Pasta Mozzarella Bake with Ground Turkey
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Pasta Mozzarella Bake with Ground Turkey, a hearty and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Featuring tender pasta baked in a rich marinara sauce, seasoned ground turkey, and a generous layer of gooey mozzarella and nutty Parmesan cheese, this casserole delivers layers of cheesy, savory satisfaction. Aromatic garlic and onion enhance the dish, while dried Italian seasoning adds classic Mediterranean depth. Ready in under an hour, this recipe combines convenience with mouthwatering appeal. Serve it warm, topped with fresh basil for a burst of brightness, and enjoy a baked pasta dish that’s as easy as it is irresistible. Keywords: pasta bake, mozzarella bake, ground turkey recipes, cheesy casserole.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnishing)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a light coating of olive oil or non-stick spray and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Season the turkey mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the turkey and marinara sauce mixture. Stir to coat the pasta evenly.
Transfer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan evenly over the layer.
Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan over the final layer.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, cheesy pasta bake!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2586 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 132.6 g | 170% | |
| Saturated Fat | 58.4 g | 292% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 578 mg | 193% | |
| Sodium | 6304 mg | 274% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 149.4 g | 54% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.5 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.7 g | ||
| Protein | 192.6 g | 385% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2618 mg | 201% | |
| Iron | 11.2 mg | 62% | |
| Potassium | 523 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
