Are you tired of the same old boring meatball recipes? Do you want to elevate your dinner game with a dish that's both healthy and indulgent? Look no further! Our Cheesy Stuffed Turkey Meatballs with Cauliflower Rice recipe is a game-changer. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 25 minutes, you can have a delicious, Italian-inspired meal on the table in under 40 minutes. And the best part? This recipe is packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, making it a nutritious and satisfying option for the whole family.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups cauliflower rice
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture by combining ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and egg in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Divide the turkey mixture into 12 equal portions. Take each portion and flatten it into a small patty, creating a small well in the center.
- Place a small pinch of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center of each patty, then carefully fold and roll the meat around the cheese to form a complete meatball, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- Arrange the stuffed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each meatball to ensure even cooking.
- Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior is golden brown.
- While meatballs are cooking, prepare the cauliflower rice. If using fresh cauliflower, pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice-like grains. If using pre-riced cauliflower, proceed to next step.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add cauliflower rice and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes tender and slightly crisp.
- Once meatballs are cooked, remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
- Warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Plate the cauliflower rice, top with cheesy stuffed turkey meatballs, and drizzle with warm marinara sauce.
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips
- To ensure your meatballs are cooked to perfection, make sure to not overcrowd the baking sheet and leave enough space between each meatball for even cooking. When forming the meatballs, be gentle when handling the mixture to avoid compacting it too much, which can make the meatballs dense and heavy. For an extra crispy exterior, broil the meatballs for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking. And don't forget to use high-quality marinara sauce to elevate the flavors of the dish. With these tips and a little practice, you'll be a meatball master in no time!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 318kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 117mg
