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Coming up with nutritious dinner ideas that please the whole family can feel like a real challenge, especially on those busy weeknights when you’re juggling after-school activities and work deadlines. Ground turkey is often my go-to protein, but serving it the same way week after week can get pretty boring – and let’s be honest, nobody wants to hear those “not this again” sighs at the dinner table.
That’s why I’m excited to share these 8 ground turkey casseroles that are not only easy to prepare but also bring something new to your weekly meal rotation. Each recipe is family-friendly, budget-conscious, and perfect for those nights when you need dinner to come together without much fuss.
Best Ground Turkey Taco Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil
- 1 diced yellow onion
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 chopped red bell pepper
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup salsa of choice
- 2/3 cup white rice
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained
- 1 (7-ounce) can green chilis
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 3 cups shredded colby jack cheese
- 1 sliced ripe avocado
- 3 chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 to 1 cup salsa
Total Time: 65-80 minutes
This ground turkey taco casserole is what I call a “weeknight hero” – it takes all the flavors you love about tacos and turns them into an easy, one-dish meal. The combination of seasoned ground turkey, rice, black beans, and green chilis creates those familiar Mexican-inspired flavors we all crave.
What makes this dish special is how everything comes together – the rice soaks up all the good stuff from the broth and salsa while cooking, and that melted colby jack cheese creates the perfect golden top. My kids especially love adding their own toppings, from creamy avocado slices to dollops of sour cream.
Make this on a Sunday, and you’ll have leftovers that taste even better the next day. Serve it with some extra salsa on the side and warm tortillas if you’re feeling fancy. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes everyone at the table happy!
Easy Cornbread Chili Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
- 1 pound ground turkey (or use chicken or beef)
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion (130g, about 1 medium onion)
- 1 cup chopped bell pepper (130g)
- 1/2 finely chopped jalapeño (remove seeds and ribs)
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 2 cans (8-ounce/227g each) tomato sauce (or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml, can use vegetable or beef broth)
- 1 can diced tomatoes, drained (14.5-ounce/411g)
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (15.5-ounce/439g)
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar (12g, light or dark)
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup fine cornmeal (120g)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g, spooned and leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, slightly cooled (113g, 8 tablespoons)
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (50g
Total Time: 55-65 minutes
Grab your biggest casserole dish for this cozy combo of chili and cornbread. Brown your choice of ground meat with onions and peppers, then stir in the seasonings and beans for a quick homemade chili base. Pour a simple cornmeal batter on top and bake until golden. This one-pan meal works great with whatever ground meat you have on hand, and you can adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeño to suit your family’s taste.
Easy Cottage Cheese Ziti Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces dry pasta (ziti or preferred type)
- 1.5 cups favorite sauce
- 1.5 cups cottage cheese
- 10 ounces cooked lean protein (ground beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 large whole egg
- 1 tablespoon italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup favorite sauce (for layering)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (for layering)
- 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- Olive oil or non-stick cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
Total Time: 70-80 minutes
Here’s a comforting pasta bake that combines cottage cheese and ziti for a quick weeknight dinner. Mix together cooked pasta, your favorite sauce, and seasoned cottage cheese, then layer it with melted mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan. It’s similar to lasagna but takes half the time to prepare. Add your choice of cooked ground meat and some garlic for extra flavor – this dish is perfect for using up what you already have in the fridge.
Easy Macaroni Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 medium chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped carrots
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups pasta sauce
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces uncooked whole wheat elbow pasta
Total Time: 40-60 minutes
This family-friendly casserole brings together the best of comfort food with a healthier twist. Ground turkey, whole wheat pasta, and plenty of vegetables come together in one dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
The recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something that’ll please everyone at the table. The combination of melted mozzarella, rich pasta sauce, and tender macaroni creates that classic casserole taste that kids love, while the added vegetables and lean protein keep parents happy.
Serve it straight from the oven with a simple green salad and some garlic bread on the side. And here’s a helpful tip: this casserole freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch – one for now and one for later!
Easy Oklahoma Style Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 box (6.9 oz) spanish rice mix
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 can (15 oz) ranch style beans
- 1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup shredded mexican-style cheese blend
Total Time: 25-35 minutes
Grab your favorite casserole dish and make this hearty, no-fuss Oklahoma style dinner. Brown the meat first, then simply layer it with Spanish rice, beans, corn, and tomatoes for a filling meal that comes together quickly. Feel free to swap ground turkey for the beef, or use black beans instead of ranch style beans – whatever you’ve got in your pantry works great. Top it all with melted cheese and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy Turkey Enchilada Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds of minced turkey or beef
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can diced green chilies (4 oz)
- 1 can of enchilada sauce, green or red (28 oz)
- 1 1/2 cups of corn kernels, frozen
- 18 corn tortillas
- 16 oz of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Start with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of each for seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Total Time: 60-80 minutes
Here’s a family-friendly twist on enchiladas that’s easier than rolling each one. Layer corn tortillas with seasoned turkey, cheese, and your choice of red or green enchilada sauce for a satisfying casserole. The green chilies add just enough kick without being too spicy, and frozen corn brings a touch of sweetness. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want Mexican flavors without all the fuss.
Savory Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 pounds zucchini, diced
- 2 cups cooked groats (or brown rice, quinoa, etc.)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
- 7 ounces kerrygold aged cheddar, shredded
Total Time: 35-45 minutes
This cozy casserole brings together lean ground turkey and fresh zucchini in a way that’ll make everyone at your table happy. The combination of aged cheddar, aromatic herbs, and diced tomatoes creates a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and filling.
While it’s simple to put together, the mix of smoked paprika and oregano gives it a depth that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing. The groats (or whatever grain you choose) soak up all those good flavors, making each bite better than the last.
Serve it up on a weeknight with a simple green salad and some crusty bread on the side. It’s even better the next day when all the flavors have had time to come together – perfect for meal prep or when you’re planning ahead for a busy week.
Tasty Quinoa Taco Bake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 2 1/2 cups chopped onion, tomatoes, and peppers (alternatively, premade fresh salsa or 2 cans of rotel can be used)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (opt for homemade or a no-sugar-added variety for a “green” option)
- 1 cup grated zucchini
- 2 cups quinoa, cooked
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or mexican cheese blend
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup diced or sliced avocado (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder and 2 teaspoons cumin
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Total Time: 30-45 minutes
Quick, healthy, and loaded with all the Mexican flavors we love (hello, avocado!), this quinoa taco bake is a total weeknight winner.
Made with protein-rich ground turkey, fresh veggies (including sneaky zucchini that kids won’t even notice), hearty quinoa, and plenty of melty cheese, then seasoned with classic taco spices, I’m sure this dish will become your new go-to for busy family dinners.