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- 1 pound ground turkey - 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Family-Style Cheesy Turkey Meatball Casserole

Discover the delicious world of Cheesy Turkey Meatball Casserole Delight! This family-friendly recipe combines tender turkey meatballs with cheesy goodness for a comforting and nutritious meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's easy to prepare and can be customized to your taste. Packed with vibrant vegetables and topped with gooey mozzarella, it’s a dish that will bring everyone together. Enjoy leftovers throughout the week for a satisfying treat!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground turkey

1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 cups marinara sauce (your choice: store-bought or homemade)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1/2 cup diced bell peppers (choose any color you prefer)

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

Olive oil (for greasing the dish and cooking the meatballs)

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 ensure easy removal after baking.

    Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey with Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, the egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the ingredients, as this will help keep the meatballs tender.

      Form the meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into evenly-sized meatballs, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should be able to create about 20-24 meatballs.

        Brown the meatballs: Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Remember, they don’t need to be fully cooked through as they'll finish baking in the casserole.

          Assemble the casserole: In the greased casserole dish, spread half of the marinara sauce evenly over the bottom. Layer the chopped spinach and diced bell peppers on top. Arrange the browned meatballs over the vegetables, then pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are well-covered.

            Add the cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire casserole, completely covering the sauce and meatballs to create a cheesy, gooey topping.

              Bake the casserole: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and has turned a lovely golden brown.

                Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with freshly chopped basil for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy this delightful dish hot, preferably served family-style!

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

                    Presentation Tips: Serve directly from the casserole dish for a rustic look, or plate individually with extra basil garnish and a side salad for a complete meal!