Juicy Turkey Meatballs With Mozzarella: Easy Recipe!

Hey guys! Are you ready for a super tasty and easy recipe that will become a family favorite? Today, we're diving into juicy turkey meatballs with mozzarella. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a potluck, or even a fancy appetizer. The combination of lean turkey, flavorful seasonings, and gooey mozzarella is simply irresistible. So, grab your aprons, and let's get cooking!

Why Turkey Meatballs?

You might be wondering, why choose turkey over beef or pork? Well, there are several great reasons. First off, turkey is a leaner protein, which means you can enjoy these meatballs without feeling too guilty. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more healthy options into your diet without sacrificing flavor. Secondly, turkey is incredibly versatile. It absorbs flavors beautifully, making it a blank canvas for all your favorite seasonings and spices. Whether you like Italian herbs, a bit of spice, or a touch of sweetness, turkey will adapt perfectly.

Another reason to love turkey meatballs is that they're often more budget-friendly than beef meatballs. This makes it an excellent choice for feeding a crowd or just keeping your grocery bill in check. Plus, they're just as satisfying and delicious! Imagine sinking your teeth into a tender, juicy meatball filled with melted mozzarella – it’s a culinary experience that’s hard to beat. And let's not forget how easy they are to make. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a batch of these delightful meatballs ready in no time. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. You can even get the kids involved in rolling the meatballs – it’s a fun and tasty activity for the whole family!

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we start, let’s make sure we have all the ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need for these mouthwatering turkey meatballs:

1 pound ground turkey
1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned are great!)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Your favorite marinara sauce, for serving

Ground turkey is the star of the show, so make sure you choose a good quality one. I prefer using lean ground turkey, but you can use a slightly higher fat content for extra juiciness if you prefer. The breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs together and add a nice texture. Italian seasoned breadcrumbs are a great shortcut, but plain breadcrumbs work just as well – just add a little extra Italian seasoning to the mix. Parmesan cheese adds a wonderful salty and savory flavor. Freshly grated is always best, but pre-grated will also work in a pinch. Fresh parsley brightens up the flavors and adds a pop of color. Don’t skip this ingredient! Garlic is a must for any good meatball recipe. Use fresh minced garlic for the best flavor, or garlic powder if that’s what you have on hand. An egg helps bind the ingredients together, ensuring that your meatballs don’t fall apart while cooking. Milk adds moisture and helps keep the meatballs tender. You can use any kind of milk you like – dairy or non-dairy will both work well. Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning. Adjust the amounts to your taste, but don’t be afraid to be generous! Mozzarella cheese is the surprise inside each meatball. Cut it into small cubes so that it melts easily and evenly. And finally, your favorite marinara sauce is the perfect accompaniment to these meatballs. Whether you prefer a classic tomato sauce, a spicy arrabiata, or a creamy vodka sauce, the choice is yours!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and make these amazing turkey meatballs! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the meatballs cook evenly and get nice and golden brown.
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, milk, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Take a small amount of the mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center and then carefully form the meat mixture around the cheese, making sure it’s completely sealed. Roll it into a smooth, round meatball.
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
While the meatballs are baking, heat up your favorite marinara sauce in a saucepan. This is the perfect time to prepare any side dishes you want to serve with the meatballs, such as pasta, rice, or a simple salad.
Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This will prevent you from burning your mouth when you take that first delicious bite.
Serve the turkey meatballs with marinara sauce. You can serve them over pasta, in a meatball sub, or simply enjoy them on their own as an appetizer.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Meatballs

To ensure your turkey meatballs are a smashing success, here are a few tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years:

Don’t overmix the meat mixture. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Mix until just combined, and then stop.
Use wet hands when rolling the meatballs. This will prevent the meat from sticking to your hands and make it easier to form smooth, round meatballs.
Make sure the mozzarella cheese is completely sealed inside the meatball. This will prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking.
If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley. Just use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley in place of the fresh parsley.
For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. This will give the meatballs a little bit of heat.
You can also add other cheeses to the meat mixture, such as ricotta or provolone. This will add extra flavor and creaminess.
If you want to make the meatballs ahead of time, you can prepare them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover them tightly so they don’t dry out.
You can also freeze the meatballs for longer storage. Place the cooked meatballs in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them in the oven or microwave.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve made these incredible turkey meatballs, let’s talk about how to serve them. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Serve them over pasta with marinara sauce. This is a classic and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and some fresh basil for extra flavor.
Make meatball subs. Toast some hoagie rolls and fill them with the turkey meatballs and marinara sauce. Top with melted mozzarella cheese and enjoy.
Serve them as an appetizer. Place the meatballs on a platter and serve with toothpicks. Your guests will love popping these bite-sized treats into their mouths.
Add them to a salad. Slice the meatballs and add them to a green salad for a protein-packed meal.
Serve them with mashed potatoes and gravy. This is a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for a cold winter day.

Variations to Try

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are a few variations you can try:

Spicy Turkey Meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
Italian Turkey Meatballs: Add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the meat mixture for a classic Italian flavor.
Greek Turkey Meatballs: Add some crumbled feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, and a pinch of oregano to the meat mixture for a Mediterranean twist.
BBQ Turkey Meatballs: Serve the meatballs with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky and sweet flavor.
Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs: Serve the meatballs with teriyaki sauce and sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired dish.

The Bottom Line

So there you have it – a simple and delicious recipe for juicy turkey meatballs with mozzarella. These meatballs are easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them over pasta, in a sub, or as an appetizer, they’re sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy cooking!