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Ground Turkey Pasta Bake

Ground Turkey Pasta Bake

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A comforting and flavorful ground turkey pasta bake, perfect for a family meal. This dish combines lean ground turkey with pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese, baked until golden and bubbly.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 12 ounces pasta (such as penne or ziti)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  5. While the sauce is simmering, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, turkey sauce, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine.
  7. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
  10. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine vinegar to the sauce.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the sauce.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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