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Turkey Meatball Burger Melts

These Turkey Meatball Burger Melts are basically a tender, moist, and FLAVORFUL meatball transformed into a burger. The “meatball” patty is smothered with sweet marinara, covered in gooey fresh mozzarella and baked, for the perfect hand-held classic Italian dish.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Keyword turkey burger, cheese burger, meatballs, spaghetti and meatballs
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 burgers
Calories 603kcal
Author Nicole
Cost $25

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Griddle
  • sheet pan

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, 1/4 grated and 1/4 finely minced
  • 2 large garlic cloves, grated
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp fennel seed
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/3 cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced into 1/4-inch slices
  • 4 medium hamburger buns, toasted
  • 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

Quick Marinara

  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 large garlic clove, grated
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/4 tsp kosher

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
  • Add ground turkey through egg to a medium bowl. Using hands to gently mix the mixture just until combined. Form into four equal patties. 
  • Heat a small sauce pan to a medium-low heat. Add 2 tsp olive oil. Add garlic, cook 30 seconds. Add tomato paste. Cook 1 minute. Whisk in water, sugar and salt. Bring to a simmer. Simmer for 5-6 minutes while the burgers continue to cook. 
  • Heat a large cast iron skillet or griddle to a medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add 2 teaspoons olive oil. Spread evenly on pan or griddle. Sear burgers until golden brown and crusty on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. 
  • Once burgers have seared, spoon a little bit of sauce on each patty. Cover with a slice or two of mozzarella. Transfer to the oven and bake until cheese is melted. Slide patties on to bun, sprinkle with parsley. Serve warm

Nutrition

Serving: 1burger | Calories: 603kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 50g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 167mg | Sodium: 1682mg | Potassium: 641mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 810IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 483mg | Iron: 4mg