Table of Contents: Ground Turkey Casserole
Ground Turkey Casserole
A Comforting, Flavorful, and Family-Friendly Meal in One Dish!
Looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner that the whole family will love? This Easy Ground Turkey Casserole is the answer! Packed with lean protein, wholesome veggies, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this dish is the ultimate comfort food without the guilt.
Did you know that casseroles became popular in the U.S. during the Great Depression because they were budget-friendly and used simple ingredients? Today, they’re still a lifesaver for busy weeknights! This Ground Turkey Casserole is no exception—it’s ready in under 45 minutes, loaded with flavor, and perfect for meal prep.
If you love my Creamy Crockpot Chicken Alfredo: The Best Slow-Cooked Comfort Dish, you’ll adore this turkey version—it’s just as creamy and satisfying but with a leaner twist. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need an easy dinner, this recipe is a winner. Let’s dive in!
What is Ground Turkey Casserole?
Ever wonder why we call it a “casserole”? The word comes from the French casse, meaning “pan,” and role, meaning “to roll out.” Basically, it’s a one-pan wonder where everything bakes together in harmony!
This Ground Turkey Casserole is a hearty, all-in-one dish featuring tender ground turkey, pasta (or rice, if you prefer), veggies, and a creamy sauce that ties it all together. It’s the kind of meal that makes you say, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach… and this casserole is the golden ticket!”
So, why not roll up your sleeves and give it a try? You’ll love how simple and satisfying it is!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Casserole
1. Quick, Easy, and Family-Approved
No need to slave over the stove—this casserole comes together in minutes! Just brown the turkey, mix everything in a baking dish, and let the oven do the work. Even picky eaters will ask for seconds.
2. Budget-Friendly & Healthier Than Takeout
Skip the expensive delivery and make this at home for a fraction of the cost. Ground turkey is leaner than beef but just as flavorful, making this dish both nutritious and wallet-friendly.
3. Packed with Flavor & Hidden Veggies
The creamy sauce, melted cheese, and savory seasonings make this dish irresistible. Plus, you can sneak in extra veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms—great for kids (or adults) who avoid greens!
If you enjoy this, you’ll also love my Taco Pasta Recipe,another crowd-pleaser with a Tex-Mex twist!
Ready to make it? Let’s get cooking!
How to Make Ground Turkey Casserole
Quick Overview
This Easy Ground Turkey Casserole is a breeze to make! Brown the turkey, mix with pasta, sauce, and veggies, then bake until bubbly and golden. Total time? Just 45 minutes!
Key Ingredients
– 1 lb ground turkey (lean for health, 85/15 for extra flavor)
– 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well)
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or homemade substitute)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup frozen mixed veggies (peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp paprika, salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook pasta al dente, drain, and set aside.
3. Brown the turkey in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles. Add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix everything together—combine pasta, turkey, soup, half the cheese, and veggies in the baking dish.
5. Top with remaining cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Let cool 5 minutes, then serve and enjoy!
What to Serve With Ground Turkey Casserole
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, try:
– A crisp green salad with balsamic dressing
– Garlic bread or dinner rolls for dipping
– Steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts for extra greens
For a heartier spread, pair it with my Honey Sriracha Salmon Bowls – The Best 9-Step Flavor Guide—sweet, tender, and the perfect sidekick!
Top Tips for Perfecting Ground Turkey Casserole
✅ Swap the pasta for cauliflower rice or quinoa for a low-carb version.
✅ Use homemade cream sauce instead of canned soup for a fresher taste.
✅ Add a crispy topping—mix breadcrumbs with melted butter for extra crunch.
✅ Double the batch and freeze half for later—it reheats beautifully!
Storing and Reheating Tips
– Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
– Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
– Reheating: Microwave single portions or bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
People Also Ask: Ground Turkey Casserole
What can I make with ground turkey and pasta in a casserole?
This recipe is perfect! Combine cooked pasta, ground turkey, cream sauce, cheese, and veggies for a hearty, all-in-one meal. You can also try adding diced tomatoes or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
How do you make a healthy ground turkey casserole?
Use whole wheat pasta, low-sodium cream of mushroom soup, and load up on veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Swap half the cheese for nutritional yeast if desired.
What vegetables can I hide in a turkey casserole?
Finely chopped mushrooms, shredded carrots, or pureed cauliflower blend right in! Frozen mixed veggies also work well—kids won’t even notice.
Can I freeze a ground turkey casserole?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole (unbaked), cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to eat, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50-60 minutes until heated through.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Ground Turkey Casserole is a lifesaver for busy nights—nutritious, delicious, and loved by all. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a hungry family, this dish delivers every time.
Try it tonight, and don’t forget to leave a comment below—I’d love to hear how it turned out!
Happy cooking! 🍽️
Find Us On Pinterest and Facebook.
Print
Ground Turkey Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and comforting ground turkey casserole baked with vegetables, pasta, and cheese.
Ingredients
- 500g ground turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 400g pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 400g canned tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion, garlic, zucchini, and bell pepper.
- Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
- Stir in canned tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
- Combine pasta with turkey mixture and transfer to a baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Notes
This casserole can be prepped ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: ground turkey, casserole, pasta, baked dish