Cheddar-Stuffed Turkey Meatballs
Juicy, flavorful, and oozing with melty cheddar in every bite – the ultimate cozy lunch or dinner recipe.
If you’re a fan of cheesy comfort food (who isn’t?), you’re going to fall head over heels for these cheddar-stuffed turkey meatballs. They’re everything you want in a hearty homemade meal: juicy ground turkey meatballs with garlic, herbs, and a gooey, melted cheddar center that surprises you with every bite.
They’re quick to prep, oven-baked for convenience, and perfect served over fluffy white rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even inside a warm sub roll with marinara for a cheesy meatball sandwich. This is a family-friendly, meal-prep approved recipe you’ll want to add to your weekly lunch rotation.
🧾 Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 500g ground turkey – lean, flavorful, and lower in fat than beef
- 1 large egg – to help bind the mixture
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – classic or panko, for structure
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped – adds freshness
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – for depth of flavor
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika – optional, for a subtle smoky flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the cheesy filling:
- 80g cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes (around 1 cm each)
➤ Sharp cheddar works great, but you can use mild or even gouda or mozzarella for variation.
Optional for serving:
- White rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or salad
- Marinara sauce, garlic yogurt sauce, or ranch
🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Make the meatball mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- ground turkey
- egg
- breadcrumbs
- parsley
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- paprika (if using)
- salt and pepper
Use your clean hands or a spoon to mix thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should be moist but firm enough to shape.
3. Form the stuffed meatballs
- Take about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your hand.
- Place a cube of cheddar cheese in the center.
- Carefully mold the turkey mixture around the cheese and roll into a smooth ball, making sure the cheese is fully sealed inside to avoid leakage.
- Place the meatballs on your prepared tray, spacing them slightly apart.
4. Bake
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 75°C or 165°F).
✨ Optional for extra color: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end to lightly crisp and brown the tops.
5. Serve
Serve immediately while hot so the cheese is gooey inside!
✔️ Over a bed of fluffy basmati rice with a sprinkle of parsley
✔️ With creamy mashed potatoes and roasted veggies
✔️ Tossed in marinara sauce over spaghetti
✔️ In a sub roll with lettuce and sauce for a meatball sandwich
💡 Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture – this keeps the meatballs tender.
- Chill the cheddar cubes for 10 minutes in the fridge before stuffing – helps prevent leaking.
- Use gloves for easy, mess-free shaping.
- Want spicier meatballs? Add 1/4 tsp chili flakes or a dash of cayenne.
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked (or uncooked) meatballs in a single layer, then transfer to a bag. Lasts up to 2 months.
- To reheat: Microwave, oven-bake, or air fry until warmed through.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s easy, quick, and satisfying
- Kid-approved and perfect for picky eaters
- Packs well in lunchboxes
- Can be made ahead and frozen
- Deliciously cheesy and juicy with every bite
📌 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a meal-prep lunch idea with a cheesy twist, these cheddar-stuffed turkey meatballs will become a staple in your kitchen. They’re the perfect balance of healthy protein and indulgent cheese, and they’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
