Save Stuffed Cheese Turkey Meatballs are everything I crave when comfort food is on my mind. Picture juicy turkey, a burst of molten mozzarella at the center, and a homemade tomato sauce ladled over the top. These meatballs guarantee smiles at the dinner table and have solved many busy weeknight dilemmas for my family.
I first made a version of these during a chilly fall evening when all I wanted was something warm and cheesy. Since then, my kids have come to expect these meatballs after soccer practice and even my husband sneaks extras when he thinks I am not looking.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey: Quality fresh mince ensures moist meatballs that cook up juicy and tender
- Breadcrumbs: Use fresh or dried for structure Choose whole wheat or gluten free as needed
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty depth and umami Choose real Parmigiano Reggiano for extra flavor
- Large egg: Works as a binder for texture and moisture
- Milk: Keeps the meatballs soft and prevents dryness Whole milk is best for richness
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses every bite with punchy flavor Look for firm plump cloves
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds brightness and a subtle herbal note Fresh herbs make a big difference
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balance and seasoning
- Dried oregano: Delivers that classic Italian meatball aroma Choose a new batch for best flavor
- Mozzarella cheese, cut in cubes: Melts into that signature gooey center Opt for low moisture mozzarella for maximum melt
- Olive oil: Good olive oil gives the tomato sauce its base flavor Look for extra virgin and fruity
- Small onion, finely chopped: Provides sweetness and body to the sauce Yellow or sweet onions work best
- Canned crushed tomatoes: Forms the sauce backbone Use a trusted brand for vibrant tomato flavor
- Dried basil: Offers warmth and fragrant Italian notes
- Sugar: Just enough to balance tomato acidity White or brown can be used
- Extra fresh parsley for garnish: Adds color and a final fresh touch
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Set your oven to 200 degrees Celsius or 400 Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper This prevents sticking and makes cleanup fast
- Mix the Meatball Base:
- In a large bowl blend ground turkey breadcrumbs Parmesan egg milk garlic parsley salt pepper and dried oregano Stir just until combined Overmixing makes meatballs dense so use light hands
- Shape and Stuff:
- Divide mixture into twelve even piles Flatten one portion then nestle a cube of mozzarella into the center Wrap the turkey mixture up and around so the cheese is completely concealed Roll it into a smooth ball This keeps the cheese from oozing while baking
- Arrange and Bake:
- Space the meatballs on your lined tray Do not crowd them so the heat can circulate Bake for twenty two to twenty five minutes until golden on top and fully cooked inside
- Make the Tomato Sauce:
- While your meatballs bake heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium Add the onion and cook for about four minutes until translucent Stir in minced garlic let cook for one minute more Pour in crushed tomatoes dried basil sugar plus salt and pepper Simmer uncovered for ten to twelve minutes Stir occasionally until it becomes a thick rich sauce
- Assemble and Serve:
- Spoon generous helpings of tomato sauce over hot meatballs Sprinkle extra parsley on top for color and a pop of freshness Serve immediately for best gooey cheese effect
Save Mozzarella is truly the magic touch in this meal My youngest always insists on helping tuck the cheese cubes inside and laughs when they bite through and the cheese stretches out We like to call it the midnight snack meatball because leftovers rarely make it past breakfast at my house
Storage Tips
Leftovers cool best on a wire rack before storing Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days If you are planning to freeze them bake and cool completely then store in a freezer bag for up to two months Reheat covered in the oven or gently on the stove to keep them juicy
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are out of turkey try ground chicken for a similarly light flavor A blend of cheddar and provolone gives a new cheesy surprise Whole wheat breadcrumbs add an extra fiber boost and a mix of Italian herbs can stand in for dried oregano and basil
Serving Suggestions
Pile these meatballs on top of hot pasta or twirl them into zucchini noodles for a lighter twist Serve open faced on crusty bread for a hearty sandwich and always finish with a dusting of Parmesan and fresh parsley If you are hosting a party spear them with toothpicks for a crowd pleasing appetizer
Save For comfort and gooey cheese in every bite these turkey meatballs are a family favorite that work for busy nights or special occasions Serve warm for maximum cheesy stretch
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I prevent cheese from leaking out while baking?
Completely seal the cheese inside the turkey mixture, pinching well around each cube to avoid gaps that could let cheese escape during baking.
- → Can I use a different cheese for the filling?
Yes, swap mozzarella with cheddar, provolone, or any melty cheese you prefer for varied flavor and texture.
- → What sides pair best with these meatballs?
Enjoy these stuffed meatballs over pasta, spiralized zucchini, or alongside crusty bread for a classic meal.
- → How can I make the meatballs gluten-free?
Replace regular breadcrumbs with certified gluten-free breadcrumbs to adapt the dish for gluten-free diets.
- → Is it possible to prepare these ahead of time?
Form the meatballs and refrigerate them raw up to a day in advance, then bake just before serving for freshness.
- → Can I freeze the cooked meatballs?
Yes, cooled meatballs can be frozen. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until hot throughout before serving.