Cheesy Turkey Meatball Skillet

Cheesy Turkey Meatball Skillet

If you're craving comfort food that’s both hearty and wholesome, this Cheesy Turkey Meatball Skillet is a winner. Combining lean turkey with gooey cheesy goodness, it’s a perfect midweek meal or crowd-pleasing weekend dish. Let’s dive into the step-by-step recipe that’s simple, flavour-packed, and ideal for any home cook.

Why Choose Cheesy Turkey Meatballs?

The beauty of a cheesy turkey meatball dish lies in its balance. Turkey provides a lighter, healthier alternative to beef, while the cheesy sauce adds that rich, indulgent finish. These meatballs are baked then simmered in a skillet with melted cheese for that irresistible golden top. Plus, it’s all done in one pan—less washing up, more enjoyment.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start cooking, gather the following ingredients for your cheesy turkey meatball skillet:

For the Meatballs:

• 500g ground turkey

• 1 egg

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

For the Skillet Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 400g canned chopped tomatoes

• 1 tbsp tomato purée

• 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)

• 1 tsp dried basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for that cheesy finish)

• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

This recipe ensures that every bite of your cheesy turkey meatball skillet is full of texture, flavour, and home-cooked love.

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Step 1: Make the Meatballs

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (fan 180°C/gas mark 6). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, oregano, and Parmesan. Mix with your hands or a spoon until well blended.

Form the mixture into 12–15 evenly sized meatballs. This ensures each cheesy turkey meatball cooks evenly. Place them on a lined baking tray and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through.

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Step 2: Prepare the Skillet Sauce

While your turkey meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, sugar, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

This tangy, rich tomato sauce perfectly complements the cheesy turkey meatballs, infusing them with classic Italian-inspired flavour.

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Step 3: Add the Meatballs to the Sauce

Carefully transfer the baked turkey meatballs into the skillet with the tomato sauce. Gently coat them in the sauce using a spoon. Simmer everything together for another 5 minutes to let the flavours marry beautifully.

Now comes the best part—the cheesy topping that makes this turkey meatball skillet so comforting and irresistible.

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Step 4: Make It Cheesy!

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the turkey meatballs in the skillet. You want every meatball to be lovingly blanketed in gooey cheesy goodness. Pop the skillet under the grill (broiler) for 5–7 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown.

This transforms the dish into a cheesy masterpiece with crispy edges and soft-centred meatballs.

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Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish your cheesy turkey meatball skillet with torn fresh basil and serve it hot. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, spaghetti, or even mashed potatoes. Whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping for guests, this dish is bound to become a favourite.

Every bite delivers tender turkey meatball goodness soaked in rich sauce and topped with melted cheesy heaven.

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Final Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Turkey Meatballs

• Use lean turkey mince, but avoid ultra-lean versions as they can dry out.

• If the meatball mixture feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumb to bind.

• For extra depth, add a splash of red wine to the tomato sauce.

• Want a spicier kick? Mix some chilli flakes into the sauce or the meatball mixture.

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Conclusion

This Cheesy Turkey Meatball Skillet is more than just a meal—it’s comfort in a pan. With everyday ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll create a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this one-pan wonder will impress every time.

Remember to bookmark this recipe and share it with friends who love a good cheesy turkey meatball dish!

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