Even though my children are grown and flown the coop, I still feel like it’s Back to School every September. And that means baking wholesome one dish meals that fill the house with enticing aroma. This healthy casserole is one of those perfect fall dishes, chock full of vegetables, low in carbs and fat. Kids will think they’re having a fabulous Italian meal and won’t suspect you have an entire head of cauliflower hiding in there! Roasted cauliflower is combined with ground turkey, mushrooms and spinach, topped with marinara and a sprinkling of parmesan. It is baked to a pipping hot, delectable 1-dish meal in just 15 minutes. It can be made ahead a day. I modified the original recipe from Cookin’ Canuck by adding spinach and shallots to the mix. It made for a delicious weeknight low-carb meal. To save time, you can use bottled marinara. You can serve it over pasta, but then…there goes the low carb! Enjoy!
Ground turkey cauliflower casserole is one of my favorite easy healthy weeknight meals. This hearty and comforting casserole is packed with flavor, protein, and veggies, making it a nutritious dinner the whole family will love.
As a busy mom, I’m always looking for simple recipes that I can throw together quickly on a weeknight. That’s why ground turkey cauliflower casserole has become a regular in my meal planning rotation. It takes less than an hour to make, uses just one pan, and only requires a handful of inexpensive ingredients I typically have on hand.
In this ultimate guide, I’ll share my easy recipe for ground turkey cauliflower casserole along with tips for making it perfect every time. I’ll also provide some fun variations so you can customize it to suit your family’s tastes. Let’s get started!
What is Ground Turkey Cauliflower Casserole?
Ground turkey cauliflower casserole is basically a hearty, meaty casserole made with ground turkey and cauliflower rice. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly comforting.
Some key features that make this dish so delicious:
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Protein-packed ground turkey Ground turkey provides tons of lean protein to keep you full and satisfied It also gives the casserole a nice meaty flavor.
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Low-carb cauliflower rice Cauliflower rice adds fiber, vitamins, and bulk while keeping carbs low It stands in for regular starchy rice or pasta in this dish
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Creamy, cheesy binder: A combination of cream cheese, cheddar, and broth creates an ultra-creamy sauce that binds everything together.
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Savory spices and herbs: Garlic, onion, salt, and pepper add loads of seasoning. You can also add other spices or herbs for extra flavor.
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Satisfying one-pan meal: With protein, veggies, and cheese all in one skillet, this casserole makes for a fast, filling, and fuss-free dinner the whole family can enjoy.
How to Make Ground Turkey Cauliflower Casserole
Let’s look at how easy it is to make this tasty casserole at home.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 4 cups riced cauliflower
- 1⁄2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook ground turkey in a skillet until browned. Drain grease.
- Add cauliflower rice, broth, cream cheese, cheddar cheese and seasonings. Stir to combine.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with extra cheese.
- Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
And that’s it! This easy one-pan casserole comes together in under an hour for a fast, filling, and delicious dinner.
Tips for Making the Best Ground Turkey Cauliflower Casserole
Here are some of my tips for getting optimal flavor and texture every time you make this recipe:
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Use fresh riced cauliflower instead of frozen for the best texture.
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Cook the ground turkey thoroughly until nicely browned to build flavor.
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Make sure the cream cheese melts fully into the broth to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
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Use a combo of cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella for extra flavor.
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Add any extra seasonings or spices you enjoy. Paprika or Italian seasoning are nice.
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Bake just until hot and bubbly, around 20-25 minutes usually does the trick.
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Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving so the cauliflower rice finishes softening.
Follow these tips and you’ll have a perfectly cooked casserole every time!
Fun Variations to Try
One of the great things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some fun variations to try:
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Use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey.
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Swap in quinoa, chickpea pasta or zucchini noodles for the cauliflower rice.
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Add diced mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers.
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Stir in pesto or salsa for extra flavor.
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Top with bacon crumbles or sliced avocado.
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Use any melty cheese like pepper jack, gruyere, or fontina.
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Season with taco spices and add black beans and corn.
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Make it Italian-style with marinara sauce and mozzarella.
Get creative and customize it to suit your family’s tastes!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with:
- Fresh green salad or steamed veggies
- Garlic bread or rolls
- Cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles
- Fruit salad
- Roasted sweet potatoes
A crisp salad is one of my favorites to balance the richness of the cheesy casserole.
Storing and Freezing Leftovers
This casserole reheats beautifully for easy leftovers all week.
To store: Let cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days.
To freeze: Allow to cool completely, then divide into portions and freeze in airtight bags or containers for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat individual portions in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, 15-20 minutes. Or reheat in the microwave.
With proper storage, you can enjoy leftovers of this tasty ground turkey cauliflower casserole all week long!
FAQs
What kind of ground turkey should I use?
Go for 90% lean or leaner ground turkey. Avoid turkey labeled just “ground turkey” as it often has more fat.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Use certified gluten-free broth and cheeses.
Can I prep it ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the raw casserole up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. Allow extra baking time when baking cold.
Can I substitute the cauliflower rice?
Feel free to use riced broccoli, quinoa, chickpea pasta, or zucchini noodles instead.
Conclusion
Ground turkey cauliflower casserole is the ultimate easy, healthy weeknight dinner. With simple ingredients, one pan, and just an hour from start to finish, you can make this protein-packed casserole anytime. Follow the tips for flavorful results, and get creative with fun add-ins. Enjoy this hearty meal on its own or with salad and bread on the side. Leftovers will keep all week for easy reheated meals. Give this simple yet delicious recipe a try soon!
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Even though my children are grown and flown the coop, I still feel like it’s Back to School every September. And that means baking wholesome one dish meals that fill the house with enticing aroma. This healthy casserole is one of those perfect fall dishes, chock full of vegetables, low in carbs and fat. Kids will think they’re having a fabulous Italian meal and won’t suspect you have an entire head of cauliflower hiding in there! Roasted cauliflower is combined with ground turkey, mushrooms and spinach, topped with marinara and a sprinkling of parmesan. It is baked to a pipping hot, delectable 1-dish meal in just 15 minutes. It can be made ahead a day. I modified the original recipe from Cookin’ Canuck by adding spinach and shallots to the mix. It made for a delicious weeknight low-carb meal. To save time, you can use bottled marinara. You can serve it over pasta, but then…there goes the low carb! Enjoy!