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Savory Turkey Meatballs Recipe Easy Creamy Blissful Sauce Guide

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Juicy and tender turkey meatballs served in a smooth, rich, and creamy blissful sauce, perfect for cozy dinners and quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey (preferably lean but not too dry)
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth (homemade or low sodium)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh thyme sprigs or a pinch of dried thyme (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, whole milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Mix gently until just combined, about 1-2 minutes, avoiding overmixing.
  2. Roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch (4 cm) balls, about the size of a golf ball, yielding around 16 meatballs. Place them on a plate or tray.
  3. Heat 1-2 tbsp olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches without crowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly firm but not cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbling and pale golden.
  5. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer until sauce thickens.
  6. Stir in heavy cream, garlic powder, nutmeg, and thyme if using. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until sauce is velvety and coats the back of a spoon.
  7. Return browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 8-10 minutes, or until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  8. Serve meatballs and sauce over mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or buttered noodles. Garnish with extra parsley or thyme.

Notes

If sauce is too thick, whisk in a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen. Avoid overmixing meatball mixture to keep meatballs tender. Browning meatballs well adds flavor and locks in juices. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 165°F (74°C).

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatballs, creamy sauce, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, savory meatballs, quick recipe