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Gather these simple and fresh ingredients for your Skillet Creamy Garlic Herb Turkey Meatballs: - 1 pound ground turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup chicken broth - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves These ingredients blend together to create tasty meatballs. The ground turkey offers a lean protein base. The breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs while keeping them moist. Parmesan cheese adds flavor and richness. Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme bring bright notes to the dish. Garlic and oregano give it that delicious, savory kick. Keep everything prepped and ready. This will make cooking smooth and easy. Happy cooking! - Mixing Ground Ingredients In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground turkey, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Use your hands to mix these well. - Avoiding Overmixing Mix just until everything is combined. If you mix too much, the meatballs can become tough. Keep them tender and juicy. - Size and Forming Guidelines Take small amounts of mixture and roll them into 1-inch meatballs. Make sure they are round and evenly sized. Place them on a plate, keeping space between them so they don’t stick. - Browning Techniques Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches to avoid crowding. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning them often until they are brown on all sides. - Checking for Doneness Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. The center of the meatballs should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked. - Combining Cream and Broth Once the meatballs are cooked, take them out and place them on a plate. In the same skillet, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Stir well to mix. - Scraping for Flavor As you stir, use a spatula to scrape any tasty bits stuck to the skillet. This adds great flavor to your sauce. - Simmering Instructions Add 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves to the sauce. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes. This helps thicken the sauce and infuses it with fresh herb flavors. - Flavor Enhancement The thyme adds a lovely taste, making the sauce richer and more aromatic. - Combining Meatballs and Sauce Gently return the meatballs to the skillet. Make sure they are well-coated in the creamy sauce. Cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors mix. - Serving Recommendations Taste the sauce and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve the meatballs hot over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice. Garnish with extra parsley or thyme for a nice touch. Enjoy! Keeping Meatballs Moist To keep your meatballs moist, do not overmix the turkey. Mix just until combined. This keeps them tender and juicy. Use fresh breadcrumbs to add moisture too. They soak up flavors and help hold the meatballs together. Suggested Bindings Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs. You can also use oats or crushed crackers. For gluten-free options, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Optional Seasonings You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. A dash of lemon juice brightens the sauce. For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of white wine. Ingredient Variations Feel free to swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk for a lighter sauce. You can also use vegetable broth if you want a vegetarian version. Serving Suggestions Serve these meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes or pasta. They also pair well with rice or quinoa. For a lighter meal, try serving them with a fresh salad. Garnishing Techniques Garnish with extra chopped parsley or thyme for color. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch. Drizzle a bit of the creamy sauce on top for a beautiful finish. {{image_4}} Alternative Proteins You can swap ground turkey for other meats. Ground chicken works well. If you want beef, use lean ground beef. For a lighter option, try ground chicken breast. These swaps keep the dish tasty but change the flavor. You can also use plant-based meat for a vegetarian dish. Gluten-Free Options To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can find them in most stores. You can also make your own with gluten-free bread. This way, you keep the meatballs tender and flavorful. Spicy Version Suggestions If you want a kick, add red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste. You can also use spicy sausage instead of turkey. This change will give the meatballs a bold flavor. Another option is to mix in jalapeños for extra heat. Substituting Fresh Herbs Fresh herbs add great taste, but dried herbs work too. You can use dried thyme or oregano instead of fresh. Just remember, dried herbs have a stronger taste. Use less than the fresh amount. You can also try basil or rosemary for a different flavor. Best Side Dishes These meatballs pair well with many sides. Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic choice. You can also serve them over rice or pasta. For a lighter option, a fresh salad is great. Roasted veggies also add a nice touch. Meal Pairing Ideas For a complete meal, serve these meatballs with garlic bread. A glass of white wine can enhance the meal. You can also add a light dessert, like sorbet, to finish. This way, you create a balanced and satisfying dining experience. - Refrigeration Tips: Store the meatballs in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and safe. Make sure to let them cool before sealing the container. - Duration for Freshness: Leftover meatballs last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Be sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. - How to Freeze Properly: For long-term storage, place the cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. - Thawing and Reheating Guidelines: To thaw, place the meatballs in the fridge overnight. For reheating, you can use the microwave, or heat them in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep them moist. Cook until warmed through, about 5 to 7 minutes. To ensure your turkey meatballs are safe to eat, check their internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to confirm they reach 165°F (74°C). This is key to avoid foodborne illness. If you do not have a thermometer, cut one open. The meat should be white and no longer pink. Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time. Make the meatball mixture and shape them into balls. Place them on a tray and freeze for up to two hours. After, transfer them to a sealed bag. You can store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Many sides pair well with these meatballs. Here are some tasty options: - Creamy mashed potatoes - Fluffy rice - Steamed veggies - Garlic bread - A fresh garden salad To make this dish dairy-free, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream. For cheese, try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese. These swaps will still give you a rich flavor without dairy. Reheat leftovers gently on the stove. Place the meatballs in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep them moist. Stir often until heated through. You can also microwave them in a covered dish on medium power. In this article, we covered how to make Skillet Creamy Garlic Herb Turkey Meatballs. We explored key ingredients for flavor and texture, from ground turkey to fresh herbs. I shared step-by-step instructions for mixing, shaping, and cooking these meatballs. You also learned tips for storage and tasty variations. Remember, practice makes perfect. Experiment with flavors and enjoy your meals. Cooking should be fun and rewarding!

Skillet Creamy Garlic Herb Turkey Meatballs

Indulge in a deliciously creamy adventure with these Skillet Creamy Garlic Herb Turkey Meatballs! Made with tender ground turkey and a rich garlic herb sauce, this recipe is perfect for cozy dinners. Learn how to create mouthwatering meatballs in just 35 minutes, from mixing the ingredients to finishing with fresh herbs. Click to explore this easy recipe and elevate your weeknight meals with comfort and flavor!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground turkey

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

Instructions
 

Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, oregano, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix the ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.

    Shape the Meatballs: With your hands, form the turkey mixture into 1-inch round meatballs. Place the shaped meatballs on a plate, ensuring they're not touching each other.

      Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches if necessary, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until they are browned on all sides and fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

        Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce: After the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate. In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir the mixture to combine while scraping any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, which adds flavor to the sauce.

          Infuse with Fresh Herbs: Add the fresh thyme leaves to the skillet and allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes. This will thicken the sauce slightly and infuse it with wonderful herbal notes.

            Combine Meatballs with Creamy Sauce: Gently return the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they are well coated in the creamy sauce. Cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

              Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the creamy sauce and adjust seasoning if needed with extra salt or pepper. Once adjusted, serve the meatballs hot, generously spooning the sauce over the top.

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the meatballs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, garnished with additional chopped parsley or thyme for a vibrant touch. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese will also enhance the final look!

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4