Baked Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly light, you’re going to fall in love with these Baked Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce. Imagine juicy turkey meatballs baked to perfection, then drenched in a luscious, aromatic lemon garlic butter sauce infused with fresh herbs and just the right amount of heat. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between healthy and indulgent, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without a fuss. Once you try it, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen and a new favorite to share with family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this recipe are simple yet essential for achieving the perfect flavor and texture. Each one plays a vital role: from the tender ground turkey and melty mozzarella that keep the meatballs moist, to the fresh herbs and spices that elevate the sauce with brightness and depth.

• Ground turkey (2 pounds): The lean protein base for tender, juicy meatballs.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Adds creamy moisture and subtle richness.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1 tablespoon): Boosts savory umami flavor.
• Large egg (1): The binder that holds your meatballs together perfectly.
• Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A fragrant mix that layers in classic herbal notes.
• Onion powder (2 teaspoons): Provides a gentle sweetness and depth without the texture of onions.
• Fresh minced garlic (2 teaspoons + 3 cloves): Essential for that punch of bright, aromatic flavor in both the meatballs and sauce.
• Crushed red chili flakes (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds just a hint of heat to keep things interesting.
• Unsalted butter (1 stick, 1/2 cup): The rich base for the luscious lemon garlic butter sauce.
• Juice of 1/2 lemon: Brings vibrant acidity that balances the richness beautifully.
• Fresh rosemary, thyme, sage (1/2 teaspoon each): These herbs provide a fragrant, earthy note that makes the sauce irresistibly fresh.
• Fresh cracked black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds mild heat and a complex bite.
• Hot sauce (1 teaspoon, optional): For that extra little zing and warmth in the sauce.
• Fresh parsley (1/2 cup, chopped): Brightens and colors the sauce with herby freshness.
• Salt (to taste): Enhances all the flavors perfectly.

How to Make Baked Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a baking dish, ideally something around 9×13 inches, with nonstick spray. This simple step ensures your meatballs won’t stick and clean-up will be a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, onion powder, 2 teaspoons of the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red chili flakes if you want a little kick. Using your hands, gently mix everything just until combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture to avoid dense, tough meatballs.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the mixture (about 1 to 2 tablespoons each). Roll each portion gently between your palms until you have nicely round meatballs roughly 1.5 inches in diameter. This size ensures they bake evenly and remain juicy inside.

Step 4: Bake the Meatballs

Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in your prepared baking dish. Pop them into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until cooked through and lightly browned. A meat thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) inside. If you notice excess fat in the dish after baking, carefully drain it off to keep the sauce from feeling greasy.

Step 5: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

While the meatballs bake, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments until fully melted. To this golden base, add the juice of half a lemon, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, the remaining 3 cloves of minced garlic, fresh cracked black pepper, hot sauce if you desire a touch of heat, and salt to taste. Whisk everything together, then stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Step 6: Coat and Finish Baking

Pour the sauce evenly over the baked turkey meatballs. Gently toss or spoon the sauce so each meatball gets beautifully coated. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, just until the sauce bubbles and the meatballs are heated through once more. This step lets that lemon garlic butter infuse deep flavor with every bite.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese if you like, and get ready to enjoy! These meatballs shine best served straight from the dish, warm and soaking in their zesty sauce.

How to Serve Baked Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Garnishes

Fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese always makes for a lovely finishing touch. A few lemon zest shavings can also brighten the dish further and make it even more eye-catching on the table.

Side Dishes

This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort food vibes, or keep it light with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also complement the herbal, buttery sauce perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving these Baked Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb meal. They also make fantastic sliders or a tempting filling inside warm pita bread with a dollop of tzatziki or Greek yogurt.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled meatballs and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, making for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked meatballs with the sauce for up to 3 months. Spread the meatballs on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. This helps prevent them from sticking together.

Reheating

For best results, thaw frozen meatballs overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or warm them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the butter sauce silky and the meatballs tender.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works well and will give you similar results. Just be sure to watch the cooking time since lean chicken can dry out faster.

Is it necessary to use fresh herbs in the sauce?

Fresh herbs offer the brightest flavor, but you can substitute dried herbs if needed. Use about a third of the amount and adjust to taste.

Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t use bread crumbs. Just double-check any optional ingredients like hot sauce to ensure they are gluten-free.

What if I want a spicier sauce?

Feel free to increase the crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce according to your heat preference. Fresh chopped chili peppers can also add a fiery kick.

How do I prevent the meatballs from drying out?

The key is not to overmix the meat and to include cheese and egg for moisture and binding. Baking just until done and finishing with the buttery sauce locks in juiciness.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce are a total game-changer. They come together with simple ingredients, offer incredible flavor, and feel downright special on any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, this recipe brings warmth, zest, and comfort to the table. Give it a try and get ready to add a new favorite to your cooking rotation!

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