Dinner

Meatball Casserole with Turkey, Sausage, Zucchini, and Melty Mozzarella Recipe

ByJulian Dempsey October 21, 2025October 21, 2025

Introduction

This meatball casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines juicy turkey and Italian sausage meatballs with melted cheese and savory marinara sauce. It’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep and requires minimal effort for maximum flavor.

A serving spoon holds a cheesy baked meatball above a white ceramic dish filled with many more meatballs. Each meatball is topped with a thick layer of golden, slightly browned melted cheese with a gooey, stringy texture stretching down to the dish. The meatballs are packed tightly together in a rich, bubbly tomato sauce that is visible beneath the cheese. The dish sits against a soft, warm brown background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
1 lb Italian sausage
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/3 cup grated or shredded parmesan
1 medium shredded zucchini (about 1 cup)
1 egg
2 tsp dried minced onion
2 tsp dried minced garlic
2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
1 cup marinara sauce
8 oz shredded cheese (a mix of mozzarella and provolone works well)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a casserole dish with cooking spray.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, Italian sausage, shredded mozzarella, parmesan, shredded zucchini, egg, dried minced onion, garlic, basil, and salt. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
Step 3: Shape the mixture into about 24 meatballs and arrange them evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
Step 4: Bake the meatballs for 30 minutes, or until they are cooked through. Once done, carefully drain any cooking liquid from the casserole dish.
Step 5: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs, then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
Step 6: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7 (Optional): For a golden, toasted cheese topping, broil the casserole for 3-4 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Tips & Variations

For a lower-fat version, use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage or omit the sausage altogether.
Try adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or oregano to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or meatballs.
Use a mixture of different cheeses, such as cheddar or fontina, for a unique twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, or microwave in short bursts. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A white baking dish filled with two layers of round meatballs covered in melted cheese and bright red tomato sauce, with the cheese browned and bubbly on top, showing a mix of creamy white and golden brown patches, and the tomato sauce visible around the meatballs creating a rich, glossy surface; the dish sits on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the meatballs and sauce in the casserole dish ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a little extra baking time if baking from cold.

Can I use store-bought meatballs instead of making my own?

You can use pre-cooked store-bought meatballs to simplify the recipe. Simply arrange them in the casserole dish, add sauce and cheese, then bake until heated through and cheese is melted.