Description
Hearty “ground turkey casserole” brings comfort and warmth to dinner tables with its rich, satisfying blend of lean protein and wholesome vegetables. Families will savor each cheesy, flavorful bite of this simple yet delicious midweek meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground turkey
- 1 cup (237 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups (200 g) uncooked pasta (rotini or penne)
- 1 (14.5 oz/411 g) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz/227 g) can tomato sauce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Immerse pasta in generously salted water, cooking until perfectly tender. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Protein and Vegetable Sauté: Heat olive oil in a expansive skillet over moderate temperature. Gently soften onions, then introduce garlic, bell peppers, and zucchini. Incorporate ground turkey, browning completely while fragmenting meat with a wooden utensil.
- Sauce Development: Integrate diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow mixture to gently simmer, developing rich flavors and melding ingredients.
- Casserole Assembly: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Combine cooked pasta with turkey-vegetable mixture in a spacious mixing vessel. Transfer to a greased rectangular baking dish. Lavishly sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses across the surface.
- Baking and Finishing: Roast uncovered until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling blanket. Remove from oven and permit brief resting period. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Slightly undercook pasta during initial boiling since it continues cooking in the casserole, preventing mushy results.
- Pat ground turkey and vegetables dry before cooking to ensure better browning and prevent watery casserole consistency.
- Grate cheese fresh for superior melting and more even coverage across the casserole surface.
- Swap regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options, use low-fat cheese for lighter version, and substitute ground turkey with plant-based protein for vegetarian adaptation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg