Cheesy Turkey Marinara Meatballs

Cheesy Turkey Marinara Meatballs are tender, flavorful cheese & turkey meatballs simmered in a rich marinara sauce and topped with more gooey, melted cheese. This comforting dish is perfect for pairing with pasta, crusty bread, or enjoying on its own as a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal!

Cheesy Turkey Marinara Meatballs

Cheesy Turkey Marinara Meatballs are such a great meatball recipe that I've made them twice this week!  Once with ground turkey which is what this recipe is, and again using ground beef.  You are going to just love these.  They are a delicious and nutritious choice for a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. The combination of lean ground turkey and flavorful spices makes these meatballs very tasty will being tender and cheesy.  They taste really delicious! 

They are incredibly quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknights and weekends when you need a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you can mix the turkey, cheese, and spices, then scoop the mixture into meatballs—no complicated steps required. Simply bake in the oven, giving you time to prep a side dish or relax. You'll have a hearty meal ready in under an hour. 

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

Meat & Dairy:

• 2 lbs ground turkey - 7% or 15% fat for juicy meatballs
• grated Parmesan
• egg
• mozzarella cheese - for shredding

Herbs & Spices:

• onion powder
• fresh garlic
• Italian seasoning
• black pepper
• cayenne pepper
• crushed red pepper flakes
• fresh basil or parsley (for topping)

Sauces & Condiments:

• 1 24 oz. jar Marinara sauce

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Turkey: Substitute with ground chicken, lean ground beef, or a mix of beef and pork for a different protein base.

• Cheese:  Use cheddar, provolone, gouda, or Monterey Jack instead of mozzarella or Parmesan for a unique flavor twist.

• Marinara Sauce:  Swap with homemade tomato sauce, Alfredo sauce, or a creamy pink sauce for a different flavor profile.

• Seasonings:  Replace Italian seasoning with fresh or dried oregano, thyme, or basil to customize the herb blend.

• Spice Level:  Omit cayenne and red pepper flakes for a milder dish, or add chili powder or sriracha for more heat.

These substitutions ensure flexibility while keeping the dish delicious and satisfying!

Variations

• Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly:  Serve the meatballs over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or on their own instead of pasta.

• Herby Delight:  Mix in fresh chopped herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano into the meatballs for a burst of fresh flavor.

• Vegetable Boost:  Add finely grated zucchini, carrots, or spinach to the meatball mixture for added nutrition and moisture.

These simple changes allow for a variety of flavors while maintaining the essence of the dish!

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Use Ground Turkey with Some Fat:  Opt for ground turkey with a little fat (not 99% lean) to keep the meatballs tender and flavorful.

• Don’t Overmix:  Gently combine the ingredients to avoid dense meatballs. Overmixing can make them tough.

• Uniform Meatballs:  Use a small cookie scoop or wet your hands to shape evenly sized meatballs for consistent cooking.

• Presentation Tip:  Top with fresh parsley or basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan just before serving for a restaurant-style finish.

• Moist Meatballs:  Turkey can be lean, so don’t skip the cheese and egg in the mixture; they add moisture and help prevent the meatballs from drying out.

• Sauce Quality Matters:  Use a high-quality store-bought marinara or make your own for the best flavor. A robust sauce complements the mild turkey meatballs perfectly.

• Serving Suggestions:  Serve over pasta, rice, polenta, zucchini noodles, or with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.

• Make-Ahead and Freezing:  Prepare the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them raw or cooked. Reheat in marinara sauce when ready to serve for a quick meal.

• Portion Size:  This recipe makes a generous batch of meatballs, great for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. Halve the recipe if cooking for a smaller group.

     Items you may need     

Mixing Bowls
Casserole Dish

Small Cookie Scoop

Marinara Sauce




    Other Meatball Recipes     

Moroccan Meatballs with Pita, Tomatoes, and Cucumbers

Grilled Chicken Kofta

Mongolian Meatballs

Asian Meatballs in Lettuce Wraps

Piri Piri Turkey Meatballs

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Cheesy Turkey Marinara Meatballs

yield:  21 - 25 meatballs

2 lbs ground turkey
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 egg
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons fresh minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper,
a pinch crushed red pepper flakes
1 jar Marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil or parsley, for topping

Preheat the oven to 400ºF.  Lightly spray a large casserole dish with cooking spray.

Combine ground turkey, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, onion powder, garlic, Italian seasoning, cayenne, and crushed red pepper flakes in a large mixing bowl. Mix gently to incorporate the ingredients.  Use a small cookie scoop to form the meatballs and arrange in the casserole dish 1 inch apart.  Use two casserole dishes if necessary.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove from the oven.  Top with the Marinara sauce and shredded cheese bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese has fully melted.

Serve with a side salad and crusty bread, over pasta, rice or zucchini noodles.