A Flavorful Journey Begins
When you’re in the mood for a comforting yet light meal, Baked Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce is your go-to dish! These tender, flavorful meatballs are a joy to bite into, drenched in a luscious lemon garlic butter sauce that’s both zesty and savory. Are you ever caught in a weeknight dinner dilemma? Fear not! This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also family-friendly, making it a hit among both adults and kids alike.
Did you know that turkey can be an excellent alternative to beef or pork in meatballs? Not only does it give a lighter texture, but it’s also lower in calories! If you love classics like spaghetti and meatballs or Swedish meatballs, get ready to delight in this easy and delightful twist! So roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this deliciousness that’s bound to earn applause around the dinner table!
What are Baked Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce?
Baked Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce—what a mouthful, right? But don’t let the name fool you; this dish is extraordinarily simple and packed with flavor! So, where did this quirky name come from? Well, let’s face it—nothing soaks up flavor like turkey, and a lemon garlic butter sauce simply elevates these meatballs into another flavor stratosphere! As they say, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and with these meatballs, you’ll have everyone swooning! So why not roll up your sleeves and try your hand at this dish? You won’t be disappointed!
Why You’ll Love These Baked Turkey Meatballs
These meatballs put a unique spin on your regular dinner routine for several reasons. First, the turkey provides a leaner alternative that doesn’t skimp on taste, keeping you healthy without sacrificing flavor. Secondly, cooking them at home allows you to avoid the often high costs of restaurant meals—plus, they’re simple enough to make even on a busy weeknight! And lastly, the topping of a luscious lemon garlic butter sauce is what truly makes these meatballs shine, elevating them to superstar status. If you enjoy themes like Italian cuisine, why not check out our other delightful pasta recipes? Get your spatulas ready, and let’s dive into this scrumptious goodness!
How to Make Baked Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
Quick Overview
What makes Baked Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce stand out? It’s as simple as combining fresh ingredients and letting them roast until perfection! You’ll have delicious, juicy meatballs finished with a buttery, lemony sauce in about 30 minutes! Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, get ready for a satisfying experience without breaking a sweat.
Key Ingredients for Baked Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for the sauce)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your meatballs will cook evenly and stay juicy!
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until just combined.
- Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1-2 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake: Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden on the outside.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, and sauté until it becomes fragrant (1-2 minutes). Stir in the lemon juice and zest.
- Combine: Once the meatballs are done, drizzle the lemon garlic butter sauce over them. Garnish with extra chopped parsley for that pop of color!
- Serve: Enjoy these delectable meatballs warm right out of the oven!
What to Serve Baked Turkey Meatballs With
To create a balanced meal, serve your Baked Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce alongside a refreshing green salad or steamed vegetables. You can even pair them with a side of whole grain pasta or rice to soak up that delicious sauce. For a drink, a crisp white wine or even sparkling water with lemon will complement the meal wonderfully!
Top Tips for Perfecting Baked Turkey Meatballs
- Moisture Matters: Avoid overworking the meat mixture to prevent tough meatballs. Just combine until mixed!
- Substitutions: If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers or oats as an alternative. Just season them to add extra flavor.
- Baking Sheet: To ensure even cooking, make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet. Space the meatballs out properly for maximum crispiness.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftover meatballs can be store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If you want to freeze them for future meals, make sure they cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Now that you have all the juicy details, it’s time to make your own Baked Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce! Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share with friends and family!

A Flavorful Journey Begins
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced (for the sauce)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your meatballs will cook evenly and stay juicy!
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until just combined.
- Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1-2 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake: Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden on the outside.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, and sauté until it becomes fragrant (1-2 minutes). Stir in the lemon juice and zest.
- Combine: Once the meatballs are done, drizzle the lemon garlic butter sauce over them. Garnish with extra chopped parsley for that pop of color!
- Serve: Enjoy these delectable meatballs warm right out of the oven!
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