Looking to add a twist to your dinner routine?
Look no further than this mouthwatering recipe for Baked Cheesy Meatball Casserole! Huge turkey breast meatballs nestled in a bed of rich tomato sauce, generously topped with gooey melted cheese—this dish promises to be a hit with the whole family.
With its wholesome ingredients and irresistible flavors, it’s the perfect way to elevate your weeknight meals while keeping things comforting. Let’s get cooking and make some magic in the kitchen!
This dish is super easy to whip up, too. Just mix together your meatball ingredients, shape them into big, flavorful balls, and pop ’em in the oven. While they’re baking, whip up a simple yet tasty tomato sauce to pour over them. Then, sprinkle on loads of cheese and let it all get nice and melty in the oven. In no time, you’ll have a bubbling hot casserole that’s ready to be devoured.
PIN FOR LATER
Healthy Baked Cheesy Meatball Casserole | Easy Dinner Recipes
Healthy Baked Cheesy Meatball Casserole | Easy Dinner Recipes
Ingredients
For The Meatballs
- 1.5 Lbs Ground Turkey Breast or Ground Chicken Breast
- 3/4 Cup Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs
- 1/3 Cup Grated Reduced Fat Parmesan Cheese
- 1/3 Cup Chopped Fresh Parsley or 2 Tbl Dried Parsley
- 2 Eggs
- 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced
- 1.5 Tsp Dried Oregano
- 1.5 Tsp Dried Basil
- Salt/Pepper to Taste
- 1 Tbl Olive Oil
For the Sauce
- 3 Cups Tomato Puree
- 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced
- 1 Tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 Tsp Dried Basil
- 1 Tsp Ground Pepper Flakes
- Salt/Pepper to Taste
- Sugar Substitute to Taste, Optional
For the Topping
- 1.5 Cups Kraft Mozzarella Fat Free Shredded Cheese
- 1/3 Cup Grated Reduced Fat Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 13 x 9 inch casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the turkey meatballs: ground turkey breast, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, eggs, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Divide the turkey mixture into 12 portions and shape each portion into large meatballs.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once the skillet is hot, add the meatballs in batches and brown them on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. The goal here is to brown the meatballs but not fully cook them through. Transfer the browned meatballs to the prepared casserole dish.
- In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then, stir in the tomato puree, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Pour the tomato sauce over the turkey meatballs in the casserole dish, making sure they are evenly coated. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the meatballs and sauce, followed by grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the turkey meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the foil and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is golden brown.
- There are 4 servings with each person getting 3 meatballs each. On Weight Watchers each serving is 5 WW Points. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Healthy Meatball Casserole
- Can I use ground beef instead of turkey? Yes, you can substitute ground beef for the ground turkey in this recipe if you prefer. If you are following WW, recalculate to adjust the points value.
- Can I use store-bought meatballs instead of making them from scratch? Absolutely, using pre-made meatballs is a time-saving option. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before assembling the casserole. If you are following WW, recalculate to adjust the points value.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Of course! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even a blend of cheeses.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking it straight from the fridge.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? It’s not gluten-free as it uses breadcrumbs, but you can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- What can I serve with this casserole? It pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.
- Can I add vegetables to the casserole? Sure! You can add diced onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the tomato sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- How spicy is the tomato sauce? The tomato sauce in this recipe is mild, but you can adjust the heat by adding more red pepper flakes if you prefer it spicy.
- Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? Absolutely! Fresh herbs will add a burst of flavor. Just use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
- Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey? Yes, ground chicken can be substituted for ground turkey in this recipe with similar results.
- Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the meatballs first, then place them in the slow cooker with the sauce and cheese. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce? Absolutely! You can use fresh tomatoes to make your own sauce. Just cook them down with garlic, onions, and herbs until they form a thick sauce.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by using meatless meatballs or substituting the meat with cooked lentils or beans.
- What temperature should the meatballs reach when fully cooked? The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.
- Can I use Italian sausage instead of ground turkey? Yes, Italian sausage would add a delicious flavor to the meatballs. Just remove the casings before mixing with the other ingredients. If you are following WW, recalculate to adjust the points value.
- How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator? Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- Can I use a different size of casserole dish? Yes, you can use a smaller or larger casserole dish, but you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure even cooking.
Get ready to wow your taste buds with this Baked Cheesy Meatball Casserole! It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, this dish is sure to be a hit.
