Cheesy Ground Turkey or Beef Pasta Bake
This Cheesy Ground Turkey or Beef Pasta Bake is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines hearty ground meat, al dente pasta, and rich tomato sauce, all topped with a melty layer of cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole is quick to prepare and makes for excellent leftovers. Serve it alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will love. Share this dish with family and friends and enjoy a delicious gathering!
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground turkey or ground beef
1 lb (browned and drained)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
oregano
1 teaspoon (dried)
tomato sauce
16 ounces (canned)
salt
to taste (season as desired)
pepper
to taste (season as desired)
cheese
1 1/2 cups (grated)
macaroni or rotini pasta
2 cups (cooked according to package instructions)
sour cream
1 cup (mixed with pasta)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In a large skillet, brown the ground turkey or beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain off excess fat.
3
Add minced garlic, oregano, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and allow to simmer for about 5 minutes.
4
While the meat mixture simmers, cook the macaroni or rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Stir in the sour cream until well incorporated.
5
In a greased casserole dish, layer half of the pasta mixture, followed by the entire meat mixture. Top with the remaining pasta and then sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top.
6
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Ground Turkey or Beef Pasta Bake!
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
33g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary proteins used in this pasta bake?
You can use either 1 lb of ground turkey or ground beef.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
How long does it take to bake the casserole?
The casserole should bake for approximately 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
What types of pasta work best for this recipe?
Macaroni or rotini pasta are recommended for this dish.
Do I need to cook the pasta before adding it to the casserole?
Yes, the pasta should be cooked according to package instructions and drained before being mixed with sour cream.
How much cheese is needed for the topping?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of grated cheese.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
How much protein is in one serving of this pasta bake?
There are 20g of protein per serving.
What ingredients are used for seasoning the meat sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
What is the role of sour cream in this recipe?
Sour cream is stirred into the cooked pasta to create a creamy base before layering.
How much tomato sauce is required?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of canned tomato sauce.
Should I drain the meat after browning?
Yes, you should drain off any excess fat after browning the meat.
How long should the meat mixture simmer?
The meat mixture should simmer with the sauce and spices for about 5 minutes.
What are the layering instructions for the casserole?
Layer half of the pasta mixture, then the entire meat mixture, followed by the remaining pasta, and top with cheese.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 20g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving has 33g of carbohydrates.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and a great option for busy weeknights.
How long should the dish cool before serving?
It is recommended to let the bake cool for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven.
What can I serve with this pasta bake for a complete meal?
A fresh salad is a great accompaniment for this dish.
How much oregano is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a comforting dish perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Does the recipe specify the amount of salt and pepper?
Salt and pepper are added to taste according to your seasoning preference.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Can I use rotini instead of macaroni?
Yes, rotini is a specifically mentioned alternative to macaroni pasta.
What is the texture of the cheese topping?
When finished, the cheese topping should be melty, bubbly, and golden.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The provided nutritional information does not list any sugar content.
Does this recipe include fiber information?
Fiber information is not specified for this recipe.
Is this a casserole style dish?
Yes, it is prepared in a greased casserole dish and baked.
What is the primary category of this meal?
This dish is categorized as a pasta casserole and comfort food.