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Comfort food holds a special place in our hearts, and casseroles are the quintessential embodiment of this category. These hearty dishes not only provide warmth but also bring families together around the dinner table. The Cheesy Turkey Meatball Casserole Delight is a perfect example of a meal that combines healthy ingredients with rich flavors, making it suitable for any occasion. Ground turkey is a star ingredient in this recipe, offering a leaner profile compared to traditional beef while still being packed with taste. This casserole is not only versatile—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering—but also easy to prepare, ensuring that you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying with loved ones.

Family-Style Cheesy Turkey Meatball Casserole

Discover the Cheesy Turkey Meatball Casserole Delight, a heartwarming dish that combines the rich flavors of ground turkey, savory cheeses, and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this easy-to-make casserole features tender meatballs layered with marinara, fresh spinach, and bell peppers, topped with gooey mozzarella. Enjoy a comforting meal that is nutritious and lower in calories, making it ideal for a wholesome lifestyle.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground turkey

1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (for an extra crispy texture)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or your favorite store-bought variety)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green for color)

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Olive oil (for greasing the dish and cooking)

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking.

    Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to ensure your meatballs remain tender.

      Form the meatballs: Using your hands, roll the mixture into uniform meatballs, each about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should aim for around 20 to 24 meatballs.

        Brown the meatballs: Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a nice golden-brown crust. They don’t need to be cooked through at this stage, as they will finish in the oven.

          Assemble the casserole: In your greased casserole dish, start by spreading half of the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom. Next, layer the chopped spinach and diced bell peppers across the sauce. Carefully place the browned meatballs on top of the vegetables. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs to ensure they are well covered.

            Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the entire dish, making sure that everything is nicely coated.

              Bake the casserole: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and place it in your preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and a beautiful golden brown.

                Garnish and serve: Once finished baking, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Just before serving, garnish with freshly chopped basil for a pop of flavor and color. Serve hot, and enjoy this delightful dish family-style!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 50 minutes | Serves 6-8