Are you craving a mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing meal that combines the lean goodness of ground turkey, vibrant bell peppers, and gooey melted cheese? Look no further! This Turkey Pepper Pasta Bake is about to become your new family favorite – a perfect blend of hearty protein, colorful vegetables, and irresistible cheesy goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal that impresses, this recipe is your ultimate culinary solution!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups pasta, cooked
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your Turkey Pepper Pasta Bake cooks evenly.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground turkey. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the turkey is cooked, add the chopped bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the bell pepper is tender.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, mixing well to combine all the ingredients. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the turkey and bell pepper mixture. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the dish set a bit.
- Serve the Turkey Pepper Pasta Bake warm, garnished with additional Italian seasoning or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious and hearty meal!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use fresh ground turkey and choose a bell pepper that's crisp and brightly colored.
- Don't overcook the turkey – aim for a nice, even brown without drying it out. Use a spatula to break it into small, uniform pieces.
- Choose a high-quality marinara sauce or consider making your own for an extra flavor boost.
- If you want to add extra nutrition, consider mixing in some spinach or zucchini with the bell peppers.
- For a crispy top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes after baking to get a golden, slightly crisp cheese layer.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to settle and make serving easier.
- Experiment with different cheese blends – try adding some parmesan or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar for variety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 80mg
