Indulge in the hearty, protein-packed goodness of this High Protein Cheesy Meatball Casserole, a family-friendly dish that’s rich in flavor and easy to prepare. Featuring a blend of ground beef and ground turkey, these tender homemade meatballs are seasoned to perfection with garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning before being nestled in a vibrant marinara sauce. Topped with creamy ricotta and a generous layer of melty mozzarella cheese, this casserole bakes to golden perfection, creating a comforting meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is a wholesome option that’s filled with protein and cheesy allure, sure to please everyone at the table. Garnish with fresh basil for a touch of brightness and serve it warm for the ultimate comfort food experience!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground turkey, eggs, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides until they are golden brown and almost cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom. Arrange the meatballs on top of the marinara layer.
Dollop the ricotta cheese over the meatballs, spreading it gently with a spoon.
Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the meatballs and ricotta.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil before serving.
Serve the High Protein Cheesy Meatball Casserole warm, and enjoy!
Calories |
3789 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 248.4 g | 318% | |
| Saturated Fat | 104.3 g | 522% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1366 mg | 456% | |
| Sodium | 7458 mg | 324% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 107.5 g | 39% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.1 g | 32% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.3 g | ||
| Protein | 291.8 g | 584% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.1 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 3463 mg | 266% | |
| Iron | 22.1 mg | 123% | |
| Potassium | 1652 mg | 35% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.