Description

This Meatball Casserole is a hearty and delicious dish combining ground turkey, Italian sausage, and a blend of cheeses baked to perfection. It features tender meatballs mixed with zucchini, herbs, and spices, baked in a savory marinara sauce, making it a perfect comforting meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

1 lb ground turkey
1 lb Italian sausage
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

Cheese Toppings

1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/3 cup grated or shredded parmesan
8 oz shredded cheese (two cheese pizza blend of mozzarella and provolone)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, Italian sausage, shredded zucchini, egg, dried minced onion, dried minced garlic, dried basil, salt, and 1 cup marinara sauce. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Shape the mixture into approximately 24 meatballs and place them evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until they are fully cooked through. Once done, carefully drain any cooking liquid from the casserole dish to prevent sogginess.
Add Sauce and Cheese: Evenly spread the remaining marinara sauce over the baked meatballs. Sprinkle with mozzarella, parmesan, and the 8 oz shredded cheese blend over the top.
Final Bake and Broil: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. For an optional finishing touch, broil for 3 to 4 minutes to toast the cheese, watching closely to prevent burning.

Notes

The shredded zucchini adds moisture and nutrients while keeping the meatballs tender.
Using a mixture of ground turkey and Italian sausage balances flavor and fat content.
Be cautious when broiling at the end as cheese can burn quickly.
Drain excess liquid after first bake to avoid watery casserole.
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Keywords: Meatball Casserole, ground turkey meatballs, Italian sausage recipe, baked meatballs, cheesy casserole, marinara sauce, easy dinner, family meal