Description
This Easy Macaroni Casserole is a hearty and delicious one-dish meal featuring lean ground turkey, a medley of sautéed vegetables, whole wheat pasta, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Simmered with marinara sauce and Italian seasonings, then baked to perfection, this casserole is perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Oil
- 1 lb 93% lean ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 medium red pepper, chopped
- ¼ cup finely diced celery
- ¼ cup finely diced carrots
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes, drained
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or jarred)
- 2 cups water
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 oz whole wheat elbow pasta (uncooked)
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Brown the turkey: In a large deep non-stick skillet over high heat, brown the ground turkey until cooked through, seasoning with a pinch of salt and breaking it into smaller pieces. Once cooked, transfer it to a dish and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add olive oil to the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and add the chopped onion, red pepper, celery, and carrots. Sauté the vegetables for about 6 to 7 minutes until soft.
- Simmer the mixture: Return the cooked turkey to the skillet. Add the sliced mushrooms, drained diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, water, Italian seasoning, and kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven: While the mixture simmers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Assemble the casserole: Spoon just enough of the turkey and vegetable mixture to cover the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan. Spread the uncooked whole wheat elbows evenly over the sauce layer. Then spoon the remaining turkey sauce mixture over the pasta and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes until the pasta is tender and the cheese melted and bubbly.
- Let it rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand, covered, for 15 minutes before serving. Divide into 6 servings and enjoy!
Notes
- Use 93% lean ground turkey for a healthier option with reduced fat.
- Drain the canned tomatoes to avoid excess liquid in the casserole.
- Whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber and nutrition.
- Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps it set and makes serving easier.
- If desired, add fresh basil or parsley as garnish for added flavor and color.
