Turkey and Macaroni Casserole
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this hearty Turkey and Macaroni Casserole, a family-friendly dish that combines tender ground turkey, perfectly cooked macaroni pasta, a savory tomato base, and a creamy homemade cheese sauce. Topped with golden, bubbly cheddar cheese, this easy casserole is packed with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, including garlic, onions, and a touch of Italian seasoning for an herby kick. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires just 15 minutes of prep and bakes to perfection in under an hour. Whether you're looking to use up leftover turkey or want a comforting crowd-pleaser, this casserole is sure to deliver! Serve it with a leafy green salad or crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups macaroni pasta
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
Cook the macaroni pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the turkey with a spatula, until it is browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook the mixture until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the remaining 1/2 cup for topping. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, turkey mixture, and cheese sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden and melted.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Turkey and Macaroni Casserole!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3051 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 163.2 g | 209% | |
| Saturated Fat | 80.1 g | 400% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 660 mg | 220% | |
| Sodium | 4949 mg | 215% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 214.0 g | 78% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.1 g | 65% | |
| Total Sugars | 38.1 g | ||
| Protein | 184.3 g | 369% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.8 mcg | 14% | |
| Calcium | 2140 mg | 165% | |
| Iron | 12.2 mg | 68% | |
| Potassium | 2169 mg | 46% | |
*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.
