The Meatball Casserole Recipe Everyone Is Talking About (30 Minutes, 8 Ingredients) by 30Seconds Food

The ground turkey meatballs in this easy, flavorful meatball casserole recipe are tender and juicy. And who doesn't love getting a high-protein dinner on the table in 30 minutes? (Read about the importance of protein in our diets.) These meatballs in casserole form are just what you need on a cold night.

This fan favorite baked cheesy meatball casserole recipe has a simple shopping list: ground turkey or ground beef, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, an egg, onion powder, fresh garlic, dried Italian seasoning, spaghetti sauce and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a touch of heat. The meatballs are baked first before the spaghetti sauce and cheese is added (there's some cheese in the meatballs, too!). So quick and easy!

Photo credit: all photos under license from BigStock

Serve this easy Italian-inspired ground turkey meatball recipe for dinner over your favorite pasta or some mashed potatoes. This budget-friendly, kid-friendly casserole recipe is simple and delicious. 

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 to 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 to 35 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground turkey or ground beef
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella (divided)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• crushed red chili flakes, to taste (optional)
• 1 - 2 cups spaghetti sauce

Here's how to make it: 

1. Combine the turkey or beef, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, onion powder, garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, to taste, and salt and pepper. Mix well. Shape into meatballs. Put the meatballs into a baking dish. 
2. Bake in a preheated 400-degree F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes or until cooked through. (The meatballs could be made ahead and frozen raw or cooked. Let them cool completely before freezing after being cooked.)
3. Top with spaghetti sauce and remaining mozzarella cheese. (Use your favorite style of pasta sauce for this recipe.)
4. Bake another 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

Recipe cooking times, nutritional information and servings are approximate and provided for your convenience. However, 30Seconds is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe, nor may you have the same results because of variations in ingredients, temperatures, altitude, errors, omissions or cooking/baking abilities. Any nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and it is up to the individual to ascertain accuracy. To ensure image quality, we may occasionally use stock photography.

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