Cheesy Turkey Meatball Casserole Recipe
A comforting and hearty Turkey Meatballs Casserole featuring tender ground turkey meatballs baked in rich marinara sauce with melted cheese and pasta, perfect for an easy and satisfying family dinner.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Casserole
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni), cooked al dente
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1 to 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the meatballs for about 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and lightly browned.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with marinara sauce. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a casserole dish. Add half of the pasta with sauce, then layer the baked meatballs evenly over it. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Layer and Bake: Add the remaining pasta and sauce on top of the meatballs, then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Cover the casserole dish with foil.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the dish to set.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or marinara sauce.
- Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste great reheated.
- Fresh basil or oregano can be added on top just before serving for extra flavor.
Keywords: turkey meatballs, casserole, baked meatballs, marinara, pasta casserole, comfort food
Find it online: https://famdishes.com/cheesy-turkey-meatball-casserole-recipe/
