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Easy Macaroni Casserole Recipe

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4.1 from 88 reviews

This Easy Macaroni Casserole is a hearty and nourishing dish featuring lean ground turkey, colorful vegetables, and whole wheat pasta baked in a flavorful tomato and marinara sauce mixture. It’s a comforting meal that brings together protein, fiber, and cheese in a simple one-dish recipe perfect for family dinners.

  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Meat and Fat

  • 1 lb 93% lean ground turkey
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Vegetables

  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 medium red pepper, chopped
  • ¼ cup finely diced celery
  • ¼ cup finely diced carrots
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes, drained

Liquids and Seasonings

  • 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or jarred)
  • 2 cups water
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp Kosher salt

Pasta and Cheese

  • 8 oz whole wheat elbow macaroni (uncooked)
  • 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown the turkey: In a large deep non-stick skillet, brown the ground turkey over high heat until fully cooked, seasoning with a pinch of salt and breaking it into smaller pieces during cooking. Once done, set aside on a plate.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: Add olive oil to the same skillet and reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion, red pepper, celery, and carrots and sauté until vegetables are soft, about 6 to 7 minutes.
  3. Combine ingredients and simmer: Return the cooked turkey to the skillet along with sliced mushrooms, drained diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, water, Italian seasoning, and Kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 20 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Preheat the oven: While the sauce simmers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Assemble the casserole: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spoon enough of the turkey and vegetable mixture to cover the bottom. Spread the uncooked whole wheat elbow macaroni evenly over the sauce layer. Pour the remaining sauce mixture over the pasta and finish by sprinkling shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
  6. Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, until pasta is tender and the casserole is bubbling.
  7. Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand, still covered, for 15 minutes before dividing into 6 servings and serving warm.

Notes

  • Using whole wheat pasta increases fiber content and adds a nutty flavor.
  • Draining the canned diced tomatoes prevents excess liquid, keeping the casserole from becoming too watery.
  • You can substitute mozzarella with a lower-fat cheese if desired for a lighter dish.
  • Letting the casserole rest after baking helps the sauce thicken and makes servings easier to cut.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/easy-macaroni-casserole-recipe/