Low Sodium Cheesy Meatball Casserole

Indulge in the comforting flavors of a **Low Sodium Cheesy Meatball Casserole**, a guilt-free twist on a classic favorite! This wholesome and hearty dish features tender, homemade turkey meatballs seasoned to perfection with garlic, onion, and unsalted Italian herbs, layered over nutrient-rich whole wheat pasta. A creamy blend of fat-free ricotta and low-sodium marinara sauce creates a luscious base, while a generous topping of gooey, part-skim mozzarella cheese finishes it off. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden, this casserole strikes the ideal balance of savory and satisfying without the extra salt. Ready in just over an hour and bursting with flavor, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or meal prep. Garnished with fresh basil for a touch of brightness, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s both heart-healthy and delicious!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams ground turkey
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon unsalted Italian seasoning blend
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 egg
• 0.5 cup fat-free ricotta cheese
• 2 cups low sodium marinara sauce
• 225 grams whole wheat pasta
• 1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, unsalted Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and egg. Mix well until fully incorporated.

Step 3

Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should have approximately 20-24 meatballs.

Step 4

In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are browned. They do not need to be fully cooked through as they will finish cooking in the casserole.

Step 5

Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions, but undercook by 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and marinara sauce. Mix well until smooth.

Step 7

In a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the marinara and ricotta sauce mixture on the bottom.

Step 8

Add the cooked pasta evenly over the sauce.

Step 9

Place the browned meatballs on top of the pasta, spreading them out evenly.

Step 10

Pour the remaining marinara and ricotta sauce mixture over the meatballs and pasta.

Step 11

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

Step 12

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

Step 13

After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

Step 14

Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 15

Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your low sodium cheesy meatball casserole with family and friends!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1076.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1725.3

Total Fat 67.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 25.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.7g
Cholesterol 615.9mg	0%
Sodium 2090.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 117.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.6g	0%
Total Sugars 13.0g
Protein 162.8g	0%

Vitamin D 48IU	0%
Calcium 1222.2mg	0%
Iron 13.1mg	0%
Potassium 689.4mg	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: 35.0%

Protein: 37.8%

Carbs: 27.3%