This Savory Ground Turkey and Veggie Casserole is the perfect blend of hearty and healthy, making it a family favorite for weeknight dinners. It's packed with lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and a blend of cheeses for a comforting dish that satisfies without the guilt.
Starting with ground turkey, it's a lean protein that absorbs the flavors of the spices and vegetables beautifully. Olive oil is used for sautéing and adds a subtle richness. The onion and garlic form the base of flavor, infusing the whole dish with their aromatic goodness. Bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness and pop of color, while mushrooms contribute a hearty texture. Zucchini is a low-calorie veggie that blends well into the casserole, and frozen peas bring a sweet, fresh bite. Diced tomatoes add juiciness and slight acidity, complemented by the earthy flavors of dried oregano and basil. A touch of salt and black pepper enhances all other flavors. The melty trio of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese provides a cheesy, gooey topping, while sour cream adds creaminess to the mix. Finally, cooked brown rice serves as the starchy backbone of the casserole, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the final dish.
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve alongside some crusty bread or a side of roasted sweet potatoes. A crisp, chilled glass of white wine wouldn’t go amiss either!
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want it nice and hot by the time you're ready to bake. In a large skillet, pour in your olive oil and bring it to medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they turn translucent and fragrant. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Next, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula, cooking until it’s browned and cooked through. This takes roughly 6-8 minutes. Now, stir in your bell pepper, mushrooms, and zucchini. Cook these until they're tender, which should take another 5 minutes.
Once your veggies are soft, mix in the frozen peas, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer together for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked brown rice with the turkey and vegetable mixture. Add in half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, plus the sour cream. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Transfer this mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top it with the remaining cheeses plus the parmesan. Pop it in your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Once baked, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This small wait helps the flavors settle, making every bite even more delicious. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before diving in!
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