Ready for a dinner that’s as healthy as it is delicious? Our Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles offer a fantastic way to keep carbs low while enjoying a flavorful and satisfying meal. 

This dish combines juicy, cheesy turkey meatballs with crisp zucchini noodles, all cooked to perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce. 

Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also caters to various dietary preferences, including gluten-free, keto, and paleo. 

Let’s dive into this mouthwatering skillet meal that promises to be a hit with the whole family!

Key Benefits of the Dish:

Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: This recipe keeps carbs at a minimum, making it ideal for those following a low-carb or keto diet.

Gluten-Free and Paleo Options: With simple ingredient tweaks, this dish can easily fit into a gluten-free or paleo lifestyle.

Quick and Easy Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

Meal Prep Friendly: Make ahead and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.

Ingredients Needed:

1/2 lb (220g) ground turkey meat

1/2 lb (220g) ground pork meat (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

4 medium zucchini, spiralized

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1 tablespoon hot sauce of your choice (we used Sriracha)

Detailed Cooking Instructions:

Prepare the Meatballs:

In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, ground pork (if using), shredded mozzarella, grated garlic, Italian seasoning, crumbled bouillon cube, red chili pepper flakes, half of the chopped cilantro, and black pepper. Mix well with your hands or a fork.

Form the mixture into medium-sized meatballs and arrange them on a plate.

Cook the Meatballs:

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned and cooked through. Baste the meatballs with the butter and juices while cooking.

Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside on a clean plate.

Cook the Zucchini Noodles:

In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add lemon juice, hot sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir in the spiralized zucchini noodles and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring regularly, until the noodles are tender but still crisp, and the juices have reduced slightly.

Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with more chopped cilantro if desired.

Combine and Serve:

Push the zucchini noodles to one side of the skillet and return the meatballs to the pan to reheat for a minute or two.

Serve the garlic butter turkey meatballs with the zucchini noodles immediately, with a lemon slice on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks:

Juicier Meatballs: Adding ground pork makes the meatballs tender and juicy. If you prefer, simply double the amount of ground turkey.

Handling Zucchini Noodles: To avoid watery noodles, sprinkle them with salt after spiralizing and let them sit for a few minutes. Rinse well, drain thoroughly, and pat dry before cooking.

Ideal Cooking Temperature: Cook meatballs on medium heat to ensure they are perfectly browned without burning.

Meal Prep and Storage:

Storing Leftovers: Keep the cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Freezing Instructions: Freeze cooked meatballs for longer storage. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Variations and Additional Recipes:

Try different cheeses like cheddar or provolone.

Explore other turkey meatball recipes like Creamy Mushroom Turkey Meatballs or Baked Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce.

Conclusion:

Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles are a winning combination of flavors and health benefits. 

Quick, easy, and adaptable to various diets, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and savor the deliciousness of this low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly meal!