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
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
Description
Try this mozzarella stuffed turkey meatballs recipe for a lighter take on Italian comfort food, delicious with pasta or on their own.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350. Pour vegetable oil on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Combine ground turkey, beaten egg, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder and parsley in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
- 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.
- 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