Irresistible Ground Turkey Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

There’s something magical about a warm, bubbling ground turkey casserole fresh from the oven. Picture this: a golden-brown top inviting you in with promises of savory goodness; the aroma wafting through your home, making everyone question why they ever thought takeout was a good idea. With every forkful, you’ll experience melted cheese, tender vegetables, and hearty turkey creating a symphony of flavors that dances on your taste buds.

Now, let me take you back to my childhood. I remember family gatherings where my grandmother would whip up her famous ground turkey casserole, and the whole house would fill with laughter and chatter. It wasn’t just a meal; it was an event! The joy it brought us made every bite feel like a warm hug. Perfect for cozy family dinners or casual get-togethers, you’ll find that this dish is not just comforting but also incredibly delicious.

Sharing this casserole with friends always brings smiles and requests for seconds. It’s one of those dishes that has everyone asking for the recipe!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Turkey: Use lean ground turkey for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor; it’s the star of this casserole.

• Onion: A medium onion adds depth; sauté until translucent for the best flavor.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves elevate the dish; chop them finely for maximum aroma.

• Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers add sweetness and crunch; choose red or yellow for a pop of color.

• Canned Tomatoes: Opt for diced tomatoes to bring moisture and acidity; they tie all the flavors together.

• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar creates a gooey topping; feel free to mix in some mozzarella for extra stretchiness.

• Pasta: Use whole wheat or regular pasta; it will soak up all the delicious flavors while baking.

• Seasonings: Italian seasoning and salt enhance the overall taste; don’t be shy—season generously!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Chop your onion, bell peppers, and garlic while letting your kitchen fill with their delightful scents.

Sauté Vegetables and Turkey: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Sauté onions until soft, then throw in garlic and bell peppers until they brighten in color.

Add Ground Turkey: Increase the heat slightly and crumble in your ground turkey. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes; remember to stir occasionally so everything gets that beautiful golden hue.

Mix in Tomatoes and Pasta: Add canned tomatoes along with any juice from the can into your skillet. Stir in cooked pasta—this is where everything starts coming together in harmonious unity.

Add Seasonings and Cheese: Sprinkle Italian seasoning and salt into the mixture. Fold half of your shredded cheese into the skillet while reserving some for the top—cheese lovers rejoice!

Bake to Perfection: Transfer everything into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle your reserved cheese on top and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Before you know it, you’ve created an incredible ground turkey casserole that’s not only satisfying but also filled with love—perfectly suited for sharing (or not!). Serve hot out of the oven with crusty bread or alongside a fresh salad to balance out all that cheesy goodness.

This recipe captures comfort food at its finest while being versatile enough to make it again and again! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground turkey in a skillet for about 6-8 minutes. Then, layer ingredients in a baking dish, ensuring even cooking and delightful flavors meld together.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground turkey for chicken or beef and add your favorite veggies like bell peppers or spinach. Spice it up with unique seasonings like smoked paprika or crushed red pepper.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat portions in the microwave for two minutes or until heated through, ensuring it stays moist.

Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where her bubbling casseroles filled the air with comfort and love. Everyone would gather around, ready to dig in!

FAQ

What can I use instead of ground turkey?

You can substitute ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian option.

How long does the casserole need to bake?

Bake your ground turkey casserole at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes until bubbly.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to three months; just thaw before reheating!

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Ground Turkey Casserole

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Ground Turkey Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings warmth to any family gathering. With layers of lean ground turkey, vibrant vegetables, and gooey cheese, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. Easy to prepare and adaptable to your pantry staples, it guarantees smiles all around. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors in every hearty bite!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced (red or yellow)
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups cooked pasta (whole wheat or regular)
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• 2 tsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and bell peppers; cook until softened.
3. Crumble in ground turkey and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes and cooked pasta until well combined.
5. Season with Italian seasoning and salt; mix half of the cheese into the skillet.
6. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 85mg