Description
Comfort meets convenience in this hearty ground turkey casserole, blending savory proteins with creamy textures and cheesy goodness. Hearty layers of wholesome ingredients create a satisfying meal that delivers warmth and flavor in every delicious bite you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground turkey
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
Pasta and Dairy:
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (like rotini or penne)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Sauces:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 ounces / 227 grams) can tomato sauce
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta in generously salted water, cooking until perfectly tender yet firm. Thoroughly drain and reserve for later assembly.
- Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over moderate temperature. Sauté diced onions until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic, chopped bell peppers, and zucchini to the skillet. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, allowing vegetables to soften and develop rich flavors.
- Add ground turkey to the vegetable medley, breaking the meat into small, uniform crumbles. Cook thoroughly until the protein browns completely and loses its raw appearance.
- Pour diced tomatoes and tomato sauce into the skillet. Season with Italian herbs, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, melding flavors for 7-8 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal baking environment for the casserole.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the turkey and vegetable mixture in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Transfer the combined mixture to a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses across the top, creating a luxurious, golden-brown cheese blanket.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt completely and develop a slightly crispy, golden surface.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the ingredients to set and cool slightly.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch before serving.
Notes
- Pasta Selection Matters: Choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising taste or texture.
- Veggie Flexibility: Swap or add seasonal vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or carrots to boost nutrition and keep the dish interesting.
- Cheese Customization: Use low-fat cheese options or dairy-free alternatives for those with specific dietary restrictions while maintaining the casserole’s creamy appeal.
- Meal Prep Magic: Prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick meal planning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 29 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 82 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg