If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle, look no further than this Amazing Keto Turkey Meatballs in a Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe. These tender turkey meatballs bathed in a rich, velvety Parmesan sauce are the ultimate keto-friendly comfort food. Each bite bursts with savory garlic and herb notes, while the luscious sauce adds the perfect creamy touch to keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends, this dish delivers satisfying flavor with minimal fuss, making it a go-to favorite in any keto kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each item plays an essential role, from the lean turkey providing a tender meatball base to the fresh Parmesan cheese delivering an irresistible depth to the sauce.
- 1 pound ground turkey: Choose lean turkey for tender, juicy meatballs that stay moist without excess fat.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the meat mixture without overpowering them.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle hint of warmth and spice to the meatballs.
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced or powder): Brings that beloved garlicky punch to both meatballs and sauce.
- 2 teaspoons parsley (fresh or dried): Adds a touch of herbaceous brightness and color.
- 1 3/4 cup heavy cream: Creates the silkiness of the creamy Parmesan sauce, enriching the dish significantly.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Makes the sauce irresistibly cheesy with that classic nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds an extra layer of garlic flavor when melting into the sauce.
How to Make Amazing Keto Turkey Meatballs in a Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Begin by preheating your oven to broil so it’s ready for the final step. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic, and parsley. Mix these together just until combined—overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so handle gently for tender results.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking, then roll the mixture into small meatballs roughly the size of a quarter. You should be able to make about 15 meatballs from this batch. This size ensures they cook quickly and evenly.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, turning gently so they’re cooked through but still juicy inside. This browning step brings tons of flavor to the finished dish.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the pan and lower the heat. Pour in the heavy cream along with grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently and allow the sauce to simmer until it thickens into a luscious, cheesy coating that clings perfectly to the meatballs.
Step 5: Combine and Broil for Finish
Return the meatballs to the skillet, gently tossing them in the sauce. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil briefly until the tops develop a gorgeous golden-brown finish. This step adds a lovely textural contrast and intensifies the flavors.
How to Serve Amazing Keto Turkey Meatballs in a Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top is a classic garnish that adds a pop of bright green color and a burst of herbal freshness. A light sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan can amp up the cheesy goodness even more.
Side Dishes
These meatballs pair wonderfully with keto-friendly sides like sautéed spinach, roasted cauliflower, or a crisp mixed green salad. The creamy sauce is so flavorful that you may find yourself wanting to scoop it up with zucchini noodles or mashed cauliflower to keep things low-carb but satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these meatballs over a bed of spiralized veggies or even atop a simple keto cauliflower rice pilaf. You can also make them the star of a cozy casserole by layering with steamed broccoli and extra sauce for a comforting, one-pan meal that feels indulgent but stays keto-friendly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These turkey meatballs hold up well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container with the creamy Parmesan sauce to keep them moist and flavorful. Reheating gently will bring back all their deliciousness.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully before or after cooking. Freeze cooked meatballs individually on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. The sauce can be frozen separately in small containers. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the meatballs slowly over low heat in a skillet with the sauce or warm them in the microwave in short bursts to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of cream or broth when reheating helps maintain that luscious creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and will yield similarly tender meatballs. Just keep an eye on cooking time as chicken can dry out faster.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Not as written, since the sauce relies on heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. However, you can try substituting coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative to make it dairy-free and still tasty.
How do I make the meatballs gluten-free?
Great news: this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t require breadcrumbs. Just ensure your seasonings and Parmesan are free of additives containing gluten.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance, store them in the fridge, then reheat and broil just before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?
Heavy cream is key for the sauce’s richness. You can try mixing cream cheese and milk for a thicker substitute, but remember it won’t be quite as silky as using heavy cream.
Final Thoughts
This Amazing Keto Turkey Meatballs in a Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe is truly a keeper that combines ease, flavor, and keto-friendly ingredients into one irresistible dish. Cooking and sharing this recipe will make any day feel special, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover why it has become such a beloved classic in my kitchen! Enjoy every creamy, savory 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 Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
These amazing keto turkey meatballs are tender and flavorful, cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy parmesan sauce. Perfect for a low-carb, high-fat diet, this recipe offers a delightful blend of savory herbs and garlic with the lusciousness of heavy cream and parmesan cheese, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced or crushed)
- 2 teaspoons parsley (fresh, chopped)
Creamy Sauce
- 1 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated from the block)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to broil: Set your oven to the broil setting to prepare for finishing the meatballs with a quick browning.
- Mix meatball ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form meatballs: Lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking, then roll the meat mixture into meatballs about the size of a quarter, making approximately 15 meatballs.
- Brown meatballs: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Prepare creamy sauce: Remove the meatballs from the skillet and lower the heat. Pour in the heavy cream, add the parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and season with salt and black pepper. Stir the mixture continuously until the sauce thickens and the cheese melts smoothly.
- Coat meatballs and broil: Return the meatballs to the skillet, coating them with the creamy sauce. Place the skillet briefly under the oven broiler for 2-3 minutes to achieve a lovely golden browning on top.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the meatballs before serving to add a fresh herbaceous note and visual appeal.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
- Be careful when broiling the meatballs as they can burn quickly; watch closely during the last step.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure all spices and cheeses are free from additives containing gluten.
- Leftover meatballs are great served with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a complete keto meal.
