Baked Meatball Parmesan

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion (diced)
• 2-3 cloves garlic (peeled, smashed and chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 20 oz. package of lean ground turkey (about 1 1/3 lbs)
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan cheese)
• 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley leaves (minced)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (sliced)

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in pan on medium heat heat and add the onions.

2. 2

   The onions should be very soft and aromatic but have no color.

3. 3

   Add the garlic and the crushed red pepper and saute for another 1 to 2 minutes.

4. 4

   Turn off heat and allow to cool.

5. 5

   In a large bowl combine the ground turkey, egg, Parmigiano, onion/garlic mixture, parsley, bread crumbs, milk, salt and pepper.

6. 6

   Use a fork or your hands to combine the mixture, it will be moist.

7. 7

   Test the seasoning of the mix by making a mini hamburger size patty and cooking it. The mixture should taste really good! If it doesn't, it is probably missing salt.

8. 8

   Shape the meat into desired size.

9. 9

   Heat a pan to medium heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

10. 10

    Brown the meatballs on both sides, then set aside.

11. 11

    Coat the bottom of a 8x8 baking dish with marinara sauce, the lay the meatballs on top.

12. 12

    Cover them with the rest of the sauce.

13. 13

    Top the meatballs with both types of mozzarella cheese.

14. 14

    Cover the dish with foil and bake at 400F for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.

15. 15

    Serve hot.