High Protein Cheesy Meatball Casserole

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this High Protein Cheesy Meatball Casserole, a hearty dinner option that's as satisfying as it is nutritious. Featuring a flavorful blend of ground beef and turkey, these tender meatballs are seasoned to perfection with garlic, onion, and Italian spices, then browned to lock in flavor. Layered with marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and a generous topping of melted mozzarella, this casserole is baked until bubbly and golden, creating a cheesy masterpiece. With 45 minutes of cooking time and a protein-packed twist, this dish is perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping for your week. Garnished with fresh basil for a burst of color and taste, it's a wholesome, delicious way to maximize flavor without compromising your health goals. Ideal for fans of easy casseroles, high-protein recipes, and Italian-inspired meals.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 large eggs
• 0.75 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

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.

Step 3

Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Dollop the ricotta cheese over the meatballs, spreading it gently with a spoon.

Step 7

Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the meatballs and ricotta.

Step 8

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 9

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 10

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil before serving.

Step 12

Serve the High Protein Cheesy Meatball Casserole warm, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2178.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3789.3

Total Fat 248.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 104.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 1366.5mg	0%
Sodium 7457.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 107.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.1g	0%
Total Sugars 16.3g
Protein 291.8g	0%

Vitamin D 82IU	0%
Calcium 3463.1mg	0%
Iron 22.1mg	0%
Potassium 1651.5mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 58.3%

Protein: 30.5%

Carbs: 11.2%