Description
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground turkey
½ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
1 egg
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
¼ cup chicken broth
1 tbsp chopped parsley
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Form the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 to 1½ inches) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked.
While the meatballs are baking, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the lemon juice and chicken broth, simmering for 2-3 minutes.
Add the baked meatballs to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce to coat.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: 280 per serving Servings: 4 servings
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect turkey meatballs every time. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, and all dried spices. Use your hands or a fork to mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. For uniform cooking, use a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion the mixture, then roll gently between your palms to form 1 to 1.5-inch balls. Arrange them on the baking sheet with a little space between each. Bake on the middle rack for 18-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. While they bake, prepare the sauce in a skillet.
Serving Suggestions
These lemon garlic butter turkey meatballs are incredibly versatile. For a classic comfort meal, serve them over a bed of zucchini noodles, mashed cauliflower, or fluffy quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. They also make an excellent appetizer for gatherings—simply spear them with toothpicks. For a complete dinner, pair with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette and some roasted asparagus or green beans. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in a skillet.
How-to Summary
In summary: mix turkey with binder and spices, form into balls, and bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes. Simultaneously, create a quick pan sauce by sautéing garlic in butter, then adding lemon juice and broth. Toss the baked meatballs in the sauce, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely. Ground chicken is a perfect 1:1 substitute and will yield a very similar texture and flavor profile.
How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Simply replace the breadcrumbs with an equal amount of almond flour or certified gluten-free oat flour.
Can I cook the meatballs entirely in the skillet?
Yes, you can pan-fry them. Heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium heat and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning frequently, until cooked through. Baking is recommended for easier, hands-off cooking.
How do I prevent my meatballs from falling apart?
Ensure your mixture is well-combined and not too wet. The egg and breadcrumbs are crucial binders. Chilling the formed meatballs for 15 minutes before cooking also helps them hold their shape.
Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes, they freeze excellently. After baking and cooling, freeze them in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in the sauce on the stovetop.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls for the best results: First, do not overmix the meatball ingredients, as this develops the proteins and creates a dense, rubbery texture. Second, ensure your meatballs are uniform in size so they cook evenly. Third, do not skip preheating the oven, as a proper initial blast of heat is key for browning. Finally, when making the sauce, do not burn the garlic—cook it just until fragrant (about 1 minute) over medium heat to prevent a bitter taste.
Conclusion
These Lemon Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs are a testament to how a few simple, fresh ingredients can create a meal that is both elegant and comforting. With lean protein, a bright and savory sauce, and a preparation that takes just 30 minutes, this recipe is a reliable weeknight winner that will please the whole family. Mastering the simple techniques outlined will ensure juicy, flavorful meatballs every time. We hope this dish becomes a cherished staple in your cooking repertoire.
