Every time I make these ground turkey meatballs on the FlavCity Instagram stories, you guys ask me for the recipe. So this blog post is long overdue, but it will be worth the wait. Ground turkey thigh meat seasoned perfectly, pan seared, and then finished in a zesty marinara sauce to finish cooking. You could stop there, but why not cover the turkey meatballs in shredded cheese and broil until hot, melted, and bubbly!
This recipe is low carb and keto approved because there are no breadcrumbs in the mixture. Ground turkey thighs are so soft you don’t need them. You may notice that this recipe is very similar to my ultimate Italian meatballs and sauce, which you could easily make keto by substituting the breadcrumbs for almond flour.
Turkey meatballs are a fantastic high-protein, low-carb meal option that can be made in so many delicious ways. If you’re looking to cut carbs and up your protein intake turkey meatballs are a great choice! In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know to make flavorful and delicious no carb turkey meatballs at home.
What Are The Benefits of No Carb Turkey Meatballs?
There are many great reasons to add no carb turkey meatballs into your routine
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They are an excellent source of lean protein – Each meatball packs in about 7-8g of protein. Eating protein helps keep you feeling fuller for longer.
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Lower in fat than beef – Ground turkey is a more lean option compared to beef. This makes turkey meatballs a healthier choice.
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Versatile – Turkey meatballs can be served so many ways like over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, on salads, or even as appetizers.
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Kid-friendly – Getting picky eaters to eat their protein is easier with meatballs. The milder flavor of turkey is perfect for kids.
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Easy to make ahead – Turkey meatballs freeze well so you can prep a big batch for quick meals throughout the week.
Picking the Right Ground Turkey
Not all ground turkey is created equal when it comes to nutrition and fat content. Here’s what to look for:
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93% lean – This is the leanest option and will result in the lowest fat meatballs. It has just 7% fat.
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85% lean – The most widely available option that provides a good balance of fat and moisture. 15% fat.
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Ground turkey breast – Extremely lean with only 1-2% fat, but can dry out during cooking.
I recommend using 93% lean for the leanest meatballs. But 85% lean will provide enough fat for moist, flavorful meatballs as well.
No Carb Binders for Turkey Meatballs
Traditional meatball recipes use breadcrumbs or crackers to bind the meatballs together. But those carb-filled binders won’t work in a no carb turkey meatball recipe.
Here are some excellent no carb binder options:
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Eggs – 1 or 2 eggs whisked works perfectly to hold the meatballs together.
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Parmesan cheese – Grated parmesan adds great flavor and binds the meatball mixture.
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Almond flour – Very low carb and has a moist texture that keeps meatballs tender.
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Flaxseed meal – Made from ground flaxseeds, this is an ideal keto-friendly binder.
Flavorful Add-Ins for No Carb Turkey Meatballs
Turkey meatballs may seem bland, but with the right ingredients they can be bursting with flavor. Consider adding any of these options:
- Onion, shallots, leeks, or green onions
- Garlic, garlic powder, or garlic salt
- Italian seasonings – basil, oregano, parsley
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Lemon or lime zest
- Grated parmesan or pecorino romano cheese
- Chopped mushrooms
- Dijon or spicy brown mustard
- Worchestershire or coconut aminos
- Nutritional yeast
- Sundried tomatoes
Herbs, aromatic veggies, spices, cheese, and zesty ingredients like mustard or hot sauce all infuse the meatballs with tons of flavor.
How to Make No Carb Turkey Meatballs 3 Ways
Once you’ve chosen your ingredients, it’s time to form and cook your no carb turkey meatballs. Here are 3 quick and easy cooking methods:
Oven Baked Turkey Meatballs
- Form meatballs and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
- Broil for the last 2-3 minutes to brown the tops.
Stovetop Turkey Meatballs
- In a skillet, heat 1 Tbsp oil over medium heat.
- Add meatballs and cook 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides.
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
- Add meatballs to fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook 10-12 minutes, shake basket halfway, until 165°F internally.
The oven and air fryer will result in the lowest fat cooking method since no oil is required. Pan frying on the stovetop adds great crispy browning.
Serving Suggestions for No Carb Turkey Meatballs
The possibilities are endless when it comes to how to serve your freshly made turkey meatballs!
- Over zucchini noodles with marinara for a “spaghetti” feel
- On top of a fresh spinach salad
- In a bowl with cauliflower rice and buffalo sauce
- On mini toothpicks as an appetizer
- Stirred into a vegetable soup
- Inside an omelet for breakfast
- Over roasted spaghetti squash or butternut squash
- In a lettuce wrap taco with guacamole
However you choose to use them, no carb turkey meatballs make the perfect high protein addition to any low carb meal!
Storing and Freezing Turkey Meatballs
Properly storing your turkey meatballs will keep them fresh for quick meals all week long. Here are some tips:
- Allow cooked meatballs to cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.
- Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze meatballs in a single layer on a sheet pan until solid, then transfer to bags.
- Frozen meatballs will keep for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before using.
With a batch of flavorful no carb turkey meatballs in the freezer, you’ll always have the start of a healthy low carb meal ready to go!
So get creative with herbs, spices, cheeses and veggie mix-ins to make your no carb turkey meatballs unique. They are endlessly adaptable to suit your tastes and can be made in advance for speedy lunches or dinners anytime.
How To Make Low Carb Turkey Meatballs
To make the best turkey meatballs, add one pound of ground turkey thighs to a large bowl. I like to buy the organic ground turkey thighs from Trader Joe’s – they have a great price. Season the turkey with onion and garlic powder, 1 egg, parsley, dried oregano, pepper flakes, salt and grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese. There is no need to use breadcrumbs soaked in milk for this recipe because the texture of ground turkey is so silky, which makes the recipe low carb and keto compliant.
Roll the meatballs in the size of large golf balls and place them in the freezer for 20 minutes so they can firm up. Meanwhile, add you favorite marinara sauce to a pot big enough for the meatballs and bring to a simmer. You can use my red sauce from the Italian meatballs recipe or I like to buy Rao’s Marinara from Costco. The price is right and that sauce is by far my favorite!
Pan sear and gently simmer the turkey meatballs in the sauce for 25 minutes and they are ready. You can stop there, but I never know when to do that. So good ahead and add 1 cup of freshly grated mozzarella cheese over the top of the meatballs. Alternatively, you can use any good melting cheese you want such as brie style cheese or tallegio. Brie cheese is what I used for this blog post. The nutty flavor of the brie was divine and the cheese melted so well.
Pop the cheese covered turkey meatballs under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and they are done!
Can I Make Meatballs From Ground Turkey Breast?
Ground turkey breast is very lean and the meatballs will be dry if you use that. It is much better to use ground turkey thighs. The added fat helps prevent the meatballs from drying out and they are still leaner than ground beef.
Turkey Meatballs | Spicy | Keto | Low Carb | Cooking With Thatown2
FAQ
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