These turkey meatballs are a fantastic alternative to a typical beef recipe that you might have made in the past. The sauce pairs fantastically with the savoriness of the meatballs, as well as any chicken or fish recipe that you might have as well. As a person with type 1 diabetes, I have found these recipes are well-rounded and enjoyable without spiking my blood sugar. At the same time, it is incredibly satiating and will hold well for up to five days if you’re craving leftovers or doing meal prep!
Turkey Meatballs with Creamy Vodka Sauce
These turkey meatballs are a fantastic alternative to a typical beef recipe that you might have made in the past.
Ingredients
Chef Paul’s Creamy Vodka Sauce
- 1 yellow onion medium
- 4 tbsp butter unsalted
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 2 large cans tomato sauce 46 oz. total
- 3 tbsp sugar or sugar substitute (Stevia or Monkfruit)
- 1 tbsp chicken base
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup heavy cream
- Fresh ground black pepper
- Salt and red pepper flake to taste
- 1/2 cup sherry optional
- 1/4 cup chopped basil or parsley optional
Chef Paul’s Turkey Meatballs
- 1.5 pounds ground turkey
- 1/4 cup onion diced
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 1/4 cup diced basil or chives
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup GF or regular panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg large, beaten
- 1/2 tsp. cracked pepper fresh
- Red pepper flakes a pinch
- 1/2 tsp. oregano dried
- Salt to taste 1-2 tsp.
- Olive oil
Instructions
Chef Paul’s Creamy Vodka Sauce
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Dice the onion and sauté in butter until translucent.
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Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce and stir.
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Add sugar and chicken base and stir until mixed.
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Add lots of fresh cracked pepper (1-2 tablespoons).
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Add sherry and cream if desired and stir until a low boil and turn off the heat
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Add basil and parsley if desired and simmer for 10-15 minutes and enjoy!
Chef Paul’s Turkey Meatballs
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In a large bowl, combine cheese, panko, onion, red pepper, basil, garlic, salt, beaten egg.
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Add ground turkey and mix well. Form into 2 oz. (golf ball size) meatballs and let sit for 1-2 hours for best flavor (this is optional).
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Heat olive oil in pan or iron skillet and brown turkey meatballs on 2-3 sides and set aside. (Do this in groups as to not crowd the pan)
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Add seared meatballs to Chef Paul’s Vodka Sauce or marinara and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
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Serve with fresh grated parmesan and pasta of choice (or just eat by themselves because they are delicious and healthy!)
Recipe Notes
Nutritional Facts for the Vodka Sauce:
- Serving size: 0.5 cup
- Calories: 90.3
- Calories from fat: 54
- Total fat: 6g
- Saturated fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg (12%)
- Sodium: 429.4mg (18%)
- Total carbohydrate: 8g
- Net carbs: 6.1g
- Dietary fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 2g
Nutritional Facts for the Turkey Meatballs
- Serving size: 3 pieces (85g)
- Calories: 140
- Calories from fat: 80
- Total fat: 9g (14%)
- Saturated fat: 2.5g (12%)
- Cholesterol: 35mg (12%)
- Sodium: 610mg (26%)
- Total carbohydrate: 5g (2%)
- Dietary fiber: 2g (7%)
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 14g
Please note that the nutritional information may vary depending on the specific brands of products used. We encourage everyone to check specific product labels in calculating the exact nutritional information.
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