Go Back
Cheesy Turkey Meatball Casserole Delight is a comforting and hearty dish that brings families together around the dinner table. In today's fast-paced world, it's essential to have family-friendly recipes that not only satisfy hunger but also appeal to both kids and adults. This casserole is the perfect blend of cheesy goodness and savory turkey meatballs, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights or special gatherings.

Family-Style Cheesy Turkey Meatball Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Turkey Meatball Casserole Delight. Packed with savory turkey meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. Made with wholesome ingredients like fresh vegetables and flavorful herbs, it's a healthier twist on a classic dish. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, it promises to bring everyone together for a satisfying meal. Try it tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb ground turkey

1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended for crispiness)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Olive oil (for greasing the dish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.

    Prepare the meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined — be cautious not to overmix to keep them tender.

      Form the meatballs: Using your hands, create uniform-sized meatballs (about 1-1.5 inches in diameter). You should yield around 20-24 meatballs.

        Brown the meatballs: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. They don’t need to be fully cooked through as they will finish baking in the oven.

          Assemble the casserole: In the greased casserole dish, spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom. Layer with chopped spinach and bell peppers evenly. Next, place the browned meatballs over the veggies. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are covered.

            Add the cheese: Generously sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the entire dish, covering the sauce and meatballs completely.

              Bake the casserole: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

                Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving. Enjoy hot, family-style!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 50 minutes | Serves 6-8