Turkey Meatballs with White Garlic Sauce
This Turkey Meatballs with White Garlic Sauce recipe is a light yet satisfying dish, featuring juicy, herbed turkey meatballs smothered in a creamy, garlicky white sauce. It’s a healthier take on traditional meatballs, packed with flavor but lower in fat. Perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, this meal is both comforting and nutritious.
Time Needed
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Turkey Meatballs:
1 lb ground turkey (93% lean preferred)
½ cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For the White Garlic Sauce:
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1½ cups whole milk (or half-and-half for creamier sauce)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for depth of flavor)
1 teaspoon lemon juice (balances flavors)
For Garnish & Serving:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese
Pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes
Instructions
1. Prepare the Turkey Meatballs
1. In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, oregano, paprika, and parsley until well combined.
2. Form into 1-inch meatballs (about 18–20 meatballs).
2. Cook the Meatballs
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add meatballs and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until browned.
3. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for another 5 minutes until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F/75°C).
4. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the White Garlic Sauce
1. In the same skillet, put olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and saute for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to cook out the raw taste.
4. Slowly pour in milk, whisking to prevent lumps.
5. Add Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg, stirring until smooth and thickened (about 3–4 minutes).
6. Stir in lemon juice for a bright finish.
4. Combine & Serve
1. Return meatballs to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
2. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
4. Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~400 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: ~600mg
Notes & Variations
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute cornstarch for flour in the sauce.
Dairy-Free Option: Use unsweetened almond milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
Storage: Keeps in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.