly greased baking sheet and brush the tops with a little olive oil.
Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the oven preheated to 400°F and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and have an internal temperature of 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
Make the Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, lemon juice, parsley, thyme, rosemary and crushed red pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper.
Finish the Dish: Toss meatballs into the butter sauce. Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

Pasta: Serve these juicy meatballs over a bed of spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta. The garlic butter sauce doubles as a perfect pasta sauce, coating the noodles with its flavorful, buttery goodness. We like to garnish with a bit of freshly grated parmesan. Bread: Crusty bread, like our No Knead Bread, make excellent accompaniments, ideal for dipping into the garlic butter sauce. Rice or Grains: A side of fluffy rice, quinoa, or couscous complements the meatballs and soaks up the garlic butter sauce beautifully. Mashed Potatoes: For ultimate comfort food, serve the meatballs and sauce over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. Low-Carb Options: For a keto alternative, spiralized vegetables such as zucchini or carrots, cauliflower rice, or spaghetti squash are fantastic with these meatballs.

Leftovers and Storage

Any leftover meatballs can be refrigerated, in the sauce, in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave, or in a skillet on stovetop over medium heat. Do not be alarmed that the sauce solidifies when refrigerated, it is made out of butter. They can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container or zip top bag for up to 2 months.

Helpful Tips

Do Not Overmix: When combining your meatball ingredients, mix just until the ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Uniform Size: Ensure your meatballs are all about the same size for even cooking. Using a scoop or spoon can help create uniform balls. Prevent Sticking: Lightly grease your baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent the meatballs from sticking. This makes cleanup easier, which is always a plus. Moist Hands for Rolling: If you find the mixture sticks to your hands when rolling, wet your hands slightly with water or olive oil. Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: To ensure your meatballs are cooked through without cutting them open, use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Quick, easy and delicious. Isn’t that how dinner should be? Save or pin this recipe so you always know where to find it. While you’re here, check out our collection of favorite Meatball Recipes. And be sure to subscribe to GypsyPlate, we’re always cooking up new recipes for you.