Mozzarella Stuffed Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Updated on August 28th, 2025

If you’re looking for a fun twist on a classic comfort dish, mozzarella stuffed turkey meatballs is a recipe worth trying. These Italian-style meatballs are made with ground turkey for a lighter option, then stuffed with cubes of mozzarella so you get a gooey, cheesy bite every time. They’re baked in the oven instead of fried, which makes them easier to prepare while still turning out tender and full of flavor. Served with a simple homemade tomato sauce and some pasta, this recipe feels hearty and satisfying without being heavy.

Why this recipe works

• Cheesy surprise inside: Each meatball hides a cube of mozzarella, which melts into a gooey center and adds richness to every bite.
• Healthier protein choice: Using lean ground turkey instead of beef keeps the meatballs lighter while still providing plenty of flavor.
• Balanced seasonings: Ingredients like garlic, parsley, and Romano cheese create an authentic Italian taste that pairs well with the sauce.
• Baked, not fried: Cooking the meatballs in the oven makes them easier to prepare in batches while still keeping them juicy.
• Simple but flavorful sauce: The homemade tomato sauce with Italian seasoning and a touch of red pepper flakes ties everything together without overpowering the meatballs.

Serving suggestions

• Pair with pasta: Classic spaghetti or penne works beautifully to turn the meatballs into a full Italian-style dinner.
• Serve as appetizers: Place the meatballs on toothpicks and offer them with extra sauce for dipping at parties or gatherings.
• Add to a sub roll: Make a cheesy meatball sub by layering the meatballs in a toasted roll with more mozzarella on top.
• Round out the meal: A crisp green salad or garlic bread makes a great side to balance the richness of the dish.
• Use for meal prep: These meatballs freeze well, so you can make extra and reheat them for quick weeknight dinners.

Mozzarella Stuffed Turkey Meatballs Recipe

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Try this mozzarella stuffed turkey meatballs recipe for a lighter take on Italian comfort food, delicious with pasta or on their own.

• Author: Bobby
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 Servings 1x

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 20 oz lean ground turkey
• 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 handful fresh parsley, chopped finely
• salt and pepper to taste
• vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350. Pour vegetable oil on a rimmed baking sheet.
2. Combine ground turkey, beaten egg, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder and parsley in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cut mozzarella into 25 small pieces (about 3/4 – 1″inch squares). Take a small scoop of the meat mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it slightly in the palm of your hand. Place a piece of mozzarella in the center and wrap the meat around it, forming a ball. Take care to make sure the cheese is entirely sealed in your meatball. Roll on the baking sheet to coat with oil.
4. Repeat with all meat, making roughly 20-24 meatballs, lining each on the baking sheet after rolling in oil. Place in the oven for 25 minutes or until browned and completely cooked, turning once half-way through cooking.

Notes

These can be prepared and frozen in advance for a quick weeknight meal. Just prepare as above, but do not coat in oil. Line meatballs on a baking sheet that will fit in the freezer and quick freeze them until set (about 2 hours). Then tightly wrap in a plastic bag and seal in a plastic container.

Nutrition

• Serving Size:
• Calories: 363
• Sugar: 1.5 g
• Sodium: 1024.3 mg
• Fat: 17.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 12.6 g
• Protein: 39.6 g
• Cholesterol: 156.7 mg