These keto turkey meatballs are packed with flavor and served in a rich, creamy sauce that’s sure to please! They’re low in carbs but high in taste, making them a perfect dinner option.
Making these meatballs is as easy as pie (or should I say meatball?). Just mix, roll, and cook! I love enjoying them over zucchini noodles for a fun twist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the star of the dish! If you’re not a fan of turkey, lean ground beef, chicken, or pork can work as great substitutes. Just keep in mind that the flavor and fat content might change a bit.
Almond Flour: Perfect for a keto-friendly option, almond flour keeps the meatballs moist. If you have nut allergies, you might replace this with coconut flour, but you’ll need less since it absorbs more moisture—try only 1/4 cup instead.
Parmesan Cheese: A must-have for flavor! If you can’t find it, you can use Pecorino Romano for a stronger taste, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option, though it’ll offer a different texture.
Heavy Cream: It gives the sauce its rich, creamy texture. Need a lighter alternative? Use half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free version, but ensure you balance the seasonings since tastes vary.
How Do I Ensure My Meatballs Are Juicy and Flavorful?
Mixing the ingredients for your meatballs needs a gentle touch. Overmixing can make them tough. Make sure everything is combined just until mixed. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Use fresh herbs like oregano and basil for a burst of flavor. Dried works too, but fresh is more aromatic!
- Form meatballs that are about 1 inch in diameter for even cooking.
- Baking at 400°F (200°C) helps them keep their shape and brown effectively. Check with a meat thermometer; they should reach 165°F internally.
How to Make Keto Turkey Meatballs in a Creamy Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- ½ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (additional)
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and form the meatballs, followed by around 25 minutes of cooking time—20 minutes for baking the meatballs and about 5 minutes for simmering them in the sauce. So, in just about 35 minutes, your tasty Keto Turkey Meatballs in a creamy sauce will be ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your meatballs will cook evenly and get that nice golden-brown finish.
2. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined. Don’t worry if it feels a bit sticky; that’s perfect!
3. Form the Meatballs:
Next, take the mixture and form it into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place each one on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper so they don’t stick.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Pop the meatballs into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. They should be fully cooked and have a lovely browned exterior when they’re done.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
While the meatballs bake, let’s make the creamy sauce. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s melted, add in the heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, and the additional grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together smoothly and season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
6. Simmer the Sauce:
Allow the sauce to come to a simmer. Keep stirring it for about 5 minutes so that it thickens a bit and becomes creamy and delicious!
7. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
Once the meatballs are done baking, take them out of the oven and carefully add them to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs evenly in that luscious creamy goodness.
8. Finish and Serve:
Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes on low heat. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Before serving, give them a little sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color!
Enjoy your delicious Keto Turkey Meatballs in a creamy sauce!
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken can be a great substitute for ground turkey in this recipe. Just be aware that it might have a slightly different flavor and texture, but it will still yield delicious meatballs!
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time! Form them and store uncooked meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours, or freeze them for longer storage. If freezing, lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lower-calorie option, you can use a mixture of equal parts unsweetened almond milk and Greek yogurt as a substitute for heavy cream. Keep in mind that the sauce will be lighter and may require extra thickening, so a bit of additional Parmesan might help!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The meatballs can be reheated in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to help keep them moist. Enjoy as a quick meal!
