This hearty Turkey Pasta Casserole combines tender noodles, a savory ground turkey meat sauce, and a creamy, cheesy topping for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this dish is both flavorful and satisfying.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
Ingredients
- For the Meat Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- ½ paprika, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 500 g (17.5 oz) ground turkey
- 1 tomato, diced
- Salt to taste (approx. 2/3 tsp)
- Pepper mixture to taste
- 1 tbsp tomato sauce (optional)
- For the Cream Sauce:
- 50 g (2 tbsp) butter
- ½ paprika, chopped
- 1 tbsp flour
- 370 ml (1 ½ cups) milk
- 2 pinches of salt
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- For the Pasta:
- 1.5 L (6 cups) water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 300 g (10 oz) noodles
- For the Topping:
- 120 g (4.2 oz) mozzarella, shredded
Directions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and ½ paprika, cooking until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add ground turkey to the pan, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Once browned, add diced tomato, salt, pepper, and optional tomato sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce:
- Melt butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the additional ½ paprika and cook until softened.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, forming a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Add salt and parsley, stirring to combine. Remove from heat.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add salt and olive oil.
- Add noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (356°F).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked noodles, meat sauce, and cream sauce. Mix well.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
5 Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve alongside garlic bread for an indulgent side.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Complement with a glass of crisp white wine or light red wine.
- Enjoy with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Cooking Tips
- Add a pinch of Italian seasoning or dried oregano to the meat sauce for extra flavor.
- Ensure the cream sauce thickens properly to avoid a runny casserole.
- Use freshly grated mozzarella for a better melt and enhanced flavor.
- Cook the noodles slightly under al dente, as they will continue cooking in the oven.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing to maintain its structure.
Nutritional Benefits
- Ground turkey provides lean protein for muscle repair and growth.
- Vegetables like paprika and tomato add essential vitamins and minerals.
- Milk and mozzarella contribute calcium for strong bones and teeth.
Dietary Information
- Contains: Dairy, Gluten
- May Contain: Nuts (depending on ingredient sources)
Nutritional Facts (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the richness of a creamy sauce with the heartiness of a savory meat sauce.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers.
- Easy to prepare with simple, everyday ingredients.
- A satisfying one-dish meal that’s customizable to your taste.
Conclusion
This Turkey Pasta Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together tender noodles, savory meat sauce, and a creamy, cheesy topping. Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious!
10 Frequently Asked Questions with Answers
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well.
- Can I substitute ground turkey with another protein? Yes, ground chicken, beef, or plant-based alternatives can be used.
- Can I add more vegetables? Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms are great additions.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate overnight. Bake before serving.
- What cheese can I use instead of mozzarella? Cheddar, Gouda, or Monterey Jack are good substitutes.
- How do I prevent the noodles from overcooking? Cook them slightly under al dente before baking.
- Can I skip the cream sauce? Yes, but the dish will be less creamy. Consider increasing the meat sauce.
- What can I use instead of fresh parsley? Substitute with dried parsley or other herbs like basil.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Use gluten-free noodles and flour.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.