This Meatball Parmesan Casserole features savory, baked turkey meatballs smothered in marinara sauce, topped with gooey melted cheese for a hearty, comforting meal. It’s a family-friendly dinner that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Perfect for weeknights, this casserole is made with ground turkey, which adds lean protein, while the cheese and seasonings create an irresistible savory flavor. Whether served on its own, over pasta, or as a meatball sub, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground turkey

  • 1 egg

  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Casserole:

  • 1 jar (about 24 oz) spaghetti sauce (store-bought or homemade)

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Optional: Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Make the Meatballs: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size, and place them on a baking sheet.

2. Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

3. Prepare the Casserole: In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spread half of the spaghetti sauce. Arrange the baked meatballs on top. Pour the remaining sauce over the meatballs and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

4. Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Nutrients

• Calories: 594 kcal per serving

• Carbohydrates: 20g

• Protein: 38g

• Fat: 29g

• Saturated Fat: 15g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 9g

• Cholesterol: 132mg

• Sodium: 799mg

• Potassium: 703mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 3g

• Vitamin A: 815IU

• Vitamin C: 4mg

• Calcium: 398mg

• Iron: 2mg

The Allure of Turkey Meatballs

Turkey meatballs are the star of this casserole, providing a lean source of protein without compromising on flavor. Ground turkey is often a healthier alternative to ground beef, offering lower fat content while still delivering the rich, savory taste you expect from a meatball. The key to great turkey meatballs is seasoning, and in this recipe, the combination of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese gives the meatballs a satisfying flavor that pairs perfectly with the marinara sauce.

In addition to being flavorful, turkey meatballs are incredibly easy to make. The mixture comes together quickly with just a few simple ingredients: ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings. After shaping the meatballs, they are baked until golden brown and cooked through, which not only ensures they’re tender but also eliminates the need for frying. This makes the meatballs healthier, as well as easier to prepare and clean up afterward.

The use of ground turkey also makes the casserole a bit lighter than traditional meatball dishes that often use fattier meats like beef or pork. This allows you to enjoy the comforting flavors of meatballs without feeling overly heavy afterward, making it a great option for those who are watching their calorie intake or prefer leaner meats.

Marinara Sauce: The Perfect Complement

The marinara sauce in Meatball Parmesan Casserole is the perfect complement to the savory turkey meatballs. Whether you use store-bought or homemade marinara sauce, it provides a tangy, slightly sweet base that pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the meatballs and cheese. The sauce’s acidity balances the richness of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, preventing the dish from feeling too heavy.

For the best results, choose a high-quality marinara sauce that is thick and flavorful, as this will coat the meatballs and help to create a satisfying texture. You can also enhance the sauce by adding extra seasonings like dried oregano, basil, or red pepper flakes for an added kick. Homemade marinara sauce is an excellent option if you have the time, as it can be made in advance and customized to your personal taste.

When the marinara sauce is layered with the meatballs and cheese, it creates a deliciously savory combination that seeps into the meatballs and provides moisture and flavor. This sauce also helps bind the casserole together, ensuring each bite is as flavorful as the last.

The Cheese: Gooey and Melty

No meatball casserole would be complete without a generous layer of cheese, and in this recipe, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese are the perfect pairing. Mozzarella provides that signature gooey, melty texture that everyone loves, while Parmesan adds a sharp, tangy flavor that enhances the overall richness of the dish. The cheese melts into the sauce, creating a gooey, cheesy layer that adds an irresistible creaminess to the casserole.

For the best results, use freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, as it melts more evenly and creates a better texture than pre-shredded varieties. The Parmesan cheese can be added directly to the casserole for flavor, or you can sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before baking for a golden, crispy finish.

The combination of the melty mozzarella and tangy Parmesan creates a cheesy topping that forms the perfect contrast to the tender turkey meatballs and savory marinara sauce. This cheese layer is one of the key components that make Meatball Parmesan Casserole so comforting and satisfying, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor.

Easy Assembly and Baking

One of the reasons Meatball Parmesan Casserole is so popular is its simplicity. The dish is assembled in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a quick and satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. After baking the turkey meatballs, they are placed in a casserole dish, layered with marinara sauce, and topped with shredded cheese. Once the casserole is assembled, it is baked until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

The baking process allows the flavors to meld together, ensuring each bite is full of rich, savory goodness. The cheese becomes golden and crispy on top, while the marinara sauce and meatballs heat through and become perfectly tender. The result is a warm, comforting casserole that’s as satisfying to eat as it is easy to make.

You can also prepare the casserole in advance, making it a great option for meal prep or when you need a dish to serve later in the week. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it with foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it. This makes Meatball Parmesan Casserole a convenient option for busy days when you want a homemade meal with minimal effort.

Customizing Your Meatball Parmesan Casserole

One of the best things about Meatball Parmesan Casserole is how customizable it is. You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, if you prefer a spicier kick, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the marinara sauce. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can swap the turkey meatballs for plant-based meatballs or even make your own meatball substitute with lentils or mushrooms.

The cheese can also be customized depending on your taste. If you prefer a sharper flavor, you can use aged Parmesan or a combination of mozzarella and provolone for added depth. For those who are dairy-free, there are plenty of plant-based cheese alternatives that melt well and can be used as substitutes.

You can also add extra vegetables to the casserole, such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers, to make it more nutritious and flavorful. The possibilities for customization are endless, allowing you to create a Meatball Parmesan Casserole that fits your unique tastes and dietary needs.

Perfect for Family Dinners and Gatherings

Meatball Parmesan Casserole is a fantastic dish to serve for family dinners or gatherings. Its comforting flavors and satisfying portions make it ideal for feeding a crowd, and it pairs well with a variety of sides, such as garlic bread, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables. Whether you’re hosting a casual family meal or preparing dinner for friends, this casserole is sure to impress.

The dish also works well for meal prep, as it can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for several days. Reheating the casserole is easy, and it tastes just as good the next day, if not better, as the flavors have had more time to develop. This makes Meatball Parmesan Casserole a great option for busy families who need a delicious, ready-to-eat meal after a long day.

Nutritional Benefits of Meatball Parmesan Casserole

While Meatball Parmesan Casserole is indulgent and comforting, it also offers some nutritional benefits. Ground turkey is a lean source of protein, which helps to support muscle growth and repair. The addition of vegetables like onions and optional greens adds vitamins and fiber, making the casserole more balanced. The mozzarella cheese provides calcium, while the Parmesan offers additional protein and flavor.

This casserole is a satisfying meal that provides a good balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, making it a great option for a filling dinner. However, due to its richness, it’s best enjoyed in moderation, especially for those watching their fat intake. With a healthy portion of turkey, cheese, and marinara sauce, this casserole offers a comforting meal without going overboard on calories.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Meatball Parmesan Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor. With its savory turkey meatballs, creamy marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this casserole offers a satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or casual gatherings. Its versatility makes it customizable to suit a variety of tastes and dietary needs, ensuring that it’s a dish everyone will enjoy. Whether served with pasta, as a meatball sub, or on its own, Meatball Parmesan Casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household. Its simple ingredients, hearty flavors, and ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for any occasion.