Turkey & Pork Meatball-Pasta Casserole ~ Gluten Free

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If you're looking for a REALLY yummy meal that will not only fill your family's stomachs, but will have them coming back for more, then you have found the perfect recipe! My family loves Italian food, so this one was right up our alley 🙂 I always double this recipe, so I can serve one immediately and freeze the other one for those busier nights. To save on time, you can use a GF Pasta Sauce instead of making the sauce from scratch. Also, most grocery stores sell already-made meatballs (or frozen) in their meat section, but I highly recommend making your own using ground Turkey and Italian sausage...it really adds a wonderful flavor! As usual, a BIG "Thank You" to The Pioneer Woman for sharing the original version of this recipe - I made a few changes to make it GF and allergy-friendly for my family 😉
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 1 9" x 13" Casserole

Ingredients
  

Homemade Sauce:

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil I use the Light variety
  • 1 ½ tsp minced garlic I use the already minced Garlic in a jar
  • 1 Medium Onion, chopped I use Vidalia, but any variety is fine
  • 2 15 oz. cans Tomato Sauce 30 total ounces; I use the plain variety (no spices)
  • 1 12 oz. can Tomato Puree
  • 1 Tbsp Dried Parsley
  • 1 Tbsp Dried Basil
  • 2 Tbsp Granulated Sugar
  • ½ tsp Salt optional
  • ¼ tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • ½ Cup Whole Milk, room temperature 1% and 2% are also fine

Homemade Meatballs:

  • 1 lb. Ground Turkey
  • 1 lb. Ground Pork I use the mild version
  • ¼ Cup GF Whole Oats
  • ¼ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 Tbsp Dried Parsley
  • ½ tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 Tbsp Milk Whole, 1% or 2%
  • 1 Large Egg lightly beaten
  • 1 pinch Salt optional
  • 1-2 pinches Ground Black Pepper
  • 1-2 Tbsp Light Olive Oil

The Layers:

  • 1 12 oz. Box Gluten Free Pasta Shells I highly recommend "Jovial" brand - I have tried just about all of the GF Pastas out there and this one comes the closest to tasting like the "real" thing!
  • 1 16 oz (1 lb) Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, sliced You can also use the "Pearls"
  • ½ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

Instructions
 

Making the Homemade Sauce:

  • In a large saucepan/pot, heat 1-2 Tbsp. Olive Oil over Medium/Low heat until it shimmers on the surface.
  • Once the oil is hot, add the Garlic and Onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the Onion is transparent.
  • Lower the temperature to Low and add the Tomato Sauce, Tomato Puree, Parsley, Basil, Sugar, Salt and Pepper; stir until fully blended; add the Milk and stir to incorporate.
  • Cover and let simmer while you cook the Meatballs and Pasta.

Making the Meatballs:

  • In a large bowl, mix the Ground Turkey, Ground Sausage, Oats, Parmesan Cheese, Parsley, Oregano, Salt and Pepper until thoroughly blended.
  • Next, add the Milk and Egg and mix well using either your hands or two forks.
  • Using a 1" or 2" scooper, scoop and form meatballs and place on a cookie sheet or large plate; you should end up with about 24 - 2" meatballs or 48 - 1" meatballs.
  • Using a large non-stick skillet, heat the Olive Oil over Medium/Low to Medium heat until the surface shimmers.
  • Once the oil is heated, add 6-8 meatballs (leave enough working room in the skillet to flip/turn the meatballs) and brown on each side (about 3-4 minutes per side). Transfer the browned meatballs to a clean dish/plate, while you cook the remaining meatballs.

The Pasta:

  • While you are cooking the meatballs, bring a large pot of water to a boil; cook the Pasta according to the package instructions for al dente; drain and set aside.

Putting it All Together:

  • While you're layering the casserole, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Spray a 9" x 13" Baking Dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Ladle a thin layer of sauce onto the bottom of the baking dish and spread out evenly to cover the bottom.
  • Next, add half of the meatballs.
  • Then, add half of the Pasta onto and around the meatballs.
  • Next, layer with half of the Mozzarella Slices (or "Pearls").
  • Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients: Sauce, Meatballs, Pasta, Mozzarella.
  • Sprinkle the top evenly with the 1/2 cup of Parmesan Cheese.
  • Bake on a cookie sheet (to prevent spills in the oven) for about 30 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbly.
  • Allow to cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
  • Yummy!!! Serve with a fresh green salad and Enjoy! 🙂