Turkey Bake Ole
A flavorful turkey casserole with tender pasta, melted cheeses, and a mild taco kick, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with a comforting, southwestern flair.
Ingredients
- 1 (about 1 1/4 lb.) pkg. The Turkey Store premium fresh lean ground turkey ⓘ
- 4 1/2 oz. (2 cups) rotini (spiral macaroni), cooked and drained ⓘ
- nonstick cooking spray ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mild taco sauce ⓘ
- 8 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 4 oz. can chopped green chilies, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 cup frozen whole kernel corn
- 2 to 4 oz. shredded Cheddar cheese
- 2 to 4 oz. shredded Mozzarella cheese
- avocado wedges (if desired) ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- Spray a 2-quart casserole dish and the bottom of a large skillet with nonstick cooking spray until well coated.
- Heat the skillet over medium-high heat for about 30 seconds.
- Crumble the ground turkey into the skillet and add the chopped onion.
- Cook and stir for 3 to 5 minutes or until the turkey is lightly browned.
- Stir in the taco sauce, tomato sauce, drained chopped green chilies, and ground cumin; blend well.
- Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked rotini, frozen corn, and half of each cheese to the turkey mixture and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional: Garnish with avocado wedges before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier version, consider adding jalapeños or using a hot taco sauce. You can substitute ground turkey with lean ground beef or a plant-based alternative for vegetarian recipes. If you don’t have rotini, any pasta shape will work. For a creamier texture, mix in a bit of cream cheese before baking. This dish works well as a base for toppings, similar to Cheese Nachos.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Turkey Bake Ole with a side of mixed greens or a simple avocado salad for a refreshing contrast. It pairs beautifully with Nacho Appetizer for a festive meal. For a full Mexican-inspired dinner, consider serving with refried beans or tortilla chips. Garnishing with avocado wedges not only adds flavor but also enhances presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Bake Ole contains roughly 450 calories, with 23g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (49% of the Daily Value), protein (45% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 861mg per serving (37% 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 use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Cheddar and Mozzarella are traditional choices, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for heat, or even a sprinkle of feta for a tangy twist. The cheese melting characteristics will vary, but it will still taste delicious.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire casserole ahead of time. Assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since it will be going into the oven cold.
What can I serve with Turkey Bake Ole?
For a complete meal, serve with a side of Mexican rice or a hearty bean salad. Cornbread or tortilla chips can also complement the dish nicely. If you’re looking for light options, a fresh salsa or guacamole would make excellent pairings as well.
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).