Parmesan Keto Turkey Meatballs (Low Carb) – Sugarless Crystals Style

Looking for a low carb, sugar-free, and keto-friendly comfort food that doesn’t skimp on flavor? These Parmesan Keto Turkey Meatballs are the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and lean protein. Inspired by the popular Sugarless Crystals recipe, this dish takes traditional meatballs and transforms them into a healthy, satisfying keto meal that’s ideal for family dinners, weekly meal prep, or a cozy night in.

Not only are these meatballs grain-free and gluten-free, but they also pack a punch of Italian-inspired flavor, all while keeping your macros in check. If you’re new to the keto lifestyle, it’s helpful to understand how this recipe fits into your diet. Learn more about what a keto diet is and how it works to appreciate how these meatballs support your goals.

With lean ground turkey, fresh herbs, and a creamy parmesan garlic sauce, you get comfort food without the carbs. Parmesan isn’t just for flavor—it’s rich in protein, calcium, and healthy fats, making it a perfect keto cheese option. Curious about the benefits? Here’s a quick look at the nutritional value of parmesan cheese.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 large egg
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 2 tsp chopped parsley

For the Parmesan Cream Sauce

• 1¾ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated from the block)
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt (use less if butter is salted)
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture

• Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C)
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, salt, pepper, garlic, and parsley.
• The mixture will be sticky, so oil your hands or use a meatball shaper to form your meatballs.

2. Shape and Sear the Meatballs

• Form meatballs approximately the size of a quarter (not too small or too large).
• In a skillet over medium-high heat, add oil and place meatballs in batches—do not overcrowd the pan.
• Sear each side for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned. They don’t need to be fully cooked.

3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

• Lower the heat to medium-low and add butter to the skillet.
• Once melted, pour in the heavy cream and stir in the parmesan cheese.
• Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer until the sauce thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or clumping.

4. Combine and Bake

• Add the seared meatballs back into the skillet, coating them in sauce.
• Place the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
• Optional: garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~360
• Fat: 28g
• Protein: 25g
• Net Carbs: 3g

These macros make this dish ideal for those following a strict keto regimen, looking to stay under their daily carb limit while enjoying a hearty meal.

Substitutions & Variations

If you’re looking to change things up or accommodate dietary restrictions, here are some great options:

• Dairy-Free? Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast in place of heavy cream and parmesan.
• No Egg? Swap the egg with chia seed gel or gelatin egg for binding.
• Crispier Texture? Add almond flour or crushed pork rinds for extra firmness in the meatballs.
• Want a kick? Add red chili flakes or a dash of cayenne to the sauce.

Tips for the Perfect Keto Turkey Meatballs

• Oil your hands before shaping meatballs to reduce stickiness.
• Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness—turkey is lean and can become dry easily.
• Let the sauce simmer until it thickens before adding the meatballs back in.
• After baking, stir the sauce again to re-integrate the parmesan that may have settled.

Storage & Meal Prep

These meatballs are great for meal prep. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze raw meatballs on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Sauce can be frozen separately.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

What to Serve with Parmesan Keto Turkey Meatballs

• Cauliflower rice – low-carb and soaks up the creamy sauce
• Zoodles (zucchini noodles) – perfect pasta substitute
• Keto garlic bread – dip into the sauce for a filling meal
• Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Too much cheese in the sauce can lead to clumping—measure carefully.
• Skipping the searing step removes key flavor from the meatballs.
• Adding meatballs to a thin sauce—it will not thicken properly in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken is a great substitute and still keto-friendly.

What keeps keto meatballs together without breadcrumbs?
Eggs and cheese are excellent binders. You can also use almond flour or pork rinds.

Is parmesan cheese keto-approved?
Absolutely. It’s low in carbs, high in fat, and a great source of flavor and nutrients.

Can I freeze the cooked meatballs?
Yes. Let them cool, then freeze in a container with sauce. Reheat on the stove or in the oven.

How do I thicken the sauce without flour?
Simmering the heavy cream with cheese is usually enough. If needed, add a small amount of xanthan gum.

Final Thoughts

These Parmesan Keto Turkey Meatballs are a flavor-packed, macro-friendly dish that brings indulgence without guilt. Whether you’re following keto or just looking for a healthier version of comfort food, this recipe is a keeper. Feel free to get creative with herbs and spices and make it your own.

Give them a try—you may never go back to regular meatballs again.