Skinny cheesy turkey macaroni burger casserole
This Skinny Cheesy Turkey Macaroni Burger Casserole is a healthy twist on a classic dish, featuring ground turkey, tangy pickles, and melty cheddar cheese mixed with tender macaroni. It's easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Cook time 45 min
Prep time 12 min
Ingredients:
2 cups macaroni2 tsp olive oil
1 lb ground turkey
1 tbsp garlic
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1.50 cups canned tomatoes
2 tbsp canned tomato paste
2 tbsp mustard
2 cups cheddar cheese
1/4 cup pickles
Skinny Cheesy Turkey Macaroni Burger Casserole is a delightful and healthy twist on the classic comfort food dish. This recipe combines savory ground turkey with tangy pickles, rich cheddar cheese, and tender macaroni, delivering a satisfying meal that is both nutritious and delicious. Easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, this casserole is sure to become a household favorite.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, and mustard.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and the turkey-tomato mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Fold in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and the chopped pickles.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover the dish with foil.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly on top.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Your Skinny Cheesy Turkey Macaroni Burger Casserole is now ready to enjoy! This wholesome meal combines flavors and textures that cater to both comfort food cravings and healthy eating habits. Serve hot and relish every bite of this delightful dish. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Skinny cheesy turkey macaroni burger casserole FAQ:
Bake the casserole at 375°F (190°C) for a total of 30 minutes. Cover with foil and bake for the first 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
The casserole is done when the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure the ground turkey is cooked through.
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, lean beef, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative depending on your dietary preferences.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months.
A 9x13 inch baking dish is recommended for this casserole. This size allows for even cooking and proper melting of the cheese on top.
Cooking Tips:
- Cook the macaroni just until al dente, as it will continue to cook when you bake the casserole.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the ground turkey mixture.
- If you prefer a smoother consistency, blend the canned tomatoes slightly before adding them to the dish.
- Use a low-fat or reduced-sodium cheddar cheese for an even lighter version of this casserole.
- Feel free to substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef, adapting the recipe to your taste preferences.
Nutrition Facts
8 ServingsCalories 280kcal
Protein 24g
Carbohydrates 11g
Fiber 2.40g
Sugar 2.16g
Fat 16g
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