Turkey Macaroni Bake
Get ready to savor the ultimate comfort food with this Turkey Macaroni Bake, a hearty casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. This recipe combines tender macaroni pasta and seasoned ground turkey in a rich, tomato-based sauce scented with garlic and Italian herbs. Layered with gooey mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese, it’s baked to golden, bubbly perfection for a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. With just 15 minutes of prep time and simple pantry staples like canned diced tomatoes and tomato paste, this easy turkey bake is both budget-friendly and crowd-pleasing. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor, and enjoy a wholesome, satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni pasta
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni pasta until al dente, according to the package instructions. 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.
Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until fully browned, about 5-7 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, allowing the flavors to meld.
Combine the cooked macaroni pasta with the turkey mixture, stirring until well coated.
Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the layer. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2953 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 147.0 g | 188% | |
| Saturated Fat | 68.3 g | 342% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 612 mg | 204% | |
| Sodium | 5518 mg | 240% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 196.5 g | 71% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.3 g | 65% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.2 g | ||
| Protein | 203.3 g | 407% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2682 mg | 206% | |
| Iron | 13.5 mg | 75% | |
| Potassium | 1841 mg | 39% | |
*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.
