There’s something about a casserole that just wraps you in a gentle hug on a chilly evening. This ground turkey dinner casserole does exactly that, with its inviting aroma of herbs and melted cheese filling the air as it bakes. I remember the first time I made it; I was halfway through chopping the bell peppers when my phone buzzed, and I lost track of time—so the garlic sizzled a little longer than planned. It didn’t matter though. The combination of tender turkey, tender vegetables, and that rich tomato sauce was worth every minute.
When it comes out of the oven, bubbling and golden, I usually let it sit just a bit, even though I’m tempted to dive right in. The cheeses meld into the sauce, and the rice soaks up all those flavors, making it a comforting one-dish meal that’s surprisingly healthy. It’s perfect for nights when you want an easy dinner but don’t want to sacrifice on flavor or feeling like you’re eating something heavy.
- This dish is loaded with veggies, but they’re softened just right, giving a nice balance of texture and taste.
- The cheese blend on top creates a deliciously gooey crust, but if you’re not a huge cheese fan, you can always dial it down a notch.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just good ingredients coming together.
- Leftovers reheat well, but honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house.
If you’re worried about kitchen gear, you really just need a skillet and a casserole dish—nothing fancy. This dish feels like the kind of meal you can make on a weeknight, then serve alongside a crisp salad or some crusty bread. I’ve also tried swapping in brown rice for a nuttier bite or stirring in a handful of spinach for extra greens, though I haven’t tested those versions enough to swear by them.
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Ground Turkey Dinner Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A hearty and healthy ground turkey casserole that’s perfect for a comforting dinner. Packed with vegetables, cheese, and a flavorful tomato sauce, this casserole is easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground turkey
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup cooked white rice
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 6-8 minutes.
Add diced red bell pepper and sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juice and tomato sauce. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked white rice.
Transfer the turkey mixture to a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mozzarella.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of all the cheese layers.
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Kitchen Notes: I usually use a medium-sized skillet and a standard casserole dish, which fits nicely in my oven. Serving it with a simple green salad or steamed green beans adds a fresh touch. Sometimes, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes if I’m feeling adventurous, but that’s totally optional. For a twist, swapping mushrooms for zucchini changes things up, but it’s not quite the same cozy vibe. I haven’t tried making it ahead and freezing, but the leftovers from the fridge reheat easily and still taste great.
FAQ
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey? Yes, ground chicken works fine, but the flavor will be a little milder.
Is it okay to prepare this in advance? You can assemble it earlier in the day and bake it when you’re ready, which makes dinner prep easier.
Can I make it vegetarian? You might try substituting the turkey with a plant-based crumble, though texture and flavor will differ.
How spicy is it? This recipe is mild, but you can add chili flakes or hot sauce if you want some heat.
Give this casserole a try on those evenings when you want something straightforward but satisfying. Save it, print it, or cook it right away—you’ll see how comforting a simple dish can be.