Easy Macaroni Casserole
This easy baked pasta dish is made with whole wheat elbows, ground turkey, veggies, marinara sauce and cheese. I cant say enough good things about this casserole! It's comforting, kid-friendly and so easy to make because theres no need to pre-cook the pasta!
This easy baked pasta dish is made with whole wheat elbows, ground turkey, veggies, marinara sauce and cheese. I cant say enough good things about this casserole! It's comforting, kid-friendly and so easy to make because theres no need to pre-cook the pasta!
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup finely diced celery
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 medium red pepper chopped
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 lb 93% lean ground turkey
- 1/4 cup finely diced carrots
- 1 oz can) petite diced tomatoes drained
- 2 cups marinara sauce (i used my own homemade)
- 8 oz uncooked delallo whole wheat elbows
- Carbohydrate 3.86517491644911 g
- Cholesterol 62.9359413215 mg
- Fat 9.71124592296782 g
- Fiber 0.766281246711141 g
- Protein 17.313211529496 g
- Saturated Fat 4.22018986949108 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (220g)
- Sodium 386.952163966683 mg
- Sugar 3.09889366973797 g
- Trans Fat 0.80484601622863 g
- Calories 175 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large deep non-stick skillet, brown the ground turkey over high heat until cooked through, seasoning with a pinch of salt and breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Set aside on a dish.
- Add olive oil to the skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the onion, red pepper, celery and carrots; sauté until the vegetables soft, about 6 to 7 minutes.
- Return the turkey to the skillet along with the remaining ingredients except for the pasta and cheese.
- Bring to a boil and then lower heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes.
- While simmering, heat oven to 350°F.
- Spoon just enough of the turkey/vegetable mixture to cover the bottom of a 9x13 pan.
- Cover with uncooked pasta.
- Spoon remaining sauce mixture evenly over the top and sprinkle with cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake 50-55 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let stand, covered, for 15 minutes.
- Divide into 8 servings.
Easy Macaroni Casserole: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious meal can feel like an impossible task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework, and extracurricular activities. But even amidst the chaos, I refuse to let dinner suffer. That’s where this Easy Macaroni Casserole comes in. It's my go-to recipe for a comforting, satisfying meal that doesn't require hours of prep work or advanced culinary skills.
This casserole is a revelation! It’s not just quick and easy; it's also surprisingly nutritious. I use whole wheat pasta for added fiber and lean ground turkey to boost the protein. The vegetables add a vibrant color and a healthy dose of vitamins. And let’s be honest, the cheesy topping is what makes it truly irresistible. My kids, even the pickiest eaters, devour this dish.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No need to pre-cook the pasta! Simply toss everything together in a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. The flavors meld beautifully as it bakes, creating a rich and savory sauce that coats every strand of pasta. The cheese melts to a golden perfection, creating a delightful crispy crust on top. It's the kind of meal that smells amazing while it’s baking, filling your kitchen with the promise of a delicious dinner.
Beyond the Weeknight: This casserole isn’t limited to just weeknights. It's also perfect for potlucks, casual gatherings, or even a comforting Sunday supper. I’ve taken this to family events and it’s always a huge hit. The leftovers are just as good, if not better, the next day, making it a great meal prep option too.
Variations and Tweaks: Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Substitute different ground meats, add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or experiment with different cheeses. I've even used leftover roasted vegetables to add extra depth of flavor. The possibilities are endless!
More Than Just a Meal: For me, this casserole represents more than just a quick and easy dinner. It's a symbol of my commitment to feeding my family healthy, delicious meals, even amidst the whirlwind of daily life. It's a testament to the fact that nourishing your loved ones doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's a reminder that simple pleasures, like a warm and comforting casserole on a busy weeknight, can bring a family together.
Tips for Success:
- Use good quality marinara sauce – the flavor will make a difference.
- Don't overcook the ground turkey – it should be cooked through but still slightly moist.
- If you want a crispier top, broil the casserole for the last few minutes of cooking.
- Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving – this allows the sauce to thicken and the cheese to set.
This Easy Macaroni Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It’s a testament to the fact that delicious, healthy, and convenient can coexist. So, go ahead, give it a try. You won’t be disappointed!
