Get ready to transform your typical comfort food into a nutritious, mouthwatering meal that will have your family begging for seconds! Our Healthier Sloppy Joe Casserole takes the classic messy favorite and turns it into a convenient, wholesome dish that's packed with flavor and nutrition. By swapping traditional ground beef for lean ground turkey and adding whole wheat bread cubes, we've created a guilt-free version that doesn't compromise on taste. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this casserole is about to become your new go-to recipe that satisfies both your taste buds and your health goals.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups canned diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 3 cups whole wheat bread cubes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground turkey, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Cook for 6-8 minutes until no pink remains.
- Add diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté with the turkey for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become soft and slightly translucent.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and chili powder. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- In the prepared baking dish, spread the whole wheat bread cubes evenly across the bottom to create a base layer.
- Pour the turkey and tomato mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring even distribution and covering the bread completely.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the casserole, covering the entire surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, portioning into six equal servings. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for added freshness.
Tips
- Choose lean ground turkey (93% lean or higher) to keep the dish low in fat while maintaining great flavor.
- Dice your vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato mixture.
- Use fresh, high-quality shredded cheese for the best melting and flavor profile.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking to achieve a golden, crunchy cheese layer.
- Make this dish ahead of time by preparing the casserole and refrigerating it before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- Experiment with different whole wheat bread types or even use cornbread cubes for a unique twist.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the whole wheat bread cubes with gluten-free bread or cauliflower rice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 75mg
