Do you ever find yourself making a lot of the same type of meal over and over? I just recently noticed that this is like my third or fourth “stuffed” dish in the past month. This happens to me all the time. I get on a kick for something and I feel like I make all the things!

Even so, it’s never a bad thing. I mean, how can you go wrong with mozzarella stuffed turkey meatballs There’s just no way! These are great for when you have guests over too because they think, “oh, just a regular meatball.”

Then they break it open with a fork and all the ooey-gooey goodness that is melted mozzarella cheese comes cascading out of the meatball. So delicious. Truly these meatballs are great for any night of the week as they don’t take too much time to make, or stuff. And it’s a nice little surprise for anyone you might be serving.

Bonus! You won’t have any leftovers. Which I think is always a win in my book. My family is terrible at remembering to eat leftovers… even when I have designated days on the calendar for leftover meals.

Anyway, enough of my rambling. Go. Now.

Make these meatballs. You can thank me later.

What are Mozzarella Stuffed Turkey Meatballs?

Mozzarella Stuffed Turkey Meatballs are a modern twist on the classic meatball recipe. Originating from Italian cuisine, meatballs have been a staple in many households for generations. By incorporating ground turkey and stuffing them with mini mozzarella balls, we’ve created a dish that’s both healthy and indulgent.

The combination of fresh herbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasoned breadcrumbs adds depth to the flavor, while the melted mozzarella center provides a delightful surprise with every bite.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Healthy and Nutritious: Made with lean ground turkey, these meatballs are a healthier alternative to traditional beef meatballs.
• Flavorful: The blend of fresh herbs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Versatile: Serve these meatballs over pasta, with veggies, or as an appetizer at your next gathering.

Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Adds a rich, fruity flavor and helps to cook the meatballs evenly.
• Ground Turkey: A lean protein that provides a tender and juicy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Provides a subtle herb flavor and helps bind the meatballs.
• Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley: Adds a fresh, slightly peppery taste.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Contributes a sweet, aromatic flavor.
• Large Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatball mixture together.
• Tomato Paste: Adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent, savory taste that complements the other ingredients.
• Mini Fresh Mozzarella Balls: The star of the dish, offering a creamy, melty center that contrasts beautifully with the savory meatball exterior.

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Substitutions & Additions

• Ground Turkey: You can substitute ground chicken or lean ground beef if you prefer.
• Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese can be used as alternatives.
• Breadcrumbs: Gluten-free breadcrumbs or panko can be used for a different texture.
• Herbs: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like oregano or thyme.

How to Make this Recipe

Preheat: Preheat your grill pan or sauté pan over medium-high heat with olive oil.

Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, basil, egg, tomato paste, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.

Form Meatballs: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and then form each portion into 3 meatballs. Press 1 mini mozzarella ball into the center of each meatball and pinch the meat around the cheese to seal.

Cook: Cook the meatballs in the preheated pan, covered, turning occasionally until firm and cooked through; about 15-20 minutes.

Serve: Serve immediately over pasta or with your favorite veggies.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Even Cooking: Ensure the meatballs are of uniform size for even cooking.

Sealing the Cheese: Make sure the mozzarella balls are completely sealed within the meatball to prevent cheese from oozing out during cooking.

Flavor Boost: Marinate the ground turkey mixture for an hour before cooking to enhance the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Pasta: Serve these meatballs over spaghetti or fettuccine with marinara sauce.

Veggies: Pair with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.

Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks and a side of marinara sauce for dipping at your next party.

Storage Suggestions

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freeze: Freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use other types of cheese like cheddar or gouda, but mozzarella provides the best melt and flavor for this recipe.

Can I bake these meatballs instead of frying? Absolutely! Bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.

How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart? Make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly and form tight meatballs. Chilling them for 30 minutes before cooking can also help.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.

What can I serve with these meatballs? They pair well with pasta, veggies, or even in a meatball sub sandwich.

Mozzarella Stuffed Turkey Meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that will quickly become a favorite in your household. With their juicy turkey exterior and gooey mozzarella center, they offer a delightful surprise in every bite.

Whether you’re serving them over pasta, with veggies, or as an appetizer, these meatballs are sure to impress.