Cheesy Spinach Turkey Meatballs: A Tasty Homemade Recipe

Tender, juicy turkey meatballs with mozzarella-stuffed magic dance on your plate, promising a flavor explosion that will make taste buds sing.

Packed with vibrant spinach and aromatic garlic, these protein-rich bites deliver a serious punch of nutrition and satisfaction.

Each morsel bursts with melted cheese when you slice into the perfectly seasoned meat.

The combination of lean turkey and fresh ingredients creates a healthier alternative to traditional meatball recipes.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this simple yet impressive dish.

Herbs and spices weave through the meat, creating layers of complexity that elevate every single bite.

Prepare to transform your dinner routine with these irresistible meatballs that everyone at the table will devour.

What Makes Mozzarella-Stuffed Turkey Meatballs So Delicious

• Surprise Inside Delight: Discover the joy of cutting into a meatball and finding a gooey mozzarella center that stretches with every bite.
• Sneaky Nutrition Boost: Packed with spinach and lean turkey, these meatballs offer a healthy twist on a classic comfort food without sacrificing flavor.
• Versatile Meal Champion: Perfect for multiple serving styles – whether as a hearty pasta topper, game day snack, or quick protein-packed dinner option that pleases everyone at the table.
• Simplified Cooking Experience: Easy to prepare with straightforward steps, this recipe requires minimal cooking skills while delivering maximum taste and impressive presentation.

Ingredients for Turkey Meatballs With Mozzarella and Spinach

• Ground Turkey: Lean and flavorful base for these delightful meatballs.
• Egg: Binds the meatball mixture together.

• Mozzarella Balls or Cubes: Soft cheese that creates a gooey surprise inside.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, savory depth to the meatballs.

• Spinach, Garlic: Fresh and aromatic green veggie with bold flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Classic herb blend that brings Mediterranean warmth.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps keep the meatballs moist and tender.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers for balanced taste.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden-brown exterior when searing meatballs.

How to Make These Cheese-Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

Step 1: Whip Together Savory Mixture

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in ground turkey, finely chopped spinach, crushed garlic, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, and seasonings.

Get your hands dirty and blend everything until the ingredients dance together seamlessly.

Step 2: Craft Cheese-Filled Treasures

Scoop out portions of the turkey blend and gently flatten each in your palm.

Nestle a small mozzarella chunk right in the center, then tenderly wrap the meat around the cheese, rolling into perfect spherical bites.

Each meatball should look like a delicious surprise waiting to happen.

Step 3: Sizzle and Brown

Warm olive oil in a hefty skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place meatballs into the pan, leaving space between them.

Let them sear and develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior, turning every few minutes to ensure even coloring.

Step 4: Bake to Delicious Completion

Crank your oven to 375°F.

Transfer those beautifully browned meatballs onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Slide into the oven and bake until they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F, typically taking 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Plate and Indulge

• Twirled pasta
• Marinara sauce
• Fresh herbs
• Crusty bread

Watch as everyone digs in and discovers the molten mozzarella surprise inside each tender bite!

Tips to Perfect Your Mozzarella Turkey Meatballs

• Ensure mozzarella is completely enclosed to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking, creating a perfect molten center.
• Select ground turkey with lower fat content for healthier meatballs that remain moist and tender without excess grease.
• Mix meatball ingredients and form balls in advance, refrigerating for up to 24 hours to enhance flavor and streamline meal preparation.
• Squeeze excess water from chopped spinach to prevent soggy meatballs and maintain ideal texture and binding.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked turkey meatballs every time.

How to Keep Turkey Meatballs Fresh and Juicy

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual meatballs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange meatballs on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of marinara sauce to keep them moist.

Great Pairings for These Spinach Turkey Meatballs

• Pair Savory Mozzarella Meatballs with Bold Wine Selection: Chianti or Sangiovese red wines complement the rich turkey and garlic flavors, cutting through the cheese's richness while enhancing overall taste profile.
• Create Vibrant Side Salad: Fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides crisp, tangy contrast to the dense, cheesy meatballs, balancing the meal's hearty texture and adding bright, zesty notes.
• Match With Rustic Bread Pairing: Crusty garlic bread or focaccia works perfectly for soaking up marinara sauce and capturing melted mozzarella drippings, offering a delightful textural companion to the meatballs.
• Serve Alongside Herbed Polenta: Creamy polenta infused with fresh herbs creates a smooth, comforting base that allows the meatballs' complex flavors to shine while providing a traditional Italian-inspired accompaniment.

Flavor Ideas for Mozzarella-Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

• Vegetarian Protein Swap
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko crumbs, ensuring the meatballs remain crispy and well-bound.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Skip breadcrumbs entirely, use grated parmesan as a binding agent, and wrap mozzarella with ground chicken or ground beef for a lower-carbohydrate alternative.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew-based mozzarella or skip cheese entirely, filling meatballs with herb-infused vegan cream cheese for moisture and flavor.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the mozzarella from leaking out during cooking?

Ensure the meatballs are tightly sealed by completely enclosing the cheese and using cold mozzarella. Avoid overstuffing and make sure the turkey mixture fully covers the cheese ball.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef. Just maintain the same ratio of ingredients and cooking method for best results.

• What can I do if the meatballs are too dry?

Mix in a little extra olive oil or an additional egg to help keep the meatballs moist. Be careful not to overmix the meat mixture, as this can make the meatballs tough.

• Is it necessary to use Italian seasoning?

While Italian seasoning adds depth of flavor, you can create your own blend using dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary if you don’t have a pre-mixed seasoning on hand.

Mozzarella-Stuffed Turkey Meatballs With Spinach And Garlic Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent mozzarella-stuffed turkey meatballs blend Italian and healthy cuisine with a protein-packed punch. Garlic and spinach elevate these juicy bites, promising a delightful meal that satisfies both comfort food cravings and nutritional goals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground turkey
• 12 small mozzarella balls (or 1 cup mozzarella, cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 cup (30 grams) fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs (whole wheat or regular)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil (for cooking)

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground turkey with finely chopped spinach, aromatic garlic, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, Italian herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the mixture becomes uniformly combined.
2. Divide the turkey blend into equal portions, gently flattening each portion in your palm. Position a compact mozzarella cube or ball directly in the center of each portion, meticulously folding and rolling the meat to completely conceal the cheese, creating perfectly sealed spherical meatballs.
3. Warm olive oil in a generously sized skillet over medium heat. Carefully introduce the prepared meatballs, maintaining adequate spacing to prevent overcrowding. Sear each meatball for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, rotating to achieve a rich golden-brown exterior.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Transfer the beautifully browned meatballs onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching. Roast for 15-20 minutes, verifying doneness by confirming the internal temperature reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer.
5. Present the mozzarella-filled meatballs immediately, optionally nestled atop pasta, generously draped with marinara sauce, or served as an enticing appetizer. The melted cheese center will create a delightful surprise with each bite.

Notes

• Always use cold mozzarella to help prevent cheese from melting too quickly during initial cooking stages.
• Ensure turkey mixture is not too wet by gently squeezing excess moisture from chopped spinach before mixing.
• Use a light touch when forming meatballs to keep them tender and prevent dense, tough texture.
• Consider freezing mozzarella cubes for 10-15 minutes before stuffing to help maintain cheese integrity during cooking.
• For gluten-free option, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to maintain binding properties.
• Test internal temperature with meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy meatballs without overcooking.
• Add extra flavor by incorporating finely grated zucchini or herbs like fresh basil into the turkey mixture for depth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 100mg