Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs with Rice
This Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs with Rice is a comforting, savory dinner that comes together quickly and satisfies both kids and adults alike.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey lean and mild
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs helps bind the meatballs and keeps them moist
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese adds savory, cheesy depth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley fresh herbaceous notes
- 1 large egg acts as a binder
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder adds subtle sweetness and complexity
- 1 teaspoon salt enhances flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper adds mild heat and spice
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter creates rich, velvety garlic butter sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth used to simmer meatballs and infuse flavor
- 2 cups cooked white rice fluffy base to soak up sauce
- additional parsley for garnish fresh, colorful finishing touch
Instructions
Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and beaten egg. Mix gently until just combined to keep meatballs tender.
Shape the Meatballs
- Using your hands, form mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Set aside on a plate.
Brown the Meatballs
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt half the butter (about 2 tablespoons). Add meatballs in batches, browning on all sides for 3-4 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and add remaining minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and stir, scraping browned bits from pan.
Simmer the Meatballs
- Return meatballs to skillet, nestle in garlic butter sauce. Cover and simmer gently for 10-12 minutes until cooked through and sauce is absorbed.
Serve Over Rice
- Prepare cooked white rice if not already done. Spoon rice onto plates, ladle meatballs and garlic butter sauce over top. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Skillet or sauté pan with lid
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Small Bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Serving spoon
Notes
- For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
- Use brown rice for a whole-grain, higher fiber option.
- Make dairy-free by replacing Parmesan with nutritional yeast and using plant-based butter.
- Increase heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes to meatballs or sauce.
- Swap parsley with cilantro or basil for different herbal flavors.