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.
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.