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Here are the ingredients you will need for mozzarella stuffed turkey meatballs: - 1 lb ground turkey - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving) - Olive oil (for drizzling) Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. The ground turkey gives a lean base. The breadcrumbs help bind everything together. Grated Parmesan adds a nice salty flavor. Fresh parsley brightens the dish. Don’t forget the egg; it helps the meatballs hold their shape. Garlic and onion powder bring depth to the taste. Italian seasoning adds warmth and earthiness. Salt and pepper are key for balance. The star is the mozzarella cheese. It melts beautifully and adds creaminess. Marinara sauce is perfect for serving. A drizzle of olive oil gives a nice finish. Keep these ingredients handy, and you will create a tasty meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients blend. - Take a small handful of the turkey mix and flatten it in your palm. Place a tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center. Fold the turkey around the cheese to form a ball. Ensure the cheese is fully enclosed. Repeat until you form all the meatballs. - Lightly drizzle olive oil on a baking sheet. Arrange the meatballs on it, spaced apart for even cooking. - Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs turn golden brown. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). - Drizzle the meatballs with marinara sauce before serving. - For optional toppings, add more mozzarella cheese or fresh parsley for a colorful touch. This simple guide helps you create delicious mozzarella stuffed turkey meatballs that are sure to impress! Choosing the right ground turkey is key. Look for lean turkey with around 93% lean meat. This keeps the meatballs juicy without being too fatty. You can also mix in some ground chicken for extra flavor. Ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed is vital. When you form the meatballs, flatten the turkey mix well. Place the cheese in the middle and wrap it tightly. This step makes sure the cheese melts inside and adds a delightful surprise when you bite in. Oven cooking gives you crispy meatballs. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for the best results. I prefer this method over stovetop cooking, as it allows even heat. Bake them for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. To tell when they are done, use a meat thermometer. Meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open. The meat should be white and juices should run clear. For presentation, serve the meatballs on a bed of fresh spinach or arugula. This adds color and freshness to your plate. You can also sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a nice touch. Pairing ideas include serving with warm marinara sauce. Extra sauce on the side is great for dipping. You might also enjoy these meatballs with pasta or on a sub roll for a tasty sandwich. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a vibrant flavor to the meatballs. Consider adding other herbs like basil or oregano for an extra layer of taste. Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the meat mixture, as this can make the meatballs dense. Mix just until combined for a lighter texture. Chill Before Baking: If you have time, chill the meatballs for 15-30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape better during cooking. Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella is classic, try other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor profile in your meatballs. {{image_2}} You can switch up the ground turkey. Ground chicken works well too. If you want red meat, lean ground beef is a good choice. For those needing gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They keep the texture while making the dish safe for gluten-sensitive folks. To boost flavor, add spices or herbs. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. Fresh basil or oregano enhances the Italian vibe. If you want different cheese, try using provolone or cheddar. Each cheese adds its unique touch to the meatballs. For a fun twist, make meatball subs. Just place the meatballs in a toasted roll and add marinara sauce. Top with cheese and broil until bubbly. You can also serve these as appetizers. Just make smaller meatballs and arrange them on a platter with toothpicks. Add extra marinara for dipping to make them even more delicious. To store leftovers, let the meatballs cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. This way, they stay fresh and tasty. For freezing, arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet. Freeze them until firm, about one hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This helps save space and keeps them fresh. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw the meatballs in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Just be sure to heat them until they're hot all the way through. Always check the meatballs before eating. If they smell off or look strange, it’s best to toss them. Discard any leftovers after three days in the fridge. If they are frozen, use them within three months for the best taste. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey? Yes, you can use ground chicken. It works well in this recipe. The flavor is mild, similar to turkey. Ground chicken will still give you a tasty meatball. Just make sure to check the cooking time, as it can vary slightly. How do I make these meatballs spicy? To add spice, mix in red pepper flakes. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste. You can also add chopped jalapeños for a fresh heat. Spicy Italian sausage can be another great option. This will give the meatballs a bold flavor. What can I serve with mozzarella stuffed turkey meatballs? These meatballs pair well with many sides. Serve them on pasta or with crusty bread. A fresh salad complements the dish nicely, too. You can also try them in a sub or with rice. Marinara sauce on the side adds extra flavor. Caloric content per serving Each serving of mozzarella stuffed turkey meatballs has about 300 calories. This includes the meatballs and a bit of marinara sauce. Adjustments in sides can change the total calories. Macronutrient breakdown - Protein: 25g - Carbohydrates: 20g - Fat: 15g This breakdown provides a good balance of nutrients for a filling meal. How to incorporate into weekly meal prep These meatballs are great for meal prep. Make a big batch and store them in the fridge. They last up to four days. You can also freeze them for later use. Just reheat them in the oven or microwave. Convenience tips for busy weeknights For quick meals, pair with pre-made marinara or pasta. You can also use them in wraps. Pre-chopped veggies make great sides. This way, dinner is fast and easy, even on busy nights. These mozzarella stuffed turkey meatballs offer a tasty mix of flavors. You learned how to prepare and bake them perfectly. I shared tips on ingredient choices and enhancements. You can even customize the recipe to suit your taste. Now you know the best ways to store leftovers and meal prep tips. Enjoy these meatballs with friends or family. They are sure to impress everyone at the table! Happy cooking!

Mozzarella Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

Delicious turkey meatballs stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese, served with marinara sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving)
  • Olive oil (for drizzling)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
  • Take a small handful of the turkey mixture and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place a tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center, then fold the turkey around the cheese to form a ball, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed. Repeat with the remaining mixture to form meatballs.
  • Lightly oil a baking sheet with olive oil and arrange the meatballs on it, spaced apart to allow for even cooking.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
  • Serve the meatballs hot, drizzled with a bit of marinara sauce and topped with additional mozzarella cheese if desired.

Notes

Serve the meatballs on a bed of fresh spinach or arugula, topped with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color. Offer extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Keyword Italian, meatballs, mozzarella, turkey