Ground Turkey Pasta Bake
Looking for a dinner that everyone will actually eat without complaining? I feel you! This cheesy ground turkey pasta bake is my secret weapon for busy nights.
It’s warm, comforting, and seriously delicious. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing while it bakes. It’s basically a hug in a casserole dish. YUM!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Pasta Bake
Trust me, you’re going to want to add this to your weekly rotation. Here’s why it’s SO GOOD:
- So Simple to Make: You don’t need to be a chef to nail this one. It’s a breeze!
- A Hit with Everyone: Even my picky eaters ask for seconds of this cheesy bake.
- Loaded with Cheese: We’re talking three kinds of cheese for ultimate, gooey, melty goodness.
- Tastes Great the Next Day: The leftovers are seriously incredible for lunch. Maybe even better!
If you love easy pasta bakes as much as I do, you have to try my Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef and Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake. They’re just as simple and delicious!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s grab what you need. These are just the highlights, so be sure to peek at the recipe card down below for all the measurements.
- Ground Turkey: I use lean ground turkey, but ground chicken or beef works great, too.
- Pasta: Grab some penne or rigatoni. You want a shape that can hold all that yummy sauce.
- Marinara Sauce: Just use your favorite jar of sauce! This is all about keeping things easy.
- Onion and Garlic: These two are the secret to building a super flavorful sauce from the start.
- Cheese Trio: We’ve got creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and salty Parmesan. The perfect team!
How to Make Ground Turkey Pasta Bake
Alright, ready to put it all together? It’s so easy, I promise. Let’s walk through it.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Get a big pot of salty water boiling and toss in 12 oz of pasta. You want it al dente, so it’s still got a little bite! This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When it’s done, drain it in your colander.
Step 2: Brown the Turkey
While your pasta is bubbling away, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a big skillet. Add 1 diced onion and cook it until it’s nice and soft. Then, crumble in 1 lb of ground turkey and cook it all the way through.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Now for the flavor! Toss 3 minced garlic cloves into the skillet and stir for about a minute until you can smell that wonderful garlic. Pour in 24 oz of marinara sauce, 1 tsp of Italian seasoning, 1 tsp of salt, and ½ tsp of black pepper. Let it all bubble together for about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Mix It All
Grab a big bowl. Dump in your drained pasta, the yummy meat sauce, and 1 cup of ricotta cheese. Give it a good, gentle stir until everything is happy and coated in that creamy, delicious sauce.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spoon that beautiful pasta mixture into your 9×13 inch baking dish. Now for the best part! Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of grated Parmesan all over the very top.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Pop it into a 375°F (190°C) oven for 20-25 minutes. If you want that extra golden, bubbly top (and you do!), turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes. Just watch it closely! Let it rest, then serve it up. ENJOY!!!
Tips for the Best Ground Turkey Pasta Bake
Want to make this pasta bake extra special? Here are a couple of my little secrets for success.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Seriously, don’t overcook it! It will finish cooking in the oven.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: It melts SO much better than the stuff in a bag. Trust me on this.
- Let It Rest: Give it 5-10 minutes on the counter before you dig in. This helps it set up nicely.
- Season as You Go: A little salt and pepper on the turkey while it browns makes a huge difference.
- Use the Broiler: Don’t skip this! It gives you that perfect, irresistible cheesy crust we all love.
Variations and Substitutions
Don’t have everything on the list? No problem! This recipe is super flexible. Here are some fun ideas:
- Try Different Meats: Ground beef, Italian sausage, or ground chicken are all fantastic here.
- Sneak in Some Veggies: I love adding chopped spinach or mushrooms when I sauté the onions.
- Turn Up the Heat: A dash of red pepper flakes in the sauce will give it a nice little kick.
- Mix Up the Cheeses: Provolone would be super melty and delicious on top!
- Use Any Pasta: Got ziti or shells? Go for it! Any short pasta you have on hand works great.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This is one of my favorite meals to prep ahead of time. You can put the whole casserole together (don’t bake it!), cover it up, and pop it in the fridge for up to two days.
When you’re ready, just bake it straight from the fridge. You might need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Leftovers are amazing, too! Just keep them in a container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes like a dream for up to 3 months!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Oh, for sure! Ground beef works perfectly. You could even use mild Italian sausage for extra flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Totally! Assemble it up to two days before you need it and just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
How do I store leftovers?
Just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be delicious for up to 4 days!
Can I freeze this pasta bake?
Yes! It freezes wonderfully. You can freeze it before or after baking for an easy meal later on.
How do I know when the pasta bake is done?
It’s ready when the sauce is bubbling around the edges and all that yummy cheese on top is melted.
Can I make this gluten-free?
You bet! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and you’ll be good to go.
Can I add vegetables to this?
Please do! Finely chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach would be delicious mixed in with the sauce.
What to serve with ground turkey pasta bake?
A simple green salad and some warm garlic bread are my go-to sides. It’s the perfect combination!
Why did my pasta bake turn out dry?
That can sometimes happen if it bakes a little too long or if there wasn’t quite enough sauce.
Ground Turkey Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 12 oz pasta penne or rigatoni
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Get Ready: First, get your oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). Cook your pasta in a big pot of salty water until it’s al dente.
- Brown the Turkey: While the pasta cooks, warm 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet. Cook 1 diced onion until soft, then add 1 lb ground turkey and cook it through.
- Make the Sauce: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, then pour in 24 oz marinara sauce and the seasonings. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix It Up: In a big bowl, gently stir together your drained pasta, the meat sauce, and 1 cup of ricotta cheese.
- Assemble the Bake: Spread your pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the top with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of grated Parmesan.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Bake for 20-25 minutes. For a golden top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with 2 tbsp fresh parsley and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Remember, shredding your own cheese makes a big difference in how it melts!
- Cooking the pasta al dente keeps it from getting mushy in the oven.
- A little pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce adds a nice, subtle warmth.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps the slices hold their shape.
- This is a great dish to make ahead for a party or a busy weeknight.
