Heart-Healthy Cheesy Meatballs

Indulge in guilt-free comfort food with these Heart-Healthy Cheesy Meatballs, a wholesome twist on a classic favorite. Made with lean ground turkey and old-fashioned oats as a nutritious binder, these meatballs are packed with flavor from minced garlic, dried herbs, and a hint of onion powder. Reduced-fat shredded mozzarella adds a satisfying cheesy punch without sacrificing your health goals. Pan-seared for a golden crust and finished in the oven for a tender, juicy interior, these meatballs are simmered in a low-sodium tomato sauce infused with fresh parsley, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. Whether served over whole-grain pasta, zucchini noodles, or enjoyed solo, these easy-to-make, protein-packed bites are a delicious way to nourish your body while savoring bold Italian-inspired flavors.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams lean ground turkey
• 50 grams old-fashioned oats
• 100 grams reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 unit large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 400 grams low-sodium tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, oats, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 3

Add in the shredded mozzarella cheese, reserving a small amount for topping, and mix until evenly distributed.

Step 4

With damp hands, shape the mixture into small, golf ball-sized meatballs. Place each meatball onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Transfer seared meatballs back to the baking sheet.

Step 6

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 7

While the meatballs are baking, heat the low-sodium tomato sauce in the same skillet used for searing the meatballs. Stir in the chopped parsley and let it simmer over low heat.

Step 8

Once the meatballs are done, add them to the skillet with the sauce and gently coat them with the sauce.

Step 9

Serve the meatballs hot, topped with the reserved shredded mozzarella cheese, and garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1132.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1591.5

Total Fat 76.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 24.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 596.7mg	0%
Sodium 1689.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 90.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.9g	0%
Total Sugars 36.6g
Protein 150.3g	0%

Vitamin D 41IU	0%
Calcium 978.8mg	0%
Iron 14.8mg	0%
Potassium 2874.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.6%

Protein: 36.4%

Carbs: 21.9%