Mini Turkey Meatball Casserole

Baked Mini Turkey Meatball Casserole,  a delicious Homemade Italian Comfort Food Recipe. Choose your pasta and make the perfect Family Dinner Dish.

What’s the best part about fall? Besides the cooler weather, holidays are just around the corner and of course anything and everything Apple and pumpkin! And of course don’t forget the Comfort Food.

This is an easy baked pasta recipe that comes together quite quickly even though you may need a couple of extra pots. But it will be worth it. Perfect turkey mini meatballs cooked to perfection in a delicious homemade sauce.

Recipe Ingredients

• White bread – crusts removed
• Milk – 2% or whole milk
• Parmigiano cheese
• Ground turkey or chicken
• Egg
• Garlic clove
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Salt
• Pepper
• Olive oil
• Pelati tomatoes – nothing added, also known as peeled tomatoes
• Oregano
• Basil – dried or you can use 5-6 fresh basil leaves
• Water
• Firm mozzarella – shredded (not bagged shredded)
• Parmigiano – freshly grated
• White sauce – homemade or store bought
• Pasta – short pasta

What is authentic Parmigiano?

Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is authentic or DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta which means Protected Designation of Origin), and Parmesan cheese is just an imitation of Parmigiano Reggiano. Reggiano is always made in Italy, while Parmesan can be made anywhere, there are no restrictions on using the name Parmesan. And don’t forget a less expensive but also a DOP choice is Parmigiano Grana Padano.

How to make a Meatball Casserole

Soak the bread in milk for about 2 or 3 minutes, then squeeze out moisture and crumble. In a medium bowl combine the crumbled bread with the ground turkey, parmesan cheese, egg,  and spices, mix well. Form the mixture into very small meatballs.

In a large frying pan add some olive oil and brown meatballs on all sides. Remove the meatballs and set aside.

In the same pan add the tomatoes, garlic, spices and water, stir to combine then add the meatballs and gently combine. Cook until thickened.

While the sauce and meatballs are cooking, cook the pasta a little harder than al dent. Add the drained pasta to the sauce, gently combine, pour into a medium/large baking dish, drizzle with a simple white sauce (bought or homemade). You can omit the white sauce but believe me it is sooo good with it! Sprinkle with shredded firm mozzarella and freshly grated parmigiano.

Bake. Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving.

How to make a simple White Sauce

In a small pot over medium heat melt ½ tablespoon of butter, then add ½ tablespoon of flour and a pinch of salt, combine with a whisk, add ½ cup of milk slowly and continue to stir until very thick.

Why do Meatballs fall apart?

When making meatballs you need to use bread crumbs (usually) and eggs to mind them together. But too much bread crumbs will make them fall apart and not enough won’t hold them together.

What is the best past for this Baked Pasta Recipe?

I am going to say whatever pasta you prefer. We like a short ridgy pasta such as mezze penne, rigatoni or even mezze maniche, which I used in this recipe. But if you prefer spaghetti, then sure why not?

When cooking your pasta remember that about two cups of dried pasta will equal almost four cups of cooked.

More Delicious Baked Pasta Recipes

• Baked Creamy Cheesy White Sauce Gnocchi
• Homemade Creamy Baked Pancetta Macaroni
• Baked Macaroni Double Cheese

So if Fall has started to show her lovely face, then why not give a big welcome with this tasty Mini Turkey Meatball Casserole?! The ultimate Comfort Food. Buon Appetito!

Updated from April 28, 2015.