High Protein Ground Turkey Casserole
A comforting and satisfying casserole featuring lean ground turkey, creamy cheese, and tender spinach, perfect for cozy evenings and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (lean)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened Microwave briefly if cold to soften.
- 5 oz fresh spinach, chopped or whole Fresh spinach recommended; use thawed and squeezed dry frozen if necessary.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (divided) Divided into ½ cup + ½ cup.
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- ½ cup diced red bell peppers Adds sweetness and color.
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt For extra creaminess and tang.
- mozzarella instead of cheddar For a milder, stretchier melt.
Instructions
Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×9 baking dish with a little oil, cooking spray, or a thin smear of butter.
Cook the Turkey
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks until mostly browned.
Season and Wilt the Greens
- Stir in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the fresh spinach (and optional red bell peppers) and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
Make the Creamy Base
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until fully melted. If using Greek yogurt, stir it in here.
Cool Slightly and Bind
- Let the mixture cool for 5 minutes, then stir in the beaten egg and ½ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Transfer to Baking Dish and Top
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth it out. Top with the remaining cheddar.
Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.
- Optionally switch to broil for 1–2 minutes for a deeper golden top.
Rest Before Serving
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
To store, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Make-ahead: Prepare the filling a day ahead and store in the fridge before baking.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!