Hearty Turkey Noodle Casserole
This savory Hearty Turkey Noodle Casserole is a comforting dish that brings a taste of tradition into the modern kitchen. Originally developed over 20 years ago as a Weight Watchers favorite, this casserole is packed with flavor and nutrition. Ground turkey shines in a beautifully seasoned tomato sauce, complemented by sautéed onions and green peppers. With tender egg noodles and a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese on top, this one-dish meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Each serving is not only delicious but also mindful of health, making it an excellent choice for everyone at the table.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
chopped onion
1 cup (chopped)
green pepper
1 (chopped)
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
ground turkey
16 ounces (cooked)
seasoning salt
1 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
tomato puree
12 ounces (none)
diced tomatoes
15 ounces (none)
water
2 cups (none)
uncooked egg noodles
8 ounces (uncooked)
shredded cheddar cheese
8 ounces (none)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and green pepper until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Add the cooked ground turkey, seasoning salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
3
Next, stir in the tomato puree, diced tomatoes, and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
4
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, pour a small amount of the sauce mixture to coat the bottom. Layer the uncooked egg noodles evenly on top.
6
Pour the remaining sauce over the noodles, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
7
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
8
Allow the casserole to stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Turkey Noodle Casserole?
Hearty Turkey Noodle Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal featuring ground turkey, seasoned tomato sauce, egg noodles, and melted cheddar cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
What are the main ingredients for the sauce?
The sauce is made from tomato puree, diced tomatoes, water, seasonings, sautéed onion, and green pepper.
Do I need to boil the egg noodles before adding them to the casserole?
No, the egg noodles are added to the baking dish uncooked and will cook in the sauce while in the oven.
What type of meat is used in this casserole?
This recipe uses 16 ounces of cooked ground turkey.
What is the history of this recipe?
This recipe was originally developed over 20 years ago as a favorite for Weight Watchers members.
What size baking dish should I use?
You should use a 9x13 inch baking dish for this recipe.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long do I sauté the vegetables?
The chopped onion and green pepper should be sautéed in butter for about 5 to 7 minutes until softened.
How much cheese is required for the topping?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese.
How long does the casserole bake in total?
The total baking time is 45 minutes: 30 minutes covered with foil and 15 minutes uncovered.
What seasonings are used in this dish?
The dish is seasoned with one teaspoon of seasoning salt and one teaspoon of pepper.
Why is water added to the sauce?
Water is added to provide the necessary moisture for the uncooked egg noodles to absorb and cook through during baking.
Should the ground turkey be raw or cooked when added to the skillet?
The ground turkey should be pre-cooked before being added to the skillet with the vegetables.
How long should the sauce mixture simmer?
The sauce mixture should simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Can I substitute ground turkey with another meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground beef or ground chicken if you prefer.
Why do I need to cover the dish with aluminum foil?
The foil traps steam, which ensures the uncooked noodles soften and cook properly in the sauce.
Should I let the casserole rest after taking it out of the oven?
Yes, allow the casserole to stand for 5 minutes before serving to help the sauce set.
How much butter is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the dish?
The instructions recommend pouring a small amount of the sauce mixture to coat the bottom of the dish before adding the noodles.
What kind of tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses a combination of 12 ounces of tomato puree and 15 ounces of diced tomatoes.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While the recipe calls for cheddar, you can use other shredded cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious and mindful choice, originally popular as a Weight Watchers meal.
What is the preparation for the green pepper?
The green pepper should be chopped before being sautéed with the onions.
How many ounces of egg noodles are needed?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of uncooked egg noodles.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for weeknight dinners due to its simple preparation and one-dish format.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely, you can easily add vegetables like mushrooms, corn, or peas to the sauce mixture.
What should the cheese look like when done?
The cheese should be bubbly and lightly golden after the final uncovered baking period.
How much tomato puree is needed?
You will need 12 ounces of tomato puree for the sauce.
Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and layer the casserole ahead of time, then bake it when you are ready to serve.