Looking for a deliciously unique twist on traditional meatballs? These Turkey Quinoa Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are not only a healthier alternative but also packed with flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing! Imagine tender turkey meatballs, perfectly blended with fluffy quinoa and gooey melted mozzarella, all drizzled with rich marinara sauce. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how easy it is to create a dish that’s both nutritious and utterly irresistible!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by cooking quinoa according to package instructions and letting it cool to room temperature. Ensure quinoa is well-drained and fluffy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, cooled quinoa, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using clean hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Cut mozzarella cheese into small 1/2-inch cubes. Set aside on a plate.
- Divide the turkey-quinoa mixture into 12 equal portions. Take each portion and flatten into a small patty.
- Place a mozzarella cheese cube in the center of each patty, then carefully fold and seal the meat around the cheese, forming a complete meatball. Ensure no cheese is exposed.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, keeping space between each to ensure even cooking.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Meatballs should be golden brown and cheese should be melted inside.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow cheese to set and meatballs to cool slightly.
- Serve hot, drizzled with warm marinara sauce. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Cook Quinoa Perfectly: Make sure to rinse your quinoa before cooking to remove any bitterness. Follow the package instructions for cooking, and let it cool completely to achieve the best texture for your meatballs.
- Mix with Care: When combining the ingredients, use your hands for the best results. This ensures that everything is evenly distributed without overworking the turkey, which can lead to tough meatballs.
- Seal the Cheese: When forming your meatballs, ensure that the mozzarella is completely enclosed within the turkey-quinoa mixture. This prevents the cheese from leaking out during baking, keeping it deliciously gooey inside.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only makes for easy cleanup but also helps prevent the meatballs from sticking, allowing them to cook evenly.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that your meatballs have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Garnish for Flavor: Don’t forget to garnish your meatballs with fresh basil or parsley before serving. This adds a pop of color and enhances the dish’s flavor profile.
- Serve with Style: Serve your meatballs drizzled with warm marinara sauce and perhaps some crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal that everyone will love!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
