Grandma'S Low-Fat Casserole
A hearty low-fat casserole combining tender turkey, vegetables, tomatoes, and melted mozzarella, perfect for comforting family dinners with bold flavors and healthy ingredients.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 12 oz. bag egg noodles ⓘ
- 8 tsp. diet margarine ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, sliced thin
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1.5 lb. ground turkey ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- pinch of oregano ⓘ
- pinch of garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can mushrooms ⓘ
- 16 black olives (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute margarine, chopped onions, sliced green pepper, and chopped celery until tender.
- Add ground turkey, salt, pepper, oregano, garlic salt, and sugar; cook until turkey is browned.
- Stir in stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, mushrooms, and black olives if using.
- Simmer the mixture for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain.
- Combine cooked noodles with the turkey mixture and spoon into a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
To make this casserole even healthier, consider using whole wheat egg noodles or substituting the ground turkey with lean ground chicken. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can replace the mozzarella cheese with a non-dairy cheese alternative. For added flavor, try incorporating fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Ensure you sauté the vegetables until they are nicely softened to enhance the overall taste.
Serving Suggestions
This low-fat casserole is delicious served with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider pairing it with garlic bread or a light vinaigrette dressing to complement the flavors. For a sweet finish, you might want to explore desserts like Granny'S Mandarin Orange Pie or S'Mores Bars to round out the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Low-Fat Casserole contains roughly 611 calories, with 24g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (149% of the Daily Value), iron (133% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (116% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1772mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble all the ingredients in the dish, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
Is it possible to freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, allowing for additional cooking time if it's still cold.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
To elevate the flavor, consider adding ingredients like chopped spinach, zucchini, or even some diced tomatoes to the mix. You can also experiment by adding spices such as crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or Italian seasoning for more depth. Don't hesitate to customize it to suit your taste!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).