Ultimate Ground Turkey Casserole: Comfort Food Delight

There’s something magical about the aroma of a ground turkey casserole wafting through your kitchen. Imagine a warm, bubbling dish topped with golden cheese, enticing you to dig in. Each spoonful bursts with rich flavors, making it the ultimate comfort food experience that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.

I distinctly remember the first time I made this dish; it was during one of those chaotic weeknights when dinner felt impossible. Yet, as my family gathered around the table, their faces lit up at the sight of my ground turkey casserole. It’s perfect for busy nights or cozy gatherings, promising an unforgettable flavor explosion that brings everyone together.

I’ll never forget my friend’s reaction when I served this casserole at a potluck; they were raving about it all night long.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Ground Turkey: Opt for lean turkey for a healthier option that still keeps all the flavors intact.

• Onion: A medium onion adds depth and sweetness; always choose firm ones for best results.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are key; their pungent aroma elevates the dish significantly.

• Bell Peppers: Choose colorful peppers for visual appeal and a hint of sweetness; I love using both red and yellow.

• Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add moisture and acidity; go for fire-roasted if you want an extra kick.

• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese on top creates a melty layer of goodness; sharp cheddar works wonderfully here.

• Seasonings: Don’t skimp on seasonings like salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to boost flavor profiles.

• Pasta or Rice: Use cooked pasta or rice as the base; both options soak up all the delicious juices beautifully.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by chopping your onions, garlic, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Set them aside while you cook the turkey for seamless preparation.

Sauté Vegetables and Turkey: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté onions until translucent and aromatic. Then add garlic and bell peppers until soft.

Add Ground Turkey: Toss in the ground turkey and break it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, stirring occasionally—about 5-7 minutes—until there are no pink bits left.

Mix in Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in diced tomatoes along with their juices. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning generously over everything to elevate flavors.

Combine Everything in Casserole Dish : Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. If using pasta or rice, fold them gently into the turkey mix to ensure even distribution.

Add Cheese Topping : Finally, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top—because let’s be honest: cheese makes everything better! Bake in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Enjoy every mouthful of this delightful ground turkey casserole that promises comfort without compromising taste!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground turkey in a skillet, then sauté veggies while preparing your casserole dish for easy assembly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground turkey for chicken or beef, and experiment with different vegetables for added flavor and texture.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Cooking this casserole reminds me of my childhood family dinners—everyone gathered around, sharing stories while I tried desperately to impress my grandma with my culinary skills.

FAQ

Can I use other types of meat in this ground turkey casserole?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or beef works great too, just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Substitute traditional pasta with gluten-free options or use quinoa for a delicious twist.

What sides pair well with ground turkey casserole?

Serve it alongside a fresh salad or garlic bread to complement the rich flavors of the casserole.

Print

Ground Turkey Casserole

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This comforting ground turkey casserole is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. With a bubbling layer of melted cheese on top, each bite promises warmth and satisfaction. Packed with nutritious ingredients, it’s a dish that can easily be customized to suit your pantry staples. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this easy-to-make recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!

• Author: Ethan Carter
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 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 (mixed colors), chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 cups cooked pasta or rice

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and bell peppers; cook until softened.
4. Stir in ground turkey, breaking it apart as you cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
5. Mix in diced tomatoes with juices and seasonings; stir well.
6. Combine cooked pasta or rice into the turkey mixture.
7. Transfer everything into a greased casserole dish and top with cheddar cheese.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 345
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 560mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 85mg