Turkey Meatball and Garlic Bread Bake (Print Version)

Hearty turkey meatballs in rich tomato sauce topped with crispy garlic bread and melted cheese

# What You Need:

→ Turkey Meatballs

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→ Sauce

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→ Garlic Bread Topping

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# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 - Combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently until just combined. Form into 1.5-inch meatballs (about 18-20) and arrange in the prepared dish.
03 - Pour marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs. Sprinkle with dried basil and red pepper flakes if using.
04 - Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
05 - While meatballs bake, toss bread cubes with melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley in a large bowl until well coated.
06 - Remove dish from oven. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over meatballs and sauce. Top with garlic bread cubes in an even layer.
07 - Return to oven and bake for 15 minutes, until bread cubes are golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.
08 - Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

# Expert Tips:

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  • Everything cooks in one dish so you get maximum flavor with minimum cleanup
  • The bread topping soaks up all that tomato sauce while staying perfectly crispy on top
  • Turkey keeps it lighter but you still get that deep comfort food satisfaction
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  • Do not overmix the meatball mixture or they will turn tough and rubbery
  • The bread topping is best when the cubes are roughly the same size so they all cook evenly
  • If the bread browns too fast tent the dish with foil for the last few minutes
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  • Use slightly stale bread for the topping as it holds up better during baking
  • Mix the meatballs with wet hands to prevent sticking
  • Let the dish rest at least 5 minutes before serving

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