Cheesy Meatballs Casserole – This Cheesy Meatballs Casserole is the perfect comfort food dish that is not only delicious but also low in carbs. Made with ground turkey, Italian seasoning, and a variety of cheeses, this dish will definitely become a household favorite. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests, this recipe will not disappoint.
My husband is a huge meatball fan, so I’m always looking for new ways to make them. When I first made this Cheesy Meatballs Casserole, I wasn’t sure if he would like it since it was low in carbs. But after taking his first bite, he couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was! The combination of the ground turkey, Italian seasonings, and the mix of cheeses made it incredibly flavorful and satisfying. Since then, it’s become a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will in yours too.
Why This Cheesy Meatballs Casserole Recipe is a Must-Try?
- Low in carbs, making it a great option for those on a low-carb or keto diet
- Easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner
- Made with ground turkey, which is a leaner and healthier option compared to beef
- The mix of cheeses – mozzarella and parmesan – creates a deliciously cheesy and comforting dish
- Can be served over zucchini noodles or with a side salad for a complete meal
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. (900g) ground turkey
- 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated or shredded parmesan
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons fresh minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes, optional
- 1 cup (240ml) low-carb Marinara sauce
- 1 cup (120g) shredded cheese of your choice for topping (Mozzarella, Provolone, Monterrey Jack, Cheddar…)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for topping
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Lightly spray a casserole dish with cooking spray.
In a large salad bowl, combine ground turkey, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, onion powder, garlic, Italian seasoning, Cayenne, and crushed chili pepper flakes. Use a small cookie scoop to form the meatballs all the same size and arrange the meatballs in the casserole dish.
Bake the meatballs casserole for 15 to 20 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove from the oven and drain the grease.
Top the meatballs with low-carb Marinara sauce and shredded cheese, and put the casserole back in the oven. Bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese has fully melted.
Serve the low-carb meatballs casserole with a side salad or over zucchini noodles as pictured. Enjoy!
Notes:
- This recipe is perfect for those who are following a low-carb diet, as it is made with ground turkey and topped with low-carb marinara sauce and cheese.
- Feel free to substitute the ground turkey with ground beef, chicken or pork if you prefer.
- To make this recipe even lower in carbs, skip the breadcrumbs and use almond flour or coconut flour instead.
- For a spicier version, add more Cayenne pepper or crushed red chili flakes to the meatball mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
In conclusion, this Cheesy Meatballs Casserole is a delicious and satisfying low-carb meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of ground turkey, mozzarella, parmesan, and a variety of spices creates a flavorful and juicy meatball, while the low-carb marinara sauce and cheese topping make it a cheesy and comforting casserole. This recipe is easy to customize with your favorite meats and cheeses, and it is also perfect for meal prep and freezing. Try this recipe out for yourself and enjoy a low-carb meal that is both tasty and filling!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes, you can use ground beef, chicken or pork in place of the ground turkey.
Can I skip the breadcrumbs in this recipe?
Yes, you can skip the breadcrumbs and use almond flour or coconut flour instead to make this recipe even lower in carbs.
How do I store the leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To freeze after baking, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Bake as directed, adding an additional 5-10 minutes to the baking time if needed.
Cheesy Meatballs Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. 900g ground turkey
- 1 cup 120g shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup 50g grated or shredded parmesan
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons fresh minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper optional
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes optional
- 1 cup 240ml low-carb Marinara sauce
- 1 cup 120g shredded cheese of your choice for topping (Mozzarella, Provolone, Monterrey Jack, Cheddar…)
- Fresh basil or parsley for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Lightly spray a casserole dish with cooking spray.
- In a large salad bowl, combine ground turkey, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, onion powder, garlic, Italian seasoning, Cayenne, and crushed chili pepper flakes. Use a small cookie scoop to form the meatballs all the same size and arrange the meatballs in the casserole dish.
- Bake the meatballs casserole for 15 to 20 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove from the oven and drain the grease.
- Top the meatballs with low-carb Marinara sauce and shredded cheese, and put the casserole back in the oven. Bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese has fully melted.
- Serve the low-carb meatballs casserole with a side salad or over zucchini noodles as pictured. Enjoy!
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