Ground Turkey Casserole
This ground turkey casserole is a cozy one dish dinner of lean ground turkey, tender potatoes, and green beans baked in a savory tomato broth, ready in about 1 hour with very little hands on time.
Try my Ground Turkey and Rice Skillet or Stuffed Bell Peppers next for more easy ground turkey dinners!
Looking for a weeknight meal that feeds the whole family without a pile of dishes? A good ground turkey casserole is the answer. Lean turkey, hearty potatoes, and fresh vegetables bake together in one pan, so the flavors soak into every bite and dinner is basically hands free once it goes in the oven.
This ground turkey casserole uses simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store, with no cream soups and no cheese. It is lighter than a classic casserole, full of protein and vegetables, and it reheats beautifully, which makes it perfect for busy weeks and meal prep.
Ingredients List
For this ground turkey casserole you need 1 1/2 pounds of lean ground turkey, baby potatoes, green beans, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper bring the flavor, and fresh parsley finishes the dish.
Use 93 percent lean ground turkey for the best balance of flavor and moisture. Cut the potatoes into even pieces about 3/4 inch wide so they cook at the same time as the turkey and green beans. Choose a chicken broth without added wine.
How to Make It
This is just the overview for this ground turkey casserole. Scroll down to the recipe card for exact measurements and timing.
Brown the ground turkey with the onion and garlic, then stir in the tomato paste and spices. Spread the turkey in a baking dish, add the potatoes and green beans, and pour the tomatoes and broth over the top. Cover with foil and bake until the potatoes are tender, then uncover for the last 15 minutes so the top turns lightly golden. Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot.
How Long to Bake Ground Turkey Casserole
Baking time depends on how you cut the potatoes. Use this chart for a 9 by 13 inch baking dish at 400F. The turkey is done at 165°F and the potatoes should be fork tender.
| Potato Cut | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 inch pieces | 400F | 40 to 45 minutes |
| 3/4 inch pieces | 400F | 50 to 55 minutes |
| 1/4 inch slices | 400F | 45 to 50 minutes |
Make Ahead Method
- Assemble the casserole up to 1 day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time.
- Brown the turkey ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days so dinner comes together faster.
- Freeze it unbaked or baked for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Ground Turkey Casserole
Course: TurkeyCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes55
minutes340
kcalA cozy one dish ground turkey casserole with potatoes and green beans baked in a savory tomato broth.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs lean ground turkey (93 percent lean)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes, cut into 3/4 inch pieces
2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
- Preheat. Heat the oven to 400F and lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish.
- Brown the turkey. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Cook the onion for 3 minutes, add the garlic and ground turkey, and cook 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it up, until no pink remains.
- Season. Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and cook 1 minute.
- Assemble. Spread the turkey in the baking dish and top with the potatoes and green beans. Pour the diced tomatoes and chicken broth over everything.
- Bake. Cover tightly with foil and bake 35 to 40 minutes, then remove the foil and bake 15 minutes more until the potatoes are fork tender.
- Check doneness and serve. Make sure the turkey reaches 165F, sprinkle with parsley, rest 5 minutes, and serve.
Notes
- Cut the potatoes into even pieces so they finish at the same time. Cover the dish tightly for the first part of baking so the potatoes steam and soften. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For food safety, ground turkey should reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (USDA guidelines), so check the center of the casserole with a meat thermometer.
Nutritional Information
This ground turkey casserole is a balanced, filling meal. Each serving, based on 6 servings, has about 340 calories and 28 grams of protein from the lean turkey, which keeps you full and supports muscle health.
A serving also has about 30 grams of carbohydrates from the potatoes, 5 grams of fiber from the potatoes and green beans, and 11 grams of fat, with only 3 grams of saturated fat. Sodium is about 560 milligrams per serving.
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
To lower the carbohydrates, swap half the potatoes for cauliflower florets or zucchini. They bake in the same time and add extra vegetables to every serving.
For less sodium, use low sodium chicken broth and no salt added diced tomatoes. You can also add a cup of spinach in the last 5 minutes of baking for more vitamins and fiber.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole straight from the dish with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli. A spoonful of plain yogurt or a squeeze of lemon on top adds a fresh, tangy finish.
For a bigger spread, pair it with warm bread or serve it with my Greek Turkey Meatballs on the side for a full ground turkey dinner.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few simple slips can leave the casserole dry or the potatoes hard. Avoid these when you make ground turkey casserole.
- Cutting uneven potatoes – Pieces of different sizes cook at different speeds, so cut them all about 3/4 inch wide.
- Skipping the foil – Covering the dish steams the potatoes. Without it they stay firm and the top dries out.
- Using turkey that is too lean – Ground turkey labeled 99 percent lean can turn dry, so choose 93 percent lean.
- Not browning the turkey first – Browning adds deep flavor and keeps the meat from turning rubbery.
- Overbaking – Check the potatoes with a fork near the end, since dry casserole is hard to fix.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store leftover ground turkey casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat single portions in the microwave for 2 minutes, or warm the whole dish covered in a 350F oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
To freeze, cool the casserole completely and wrap it tightly. It keeps for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
This ground turkey casserole is a simple, budget friendly dinner that the whole family will enjoy. With lean turkey, hearty potatoes, and fresh vegetables baked in one dish, it is an easy way to put a healthy meal on the table any night of the week.
FAQ
What temperature should ground turkey casserole be baked at?
Bake it at 400F. The ground turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the potatoes are fork tender.
How long does ground turkey casserole take to bake?
It takes about 50 to 55 minutes at 400F, covered with foil for the first 35 to 40 minutes and uncovered for the last 15.
Can I make ground turkey casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to 1 day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time.
Can I freeze ground turkey casserole?
Yes, freeze it for up to 3 months and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead?
Yes, use the same amount. Ground chicken is cooked at 165°F and ground beef at 160°F. See my Healthy Ground Beef Recipes for more ideas.
What vegetables can I add to ground turkey casserole?
Carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach all work well. Cut them into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
Try These Next
- Ground Turkey and Rice Skillet
- Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Turkey Bolognese
- Greek Turkey Meatballs
- Healthy Ground Beef Recipes
- Turkey Burgers
- Turkey Cutlets
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