Everything tastes better with cheese, and these easy mozzarella stuffed turkey meatballs are proof. Each tender turkey meatball is filled with melted, gooey mozzarella and bakes in about 15 minutes. Serve them on toothpicks as a simple party appetizer, toss them with marinara sauce, or pile them over pasta for a comforting family dinner.
If you love meatballs, these cheese stuffed turkey meatballs are going to become a favorite. They are simple to make, full of Italian-inspired flavor, and just a little more special than a classic meatball thanks to the warm mozzarella center.
Meatballs are perfect for almost any occasion. They work beautifully as a party appetizer, a quick weeknight dinner, a pasta topping, or even tucked into a sandwich with sauce and extra cheese. This recipe keeps the ingredients straightforward while still giving you plenty of flavor in every bite.
In many families, meatballs are more than just a side dish. They can be part of lasagna, baked pasta, or a big pot of sauce on the stove. These mozzarella stuffed turkey meatballs are an easy way to bring that same cozy, homemade feel to the table without a complicated process.
The best part is how versatile they are. You can bake them and serve them plain, add them to warm marinara, or keep them warm in sauce for guests. Whether you are making dinner or putting together a tray of appetizers, these turkey meatballs are simple, cheesy, and satisfying.
What you will need:
The ingredient list for these mozzarella stuffed turkey meatballs is simple and practical. Ground turkey forms the base, while an egg, parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs help bind everything together. Garlic, basil, oregano, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper add the classic flavor you expect from a good meatball.
For the mozzarella, you have several options. Fresh mozzarella cut into small pieces works well, and mozzarella pearls are also a convenient choice. If you have mozzarella string cheese on hand, that can work too. Just cut it into 1 inch pieces and tuck one piece into the center of each meatball.
The goal is to fully cover the cheese with the turkey mixture so it melts inside as the meatballs bake. A little cheese may still bubble out, but that is part of what makes these meatballs so delicious.
How to make these:
Add the ground turkey, egg, parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic, dried herbs, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper to a mixing bowl. Stir until the ingredients are evenly combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture. Roll the mixture into meatballs that are about 2 inches wide.
Press your thumb into the center of each meatball to make a small opening for the cheese. Place one piece of mozzarella into the indentation, then shape the meat around it until the cheese is completely enclosed. This helps keep the mozzarella inside while the meatballs bake. (photos 1, 2, and 3)
Baking the meatballs is the easiest and most efficient method. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, arrange the meatballs in a single layer, and bake until cooked through. This method keeps the process simple and makes cleanup easier.
Another traditional way to cook meatballs is to simmer them in a pot of marinara sauce. Meatballs cooked in sauce develop a rich, comforting flavor. This recipe is written for baking, but once the meatballs are cooked, you can add them to warm sauce for serving.
When the meatballs come out of the oven, the mozzarella inside will be melted and gooey. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving so the cheese can settle slightly and the meatballs stay tender.
Notes:
- To serve these mozzarella stuffed turkey meatballs as an appetizer, toss them with marinara sauce and add toothpicks.
- For parties, keep the meatballs warm in a slow cooker with your favorite marinara or sauce.
- If the meatball mixture feels too sticky, chill it for 15 to 20 minutes before rolling.
- You can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and roll the meatballs just before baking.
- Make sure the mozzarella is fully enclosed in the turkey mixture to help prevent too much cheese from leaking out.
Try these other easy turkey recipes:
- Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers
- Simple Turkey Burgers
- Turkey Pepper Skillet
- Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Turkey Enchiladas
- Pesto Turkey Pinwheels
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? LEAVE A COMMENT AND LET ME KNOW HOW IT TURNED OUT.
Mozzarella Stuffed Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey, 85% lean
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ c parmesan cheese, grated
- ⅓ c breadcrumbs, gluten free if needed
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper
- ½ tsp cracked pepper
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 15 1 inch pieces of fresh mozzarella, mozzarella pearls, or mozzarella stick pieces
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
-
In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except the mozzarella. Mix until evenly incorporated. Roll the mixture into 2 inch meatballs. If the mixture is too sticky, add a little more breadcrumbs or chill it for 15 to 20 minutes before rolling.
-
Press an indentation into the center of each meatball. Place one 1 inch piece of mozzarella into the opening, then shape the meatball around the cheese until it is fully covered. Repeat with the remaining meatballs.
-
Arrange the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
-
Let the meatballs rest for several minutes before serving. Enjoy them plain, tossed with marinara, or served with your favorite sauce.
Notes
- For appetizer-style serving, toss the meatballs with marinara sauce and serve with toothpicks.
- To keep them warm for a party, place the cooked meatballs in a slow cooker on the warm setting with sauce.
- Chilling the meatball mixture for 15 to 20 minutes can make rolling easier.
- The mixture can be prepared ahead of time and shaped just before baking.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used only as an approximation.