Cheesy Turkey and Broccoli Noodle Bake
This delicious and hearty casserole combines the lean goodness of ground turkey with wide egg noodles, tender broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and topped with melted mozzarella, this dish is a family favorite that makes vegetables more appealing—especially for picky eaters! Whip it up in one pan for a simple weeknight dinner that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy this comforting dish that's not only flavorful but also packed with wholesome ingredients.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Wide egg noodles
3 cups (uncooked)
Ground turkey
1/2 lb (raw)
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Broccoli
1 cup (chopped)
Tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can (canned)
Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon (dried)
Nonfat dry milk powder
2/3 cup (dry)
Water
1/2 cup (measured)
Cream cheese
4 ounces (cubed)
Fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (minced)
Garlic
1 clove (minced)
Part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 cups (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Cook the wide egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3
In a steamer, steam the broccoli until just tender, about 2-3 minutes, then set aside.
4
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey and chopped onion until the turkey is browned and fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat.
5
Stir in the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
6
In a separate saucepan, combine the nonfat dry milk powder, water, cream cheese cubes, minced parsley, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
7
Add the drained noodles to the cream cheese mixture and stir to combine thoroughly.
8
Lightly coat an 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Pour the noodle and cream cheese mixture into the dish.
9
Fold the steamed broccoli into the turkey mixture, spread it evenly over the noodles.
10
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
11
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in the Cheesy Turkey and Broccoli Noodle Bake?
The main protein used in this recipe is 1/2 lb of ground turkey.
What type of noodles are recommended for this casserole?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of uncooked wide egg noodles.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How should I prepare the broccoli for this dish?
The broccoli should be chopped and steamed until just tender, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
What ingredients are needed for the creamy cheese sauce?
The sauce is made using nonfat dry milk powder, water, cubed cream cheese, minced parsley, and minced garlic.
How long does the ground turkey mixture need to simmer?
After adding the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning, let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
What size baking dish is needed for this recipe?
An 8-inch square baking dish is recommended for this bake.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
No, the dish should be baked uncovered for 15-20 minutes.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese for the topping.
Can I use fresh garlic in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 clove of minced garlic.
How do I know when the casserole is finished baking?
The bake is ready when the mozzarella cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
How should the noodles be cooked before assembly?
The wide egg noodles should be cooked according to the package instructions until they are al dente.
What kind of tomato sauce is used?
The recipe requires one 15-ounce can of tomato sauce.
Is the onion cooked before being added to the sauce?
Yes, the chopped onion is cooked in a skillet with the ground turkey until the turkey is browned.
What seasoning is added to the turkey mixture?
One teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning is stirred into the turkey and tomato sauce mixture.
How is the broccoli incorporated into the dish?
The steamed broccoli is folded into the turkey mixture and then spread evenly over the noodle layer.
Should I drain the fat from the turkey?
Yes, you should drain off any excess fat after browning the ground turkey and onion.
How much cream cheese is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of cream cheese, which should be cubed for easier melting.
What is the preparation for the fresh parsley?
The parsley should be minced; you will need about 1 tablespoon.
Are the noodles mixed with the turkey before baking?
No, the noodles are mixed with the cream cheese sauce first, placed in the dish, and then the turkey mixture is layered on top.
Is this recipe suitable for picky eaters?
Yes, the description notes that this creamy and cheesy dish makes vegetables more appealing for picky eaters.
What tags describe this recipe?
This recipe is tagged as a casserole, ground turkey dish, broccoli recipe, one dish meal, pasta bake, and comfort food.
How much nonfat dry milk powder is required?
You will need 2/3 cup of nonfat dry milk powder.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, lightly coat the 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Can I use dry parsley instead of fresh?
While the recipe calls for fresh minced parsley, you could likely substitute a smaller amount of dried parsley if necessary.
How much water is added to the cream cheese sauce?
The sauce requires 1/2 cup of measured water.
What is the primary vegetable in this casserole?
Broccoli is the primary vegetable used in this recipe.
How do you prepare the cream cheese for the sauce?
The cream cheese should be cut into cubes before being added to the saucepan to help it melt smoothly.
Is this dish considered a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is described as a family favorite that is perfect for a simple weeknight dinner.
What is the first step in making this recipe?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).