Turkey Meatball Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Turkey Meatballs Casserole is a comforting and simple dish that brings together juicy meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 to 1½ cups shredded cheese (mozzarella or your choice)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Form the ground turkey into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked and browned.
- Step 2: Transfer the cooked meatballs to a baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs, then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
- Step 3: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add chopped onion, garlic, or Italian herbs to the turkey before forming the meatballs.
- Try mixing different cheeses like Parmesan or provolone for a richer taste.
- Serve with a side of pasta or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Storage
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs for this casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen cooked meatballs. Just adjust the baking time as needed to ensure they are heated through before adding the sauce and cheese.
What cheese works best for this dish?
Mozzarella is a classic choice for melting and flavor, but you can also use a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, or provolone to enhance the taste and texture.
PrintTurkey Meatball Casserole Recipe
This comforting Turkey Meatballs Casserole combines tender ground turkey meatballs baked to perfection, topped with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese for a deliciously hearty and easy-to-make meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Casserole
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently until just combined without overworking the meat.
- Shape and bake meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Form the turkey mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the baked meatballs into a baking dish. Pour marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs. Then, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top.
- Bake the casserole: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving warm. This pairs well with a side of pasta or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain moisture and texture.
Keywords: turkey meatballs, casserole, baked meatballs, marinara, cheese, easy dinner, comfort food
