Mozzarella-Stuffed Turkey Meatballs with Spinach and Garlic

If you’re in the mood for something that’s hearty, flavorful, and just a little bit indulgent, then you’re going to love these Mozzarella-Stuffed Turkey Meatballs with Spinach and Garlic. Picture this: juicy, tender turkey meatballs filled with a gooey, melty center of mozzarella cheese. Each bite is a delightful surprise, bursting with savory garlic and the freshness of spinach, all wrapped up in a comforting meatball.

What makes this dish special is the balance it strikes between being wholesome and satisfying. Lean ground turkey keeps things on the lighter side, while the spinach adds a boost of nutrition. But we didn’t forget to indulge a little—with each meatball hiding a pocket of mozzarella, you’ll get that perfect pull of cheesy goodness in every bite.

Whether you’re serving these meatballs over a bed of spaghetti, as a party appetizer, or even on their own with a side of marinara for dipping, they’re sure to be a hit. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Recipe Summary in Todd Wilbur’s Writing Style

Mozzarella-Stuffed Turkey Meatballs with Spinach and Garlic are a delicious and satisfying dish that combines lean turkey, nutritious spinach, and a surprise of gooey mozzarella in the center. These meatballs are perfect for a family dinner, party appetizer, or a tasty snack. They’re easy to make and packed with flavor, offering a healthier twist on classic meatballs with an indulgent touch.

Exciting Story

I remember the first time I made these Mozzarella-Stuffed Turkey Meatballs with Spinach and Garlic for my family. It was a cozy Sunday afternoon, and we were all craving something comforting but not too heavy. I decided to experiment with some ground turkey I had on hand, and when I saw that ball of mozzarella sitting in the fridge, inspiration struck. As soon as I pulled the meatballs out of the oven, the house filled with the irresistible aroma of garlic and herbs. My husband took the first bite, and his eyes lit up as the melted mozzarella oozed out. Since then, these meatballs have been a regular request, especially when we want something that feels both nourishing and indulgent.

Why These Mozzarella-Stuffed Turkey Meatballs?

Selling Points

• Gooey Mozzarella Surprise: Each meatball is stuffed with a piece of mozzarella, giving you a deliciously melty center in every bite.
• Healthy and Flavorful: Lean turkey and spinach make these meatballs a nutritious choice, while garlic and herbs add robust flavor.
• Versatile Dish: Serve them as a main course with pasta, as an appetizer at parties, or even on their own with your favorite dipping sauce.
• Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible even for weeknight dinners.

How to Make Mozzarella-Stuffed Turkey Meatballs with Spinach and Garlic

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
2. Form the Meatballs: Take a small portion of the turkey mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it in your hand. Place a mozzarella ball or cube in the center and wrap the turkey mixture around it, rolling it into a ball to completely enclose the cheese. Repeat with the remaining mixture and mozzarella.
3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook the meatballs for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are browned all over.
4. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve these delicious meatballs hot, with your favorite pasta, a side of marinara sauce, or as a standalone snack. Watch as your family and friends enjoy the surprise of the melted mozzarella inside!

Tips

• Even Cooking: Make sure all meatballs are roughly the same size to ensure they cook evenly.
• Cheese Substitutes: If you don’t have mozzarella, you can use another melty cheese like provolone or fontina.
• Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a little kick of heat.

Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
• Low-Fat: For a lower-fat option, use low-fat mozzarella and skip the olive oil, baking the meatballs directly instead of browning them in a skillet.
• Vegetarian: Replace the turkey with a plant-based ground meat substitute to make a vegetarian version of these meatballs.

Make a Healthier Version

• Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium breadcrumbs and mozzarella to reduce the overall sodium content.
• More Veggies: Increase the amount of spinach or add finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meatball mixture for an extra veggie boost.

Closing in Todd Wilbur’s Style

And there you have it—Mozzarella-Stuffed Turkey Meatballs with Spinach and Garlic. These meatballs are packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or as a snack, they’re sure to impress. Give them a try and don’t forget to check out our other delicious recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze these meatballs? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
2. What’s the best way to reheat these meatballs? Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
3. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey? Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well in this recipe.
4. How can I prevent the cheese from leaking out? Make sure to fully encase the mozzarella with the turkey mixture and seal any cracks before cooking.
5. Can I make these meatballs without breadcrumbs? Yes, you can use almond flour or omit the breadcrumbs entirely, though the texture may be slightly different.
6. What sides pair well with these meatballs? These meatballs go great with spaghetti, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad.

Enjoy making and savoring these Mozzarella-Stuffed Turkey Meatballs with Spinach and Garlic! Let me know if you need any more details or have other requests.

Mozzarella-Stuffed Turkey Meatballs with Spinach and Garlic

Recipe by Alexandra

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: All Word Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 1 pound 1 ground turkey

• 1 cup 1 fresh spinach, chopped

• 2 cloves 2 garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup 1/2 breadcrumbs (whole wheat or regular)

• 1/4 cup 1/4 grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon 1 Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 salt

• 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 black pepper

• 12 small 12 mozzarella balls (or 1 cup mozzarella, cut into 1-inch cubes)

• 1 tablespoon 1 olive oil (for cooking)

Directions

• Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
• Form the Meatballs: Take a small portion of the turkey mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it in your hand. Place a mozzarella ball or cube in the center and wrap the turkey mixture around it, rolling it into a ball to completely enclose the cheese. Repeat with the remaining mixture and mozzarella.
• Cook the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook the meatballs for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are browned all over.
• Bake to Perfection: Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Serve and Enjoy: Serve these delicious meatballs hot, with your favorite pasta, a side of marinara sauce, or as a standalone snack. Watch as your family and friends enjoy the surprise of the melted mozzarella inside!

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