There’s something truly comforting about a warm casserole, and this ground turkey casserole is no exception! It’s like a big hug on a plate, perfect for those family dinners when you want something hearty yet easy to make. I love how quickly you can whip this up, making it a fantastic go-to for busy weeknights or even when you’re just looking for a cozy meal. The best part? It’s only one dish to clean up, which is always a win in my book! With tender ground turkey, juicy tomatoes, and gooey melted cheese, each bite is packed with flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can toss in whatever veggies you have on hand. Trust me, this casserole will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen, bringing everyone together around the table for a satisfying meal. So, let’s get cooking and make some delicious memories!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground turkey: This is the star of the dish, providing a lean protein that’s both flavorful and filling.
- 1 cup chopped onion: Adds a sweet and savory base flavor; I like using yellow onions for their mildness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the casserole with a wonderful aroma and taste.
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz): These bring moisture and acidity, balancing the richness of the turkey.
- 1 cup uncooked pasta: I prefer small shapes like shells or elbows; they absorb the sauce beautifully.
- 2 cups chicken broth: This adds depth and flavor; low-sodium is a great option if you’re watching salt intake.
- 1 cup shredded cheese: I love using a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for that perfect melty texture.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A delightful mix of herbs that brings everything together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing the flavors; don’t skip these!
How to Prepare Ground Turkey Casserole
Now, let’s dive into making this delicious ground turkey casserole! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise the results are absolutely worth it. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a comforting meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to do this first so that your casserole bakes evenly and thoroughly.
- Cook the turkey: In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground turkey. Cook it until it’s browned, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to break it apart and ensure it cooks evenly.
- Add the onions and garlic: Once the turkey is nicely browned, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together for about 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. The aroma will be heavenly!
- Mix in the other ingredients: Now, stir in the can of diced tomatoes (with juices), uncooked pasta, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything well and bring it to a gentle boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together and the pasta to start cooking. Just give it a stir every now and then to keep things from sticking.
- Transfer to baking dish: After simmering, carefully pour the turkey mixture into a baking dish. Make sure it’s evenly spread out, and then sprinkle your shredded cheese generously on top.
- Bake: Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a delicious golden crust.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Trust me, the wait will be worth it when you take that first bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: This casserole comes together in just a few steps, making it perfect for busy days.
- Comforting and hearty: With its warm flavors and gooey cheese, this dish feels like a warm hug on a plate.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite vegetables or swap proteins, so it suits everyone’s tastes.
- One-dish wonder: Easy cleanup means more time spent enjoying your meal with loved ones.
- Family-friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love this delicious and satisfying dish!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
One of the best things about this ground turkey casserole is how adaptable it is! If you’re looking for swaps to fit dietary needs or personal preferences, I’ve got you covered. For a lighter option, you can easily substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken or even lean ground beef; both will still provide that comforting flavor. If you’re aiming for a whole grain option, feel free to use whole wheat pasta instead of regular. It adds a nice nutty taste and a bit more fiber!
Don’t hesitate to throw in some fresh or frozen vegetables to boost the nutrition—spinach, bell peppers, or even zucchini are fantastic choices. They’ll add color and flavor without much effort. Lastly, if you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium chicken broth to keep it heart-healthy. Cooking should be flexible and fun, so mix and match based on what you have on hand!
Tips for Success
To ensure your ground turkey casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, for that wonderfully gooey cheese topping, consider using a combination of cheeses—mozzarella for stretchiness and cheddar for flavor work beautifully together. Also, keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is a bit different, so check your casserole a few minutes early to prevent over-browning. If you find the cheese is browning too quickly, just cover it loosely with foil to protect it while the casserole continues to bake. Lastly, let it sit for a few minutes before serving; this helps it set and makes serving easier!
Nutritional Information
This ground turkey casserole is not only delicious but also relatively healthy! Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 350 calories, 15g of fat, 25g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose, so feel free to adjust as needed!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen ground turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it properly in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Cook it thoroughly in the skillet before adding the other ingredients.
What can I serve with this ground turkey casserole?
This casserole is a meal on its own, but if you’d like to add a side, consider a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables for a well-rounded dinner.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for a day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it straight from the fridge.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Is this casserole suitable for a low-calorie diet?
Yes! This ground turkey casserole is a great low-calorie option, especially if you use lean turkey and low-sodium broth. Just be mindful of the cheese portion if you’re watching calories!
Ground Turkey Recipes: 7 Heartwarming Comfort Dishes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A comforting ground turkey casserole that is easy to prepare and perfect for a family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup uncooked pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned.
- Add onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, pasta, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken or beef for the turkey.
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: ground turkey recipes, turkey casserole, easy meals
