Stuffed Turkey Meatballs in Sauce

Name: Stuffed Turkey Meatballs in Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Hot Meals | Soups & Stews

I absolutely love making Stuffed Turkey Meatballs in Sauce at home. The combination of lean turkey, flavorful herbs, and gooey cheese creates a delightful dish that the whole family enjoys. When I’m craving comfort food, these meatballs never fail to satisfy. The real secret is in the sauce; it's a rich blend of tomatoes and spices that elevates the taste. I find that letting them simmer in the sauce allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a hearty meal that's perfect for any occasion.

Created by

The Chefsofiacooks Team

Last updated on 2026-02-20T13:33:19.047Z

When I first tried making stuffed turkey meatballs, I was blown away by how delicious and satisfying they turned out. I experimented with different fillings, but the combination of mozzarella and herbs truly took my dish over the top. The first time I served these meatballs, my friends were amazed and I need to admit—I couldn’t stop eating them myself!

One tip that I learned along the way is to let the turkey meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps to retain the juices and elevate the overall texture. Pair it with a side of pasta or a fresh salad for a complete meal that feels indulgent without the guilt.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Juicy turkey meatballs packed with hidden cheesy goodness
Rich, flavorful sauce that clings to every bite
A comforting dish that feels gourmet without the fuss

The Perfect Meatball Technique

When making the meatballs, ensure your hands are slightly damp before rolling them. This helps prevent the mixture from sticking and makes shaping easier. For the best texture, don’t overmix the meatball ingredients; combine them just until everything is incorporated. This way, the meatballs remain tender and juicy rather than dense.

Remember that the size of your meatballs affects cooking time. For uniformity, aim for about 1.5 inches in diameter. This size allows them to cook through in about 10 minutes. If you prefer larger meatballs, be prepared to extend the browning and simmering times accordingly, checking for doneness using a meat thermometer.

Balancing the Sauce Flavors

The sauce plays a crucial role in this dish, contributing sweetness and depth to the meatballs. The one teaspoon of sugar may seem small, but it balances the acidity of the crushed tomatoes beautifully. If you prefer a spicier sauce, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar for complexity.

If you find your sauce too thick, simply add a splash of water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes, allowing it to thicken while concentrating the flavors. Adjust the seasoning as necessary during this final stage.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create the perfect stuffed turkey meatballs!

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground turkey
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you've gathered all your ingredients, you're just moments away from enjoying a delicious meal!

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make your delicious stuffed turkey meatballs.

Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Take small portions and stuff each with a cube of mozzarella, rolling them into balls.

Cook the Meatballs

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add onions and cook until translucent. Stir in the garlic, crushed tomatoes, sugar, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Simmer the Meatballs

Return the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they are covered in sauce. Cover and let simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the stuffed turkey meatballs over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Enjoy your hearty meal!

Your stuffed turkey meatballs are ready to be savored! Enjoy with your favorite sides.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce. Additionally, you can substitute ground turkey with chicken for a different flavor profile.

Ingredients Substitutions

If you're looking to reduce calories, you can substitute ground turkey with lean ground chicken, which offers a similar taste profile while still remaining light. For the breadcrumbs, gluten-free alternatives work well; consider using crushed rice cereal or almond flour for a nutty flavor.

For a dairy-free option, replace the cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy, or use a vegan cheese alternative that melts well. This allows everyone, including those with dietary restrictions, to enjoy the stuffed meatballs.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These stuffed turkey meatballs are excellent for meal prep. You can assemble and cook them in advance, and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. To freeze, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing texture or flavor.

When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the oven until heated through. This makes for a quick weeknight dinner that's packed with flavor and comfort, ready almost instantly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze the stuffed turkey meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw and cook when you're ready.

→ What can I serve with the meatballs?

These meatballs pair wonderfully with spaghetti, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad.

→ Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute ground beef or a mix of meats for a richer flavor.

→ How can I make the sauce spicier?

You can add chopped chili peppers, cayenne pepper, or even hot sauce to the sauce to increase the spice level.