Garlic butter turkey meatballs with lemon zucchini noodles are a savory, healthy meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying family dinner.
Table of Contents
Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Zucchini Noodles
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is not just about flavor; it’s also about ease. The moist turkey meatballs blend perfectly with the fresh, tender zucchini noodles. Plus, it’s low-carb and gluten-free, making it suitable for any health-conscious family. The bright lemon and creamy garlic butter elevate the dish, turning an ordinary meal into an indulgent experience!
Ingredients for Turkey Meatballs
- 1/2 lb (220g) ground turkey
- 1/2 lb (220g) ground pork (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (or cheddar, provolone)
- 4 cloves garlic, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red crushed chili pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 crumbled bouillon cube (optional)
- Salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, divided
- 3 tablespoons butter
Ingredients for Lemon Zucchini Noodles
- 4 medium zucchini, spiralized
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Sriracha)
How to Make Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs
Mixing the Meatball Ingredients
Start by combining the ground turkey, ground pork, shredded cheese, grated garlic, Italian seasoning, bouillon cube, chili flakes, half of the herbs, and seasoning. Use your hands or a fork to mix everything together thoroughly. Then, form medium-sized meatballs, ensuring they hold together well.
Cooking the Turkey Meatballs
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning them until they are browned and cooked through. Basting them occasionally with the pan juices and butter adds extra flavor. Once cooked, remove the meatballs to a clean plate.
Preparing the Lemon Zucchini Noodles
Zucchini Noodle Prep Tips
Before cooking, prepare the zucchini noodles properly. Salt them and let them sit briefly. This process helps to draw out excess water, so your noodles don’t become soggy. Rinse and drain thoroughly in a colander before sautéing.
Sautéing the Zucchini Noodles
In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Stir in the lemon juice, hot sauce, minced garlic, and additional chili flakes if desired. Add the spiralized zucchini noodles, cooking for 3-4 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bringing It All Together
Push the zucchini noodles to one side of the skillet and return the meatballs to the pan. Heat for an additional 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately with a slice of lemon on the side for an extra zing.
Tips for Perfect Turkey Meatballs
Meatball Moisture and Tenderness
For moist and tender meatballs, consider adding ground pork. It enhances the juiciness and flavor. If you opt-out, just increase the ground turkey amount.
Managing Zucchini Noodle Water
Remember, zucchini noodles release water when cooked. Hence, proper salting and draining are essential to maintaining the desired texture.
Cooking Heat for Meatballs
Always cook meatballs over medium heat. This approach prevents burning the exterior while ensuring the inside is thoroughly cooked.
Meal Prep and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover garlic butter turkey meatballs with lemon zucchini noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezing Meatballs
You can freeze cooked meatballs for later. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for a quick meal.
Customizing Your Dish
Cheese Substitutions
If you want to switch things up, mozzarella can be replaced with either cheddar or provolone, depending on your preference.
Spice Level Adjustments
Feel free to adjust the spice level by varying the amount of hot sauce or red pepper flakes. Tailor it to your family’s taste!
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for garlic butter turkey meatballs with lemon zucchini noodles?
You will need ground turkey, ground pork, shredded cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, zucchini, butter, lemon, and various spices.
How do I make garlic butter turkey meatballs with lemon zucchini noodles step by step?
Start by mixing the meatball ingredients, form into balls, cook them in butter, then sauté the zucchini noodles with garlic and lemon. Combine and serve!
Can I make garlic butter turkey meatballs with lemon zucchini noodles ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and zucchini noodles ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to eat.
How should I store leftover garlic butter turkey meatballs with lemon zucchini noodles?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze the meatballs for longer storage.
Related Recipes to Try
- Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs
- Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs
- Greek Turkey Meatballs
- Turkey Meatballs
- Ground Turkey Meatballs
- Asian Turkey Meatballs
Conclusion
Garlic butter turkey meatballs with lemon zucchini noodles are a delightful meal that combines convenience with amazing flavors. For more inspiration, check out our recipes on Pinterest to explore more delicious turkey meatball variations!
Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Zucchini Noodles: A Delicious Delight
Equipment
- skillet
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- ½ lb (220g) ground turkey
- ½ lb (220g) ground pork optional
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar, provolone
- 4 cloves garlic grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red crushed chili pepper flakes optional
- 1 crumbled bouillon cube optional
- to taste Salt and fresh cracked black pepper
- 1 cup fresh chopped cilantro or parsley divided
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 medium zucchini spiralized
- ½ lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce e.g., Sriracha
Meatball Mixture
- ½ lb (220g) ground turkey
- ½ lb (220g) ground pork optional
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar, provolone
- 4 cloves garlic grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 crumbled bouillon cube optional
- ½ teaspoon red crushed chili pepper flakes optional
- ½ cup fresh chopped cilantro or parsley divided
- to taste Salt and fresh cracked black pepper
Zucchini Noodles
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce e.g., Sriracha
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon red crushed chili pepper flakes optional
- 4 medium zucchini spiralized
- to taste Salt and pepper
For Cooking Meatballs
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, ground pork, shredded cheese, grated garlic, Italian seasoning, bouillon cube, chili flakes, half of the chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly by hand or fork and form into medium-sized meatballs.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook meatballs for 8-10 minutes, turning until browned and cooked through. Baste occasionally with pan juices and butter. Remove meatballs to a clean plate.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add lemon juice, hot sauce, minced garlic, and additional chili flakes if desired. Add spiralized zucchini noodles and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender but still crisp and juices reduce slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
- Push zucchini noodles to one side of the skillet. Return meatballs to the pan and heat for 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately with a lemon slice on the side.
Notes
– Cook meatballs over medium heat to prevent burning the exterior while ensuring the interior is cooked.
– Ground pork is optional but recommended to improve tenderness and moisture; if omitted, double the ground turkey.
– This recipe is suitable for meal prep.