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Home » Recipes » Casserole Recipes

Ground Turkey Casserole

Published: Jul 6, 2023 · Modified: Sep 3, 2023 by Bowl Me Over · Leave a Comment

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This Ground Turkey Casserole is so easy to make and full of flavor! Ground turkey, mushrooms, pasta, and cheesy goodness make this a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!

Baked casserole with a serving spoon taking a big scoop pasta.
Ground Turkey Casserole

Be sure to try the Chicken Spaghetti Recipe next! It's the most popular casserole on the blog, YUM!!

Jump to:
  • Why you'll love this recipe   
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions 
  • FAQ's
  • Deb's tips
  • Variations
  • Storage
  • Related recipes
  • Serve with
  • Ground Turkey Casserole Recipe

Why you'll love this recipe   

✔️ It's a healthier option than ground beef, so you can feel good about feeding it to your entire family!

✔️ It tastes even better the next day, so use leftovers as meal prep for lunches.

✔️ This easy casserole comes together with little effort, and the oven does most of the work, so it's perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients to make pasta bake, with print overlay.

Ingredients

Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements. 

  • olive oil
  • lean ground turkey
  • onion
  • sliced mushrooms
  • spinach
  • Montreal steak seasoning
  • penne or ziti pasta
  • pasta sauce
  • shredded cheese
Step-by-step instructions to make pasta bake recipe, with print overlay.
Instructions for the Ground Turkey Pasta Bake.

Instructions 

This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom.

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a casserole dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. Cook the pasta to al dente in boiling salted water. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain pasta well.
  3. Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and ground turkey, diced onions, and mushrooms. Seasoning with steak seasoning. Cook until no longer pink.
  4. Add the spinach and pasta sauce. Stir until combined. 
  5. Next add the cooked pasta to the turkey mixture and ½ the shredded cheese. Stir and mix well. Add a splash of water, (using the pasta water), about ¼ cup at a time, if needed. (I used about a ⅓ cup of pasta water total.)
  6. Spoon the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Spread into one even layer. Top with remaining shredded cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes until it's hot and bubbly.
  7. Optional - Remove foil and place under broiler for 2-3 minutes until the top of the pasta is browned. Serve and enjoy!

FAQ's

Which is better ground turkey or ground beef?

Ground turkey is slightly leaner and lower in calories and fat than ground beef, making it a healthier option. However, ground beef does contain more flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This dish can be made up to two days in advance. Keep the casserole covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it.

Is ground turkey cheaper than ground beef?

Yes, usually, ground turkey is more cost-effective than ground beef.

Saucy Ground Turkey Casserole in baking dish with serving spoon.
Ground Turkey Casserole Recipe

Deb's tips

  • Don't forget to grease or spray your casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. This step makes clean-up a breeze.
  • Check the directions on the package of pasta, and cook it until it is al dente. You want to use al dente because It will cook more in the oven.
  • I like to use a glass measuring cup to remove the starchy water from the pot before I drain the pasta. That way I don't forget to save it.
  • My favorite garnish for this healthy casserole is a sprinkle of fresh parsley, but if you prefer fresh cilantro or sliced green onions, you could use that, also.
  • You can use any cheese that you prefer. My favorite to use is cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese. But, feel free to be creative with your choices.

Variations

  • Add additional flavor to your meat sauce by adding onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  • You could also use ground chicken to make this delicious dish if you prefer chicken over turkey.
  • Want to add some additional vegetables to his casserole? Add in green beans, bell peppers, yellow onions, or any other vegetable you enjoy. I do recommend sauteing them slightly with the ground meat before adding them to your tomato sauce.
  • Not a fan of pasta; instead of pasta you could also use cooked white rice or brown rice.
  • Trying to stick to a low-carb diet? Swap out the pasta and use cauliflower rice or cooked spaghetti squash instead.

Storage

Refrigerate - Place any leftover casserole in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Freeze - You can also freeze this casserole for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat - Reheat the desired amount of ground turkey casserole on a baking sheet or dish. Cover with foil and heat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until completely heated.

Alternatively, you could also reheat single servings in the microwave.

Ground Turkey Casserole in a baking dish with a spoon scooping up a serving.
Ground Turkey Pasta Casserole

Related recipes

  • White Bean Turkey Chili is comforting, hearty, and full of flavor. If you are looking for a way to warm up on a chilly day this is the recipe for you.
  • This Turkey Pot Pie recipe is my favorite way to use up leftover turkey from the holidays that I have stashed in the freezer. And, it's great when it's made ahead.
  • If you love pasta but are trying to eat a little less fat, try this Turkey Meatballs recipe. It has all the flavor of traditional spaghetti and meatballs without the fat.
  • Crockpot Turkey and Stuffing recipe is a simple all-in-one meal you don't have to worry about spending all day in the kitchen to make, which means that it's great for busy days.

Serve with

  • You can't have pasta without garlic bread! And this Air Fryer Garlic Bread is my favorite recipe!
  • I prefer to pair a simple pasta recipe like this one with a fresh and healthy side dish like Lemon and Garlic Broccoli. It's coated in a tangy sauce and then roasted to perfection.
  • These 3 Ingredient Steamed Green Beans are so quick to make and taste amazing when paired with casseroles like this one.

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Cheesy pasta in casserole dish, with a serving spoon.
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Ground Turkey Casserole Recipe

This easy recipe is loaded with cheesy pasta loaded with seasoned ground turkey and spinach. It's perfect for back-to-school or an easy weeknight meal.
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Total Time30 minutes mins
Course: Lunch or Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 259kcal
Author: Deb Clark
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 casserole dish
  • 1 Dutch Oven
  • 1 Cast Iron Skillet

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 onion diced
  • 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
  • 4 cups spinach
  • 1 teaspoon montreal steak seasoning
  • 8 ounces penne or ziti pasta about half a box of pasta
  • 28 ounces jar pasta sauce
  • 2 cups shredded cheese

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare casserole dish by spraying with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
  • Cook the pasta to al dente in boiling salted water. Reserve 1 cup pasta water. Drain pasta well.
  • Place large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and the ground turkey, diced onions and mushrooms. Seasoning with steak seasoning. Cook until no longer pink.
  • Add the spinach and pasta sauce. Stir until combined.
  • Add the cooked pasta and ½ the shredded cheese. Stir and mix well. If needed add the reserved pasta water about ¼ cup at a time. (I used about a ⅓ cup of pasta water.)
  • Spoon the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Spread into one even layer. Top with remaining shredded cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes until it's hot and bubbly.
  • Optional - Remove foil and place under broiler for 2-3 minutes until the top of the pasta is browned. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 259kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 339mg | Potassium: 378mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1617IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 171mg | Iron: 2mg
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About Bowl Me Over

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at [email protected] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

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