This turkey burger casserole is a creamy, cheesy delight that brings warmth to your dinner table. It’s easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy nights while being healthy and family-friendly.
Turkey Burger Casserole Overview
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is packed with flavor and texture. The crispy hash browns layer beautifully with tender ground turkey, making it a dish everyone will adore. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can adapt it to your family’s taste preferences!
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering, this turkey burger casserole fits right in. It’s comforting enough for chilly evenings while being light enough for those warmer nights, making it versatile for any occasion.
Ingredients for Turkey Burger Casserole
Essential Ingredients
For this delicious turkey burger casserole, you’ll need 20 ounces of shredded hash brown potatoes (not frozen), 1 pound of ground turkey (or chicken or beef), 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 shallot (diced), 1 1/2 teaspoons of minced garlic, 1 cup of diced carrots, 1 cup of diced green bell pepper, 1 cup of low-fat ricotta cheese, 1 cup of low-fat sour cream, and 2 cups of shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese (divided).
Optional Add-ins and Substitutions
Feel free to mix and match your vegetables! Peas or broccoli work well, and you can use any color of bell pepper. If you’re looking to make it even lighter, low-fat Greek yogurt can replace the sour cream, and condensed cream of chicken or mushroom soup can substitute the ricotta cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Vegetables
First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then, add the diced shallots and minced garlic, stirring to combine. Next, incorporate 1 cup of diced carrots and 1 cup of diced green bell pepper, sautéing for about 3 minutes until they soften.
Cooking the Ground Turkey
Add the 1 pound of ground turkey to the skillet, cooking until it’s no longer pink, which should take around 5 minutes. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks for even browning.
Combining Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese and 1 cup of low-fat sour cream, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Next, mix in the 20 ounces of hash brown potatoes and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Finally, combine the turkey mixture with the hash brown mixture thoroughly.
Baking the Casserole
Transfer the combined mixture to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top. Now, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for approximately 40 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Tips for the Perfect Casserole
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container. This casserole is perfect for meal prep, so you can enjoy it throughout the week!
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply warm the casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Serving Suggestions
This turkey burger casserole pairs well with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for a turkey burger casserole?
You need 20 ounces of shredded hash brown potatoes, 1 pound of ground turkey, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 diced shallot, 1 1/2 teaspoons of minced garlic, 1 cup of diced carrots, 1 cup of diced green bell pepper, 1 cup of low-fat ricotta cheese, 1 cup of low-fat sour cream, and 2 cups of shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
How long should I bake a turkey burger casserole for best results?
Bake the turkey burger casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for approximately 40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Can I prepare turkey burger casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
What are some variations for turkey burger casserole recipes?
You can use different vegetables like peas or broccoli, try other proteins such as chicken or beef, or even use different cheese varieties.
How can I make turkey burger casserole healthier?
To make it healthier, you can use low-fat dairy products, add more vegetables, or substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
Related Recipes to try
Conclusion
This turkey burger casserole is not only delightful but also an easy dish to prepare for busy nights. Don’t forget to check out more recipes on our Pinterest page for inspiration and delicious ideas!
Turkey Burger Casserole: A Cozy Family Favorite
Ingredients
- 20 ounces shredded hash brown potatoes (not frozen)
- 1 pound ground turkey (or chicken or beef)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 shallot, diced
- 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
- 1 cup low-fat sour cream
- 2 cups shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese (divided)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add shallots and garlic, stirring to combine.
- Incorporate diced carrots and green bell pepper, sautéing for about 3 minutes.
- Add the ground turkey and cook until no longer pink, around 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese and sour cream, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Mix in the hash brown potatoes and one cup of cheddar cheese.
- Combine the turkey mixture with the hash brown mixture thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for approximately 40 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
– Alternatives for vegetables include peas or broccoli, and other bell pepper colors.
– Low-fat Greek yogurt can replace sour cream, and condensed cream of chicken or mushroom soup can substitute ricotta cheese.