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A hearty casserole dish featuring cooked ground turkey pasta topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs, ready to serve family comfort food.

Ultimate Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta Bake: Family Comfort Food

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Discover the ultimate cheesy ground turkey pasta bake, a hearty and comforting family dinner recipe perfect for weeknights and gatherings. This dish combines lean ground turkey, flavorful tomato sauce, and melted cheese for a satisfying and healthier alternative to traditional beef bakes, making it an ideal choice for a delicious, cheesy pasta meal your entire family will love.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the ground turkey, season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
  3. Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the turkey and tomato mixture. Mix thoroughly. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Optional: broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.

Notes

  • Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack or Parmesan for varied flavor.
  • Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven; store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until baking; it can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low-Sodium, Kid-Friendly

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of dish)
  • Calories: 410 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg