If you’re looking to impress with a dish that’s both bright and comforting, this Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe is an absolute winner. Juicy turkey meatballs get a zesty upgrade with a luscious lemon garlic butter sauce that’s refreshingly vibrant but still soothingly rich. It’s a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that make every bite memorable, and it’s surprisingly easy to whip up for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering. Get ready to fall in love with this dish, because once you try it, it’ll become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of these ingredients—each one plays a crucial role in building the flavor, texture, and appearance of your turkey meatballs and sauce. From the fresh herbs to the tangy lemon, these basics come together to create something truly special.
- Ground turkey (1 pound, 93% lean): The lean protein base that keeps the meatballs tender and healthy.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, plain or Italian style): Helps bind the meatballs and adds a light texture.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a natural binder, ensuring your meatballs hold their shape perfectly.
- Garlic (5 cloves total): Provides that signature aromatic punch, with 3 cloves minced in the meatballs and 2 in the butter sauce.
- Parsley (1/4 cup, finely chopped): Brightens the dish with fresh, herbaceous notes.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, finely grated): Adds a salty, umami richness that complements the turkey beautifully.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors.
- Butter (4 tablespoons): Creates a silky, rich base for the lemon garlic sauce.
- Lemon juice (1/4 cup, about 2 lemons): Gives the sauce its refreshing brightness and tang.
- Lemon zest (1 tablespoon): Intensifies the citrus flavor with fragrant oils.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For browning the meatballs to a perfect golden crust.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup, optional): Adds depth and helps stretch the sauce, making it nice and silky.
How to Make Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Skillet
Begin by warming a large skillet over medium heat and adding the olive oil. This oil will be the perfect medium to brown the meatballs, giving them a mouthwatering golden crust while keeping the inside juicy.
Step 2: Mix Your Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, three cloves of minced garlic, finely chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything gently until just combined—overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so handle with care.
Step 3: Form and Chill the Meatballs
Scoop the mixture into about 1½-inch meatballs, shaping them evenly for consistent cooking. If you can, pop them in the fridge for 10 minutes—this little rest helps them hold together better during cooking.
Step 4: Brown the Meatballs
Place the meatballs in the hot skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally until beautifully golden on all sides. This step locks in flavor and texture. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Step 5: Create the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the remaining two cloves of minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—don’t let it brown too much or it will turn bitter. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth if using. This sauce is the star that ties the dish together with its bright, buttery zing.
Step 6: Simmer the Meatballs in Sauce
Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the lemon garlic butter. Let everything simmer together for 8 to 10 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened just slightly, coating each morsel with delightful flavor.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh aroma. Serve your meatballs warm, fresh from the skillet for the best experience.
How to Serve Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few twists of freshly cracked black pepper can elevate your presentation and taste. Fresh parsley is highly recommended to add that gorgeous green contrast and a fresh pop of flavor.
Side Dishes
These meatballs pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, tender pasta, or a bright green salad. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans also make fantastic companions, balancing the citrusy richness of the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these turkey meatballs on toasted bread as a sophisticated appetizer or layering them over polenta for a cozy, comforting meal. They also shine served as a protein-packed topping for zucchini noodles or spiralized vegetables.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cooked turkey meatballs refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The lemon garlic butter sauce will continue to infuse the meatballs with flavor, making leftovers a treat.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked meatballs without the sauce for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist, or microwave covered for 1-2 minutes. Warm the lemon garlic butter sauce separately and pour over before serving to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of meat instead of turkey?
Absolutely! While turkey keeps this dish light, ground chicken, lean pork, or even beef can be swapped in. Just adjust cooking times if needed and enjoy the flavor twists each brings.
What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese on hand?
Parmesan adds a unique savory note, but you can substitute with Pecorino Romano or even a mild shredded cheddar in a pinch. The flavor profile will change slightly but remain delicious.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in place of regular breadcrumbs. This helps keep the meatballs tender and safe for gluten-sensitive diners.
Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
Yes, swap out the butter for a dairy-free margarine or olive oil. The sauce will still taste lovely, thanks to the vibrant lemon and garlic flavors.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
Turkey needs to be cooked through to avoid any risk; a meat thermometer should read 165°F in the center of the meatballs. The meatballs will also be firm to the touch and no longer pink inside.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe is a delightful way to bring bright, fresh flavors to an everyday ingredient like turkey. It’s easy enough to make on a busy night, yet special enough to share with guests. I truly hope you enjoy making these meatballs as much as I enjoy eating them—get ready for a burst of buttery, lemony goodness in every tender bite!
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Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Deliciously tender turkey meatballs cooked to golden perfection and simmered in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. This recipe combines lean ground turkey with savory herbs, Parmesan, and a bright citrus punch, making it a flavorful and healthy dinner option that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian style)
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional, to stretch sauce)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Warm a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil to prepare for browning the meatballs.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic (3 cloves), parsley, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until just mixed; avoid overworking the mixture for tender meatballs.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into 1½-inch balls and chill them for 10 minutes if time allows. This helps them hold together during cooking.
- Brown Meatballs: Place meatballs in the hot skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown on all sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add remaining minced garlic (2 cloves) and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth if using, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Return browned meatballs to the skillet. Simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through fully and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired. Serve the meatballs warm with the lemon garlic butter sauce spooned over them.
Notes
- For best texture, avoid overmixing the meatball mixture; gently combine ingredients.
- Chilling the meatballs before cooking helps them keep their shape and results in firmer meatballs.
- If chicken broth is not desired, simply omit it and use lemon juice and butter for a more concentrated sauce.
- These meatballs pair beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and meltability.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
