When you’re living a low-carb lifestyle, it’s easy to fall into the trap of eating the same things over and over again. But eating keto doesn’t have to mean boring meals. That’s why this Keto Turkey Meatballs in a Creamy Sauce recipe is a must-try! It’s rich, indulgent, and surprisingly healthy—packed with protein and healthy fats while keeping carbs to a minimum.
This recipe is inspired by classic comfort food like Keto Butter Chicken Meatballs, but with a lighter twist using lean ground turkey meatballs and a keto-approved creamy sauce. It’s also versatile enough to serve with spiralized zucchini, roasted cauliflower, or even as a stand-alone meal. Whether you’re prepping lunch for the week or serving up a family-friendly dinner, this dish hits all the marks for flavor, texture, and nutrition.
Let’s dive into the full 2000-word guide that includes detailed cooking instructions, variations, nutrition tips, and keto swaps!
🍽️ Why You’ll Love These Keto Turkey Meatballs
- Low in carbs but full of flavor
- Made with lean ground turkey for a lighter option
- Packed with protein and healthy fats
- Delicious, comforting, and family-friendly
- Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners
- Inspired by Keto Butter Chicken Meatballs
- Ready in about 35–40 minutes
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📝 Ingredients for Keto Turkey Meatballs
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup almond flour (keto-friendly breadcrumb alternative)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 small onion, grated or finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (for browning)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp ground turmeric (optional, for a golden hue)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
🍳 How to Make Keto Turkey Meatballs in a Creamy Sauce
Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, Parmesan, almond flour, garlic, onion, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix with your hands or a fork until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Tip: Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs (you should get about 18–20 meatballs). Place them on a parchment-lined tray.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches if necessary, add the meatballs and sear until golden brown on all sides (about 2–3 minutes per side). They do not need to be cooked through yet.
Transfer browned meatballs to a plate.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Keto Sauce
In the same skillet (do not wipe it clean), melt butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in cream cheese, smoked paprika, turmeric, and Parmesan. Stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened (about 3–5 minutes).
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Simmer the Meatballs
Return the browned turkey meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low for 10–12 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked (internal temperature should be 165°F or 74°C).
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving. Serve hot with keto-friendly sides like:
- Zucchini noodles
- Cauliflower rice
- Steamed spinach or kale
- Roasted butternut squash (for higher-carb keto days)
- Shirataki noodles
🍴 Serving Ideas & Variations
🔸 Add Vegetables
Toss in some baby spinach or chopped kale into the sauce for extra nutrients. You could also serve this over baked butternut squash or with steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
🔸 Use Other Proteins
This creamy sauce also works beautifully with ground chicken, pork, or even tofu meatballs for a vegetarian twist.
🔸 Make it Spicy
Add 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to give your turkey meatballs a spicy kick.
🔸 Bake Instead of Pan-Fry
To make low-cal turkey meatballs even lighter, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes until cooked through. Then simmer in the sauce.
🥣 Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream.
Freezer
Freeze cooked meatballs (with or without sauce) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
🧠 Keto Cooking Tips & Swaps
- Almond flour replaces breadcrumbs for a low-carb binder.
- Heavy cream + cream cheese creates that rich, comforting sauce while keeping carbs in check.
- Want to cut more calories? Use half-and-half or a mix of coconut cream + broth for a lighter sauce.
- For a Keto Butter Chicken Meatballs flavor, add garam masala and cumin to the sauce.
- Skip the onions if you’re doing strict keto—they contain small amounts of sugar. Sub with onion powder.
🧮 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
(Recipe yields approx. 4 servings)
- Calories: ~365
- Fat: 28g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 4g net
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: <1g
Note: Nutrition will vary based on the ingredients you use and any substitutions.
⭐ Reader Reviews & Testimonials
“These keto meatballs are my new weeknight favorite. The sauce is ridiculously creamy and flavorful—I never missed the carbs!” – Emily K.
“I meal prepped this with some zucchini noodles and it kept me full for hours. A must-try if you’re doing keto!” – Jordan M.
“I added some curry powder for a butter chicken-style flavor. Amazing!” – Lina R.
🛒 Shopping List for Keto Turkey Meatballs
To make this recipe, grab the following at the store:
Proteins:
- Ground turkey (1 lb)
Dairy:
- Eggs
- Heavy cream
- Cream cheese
- Butter
- Parmesan cheese
Pantry & Spices:
- Almond flour
- Garlic
- Onion (optional)
- Olive oil or avocado oil
- Smoked paprika
- Turmeric
- Salt and pepper
- Chicken broth (low sodium)
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re on a strict ketogenic diet or just looking for a healthy low-carb dinner, these Keto Turkey Meatballs in a Creamy Sauce are a must-try. They’re satisfying, full of flavor, and easy to adapt to your dietary needs.
From their buttery, spiced undertones to their creamy texture, these meatballs check every box for comfort food without the guilt. With high-protein, low-carb ingredients and a rich, versatile sauce, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again.
Ready to make the best keto-friendly meatball recipe? Save this for your weekly meal prep, share it with a keto-loving friend, or impress the whole family with a wholesome and delicious dinner!
