Creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor, this Cheddar Turkey Bake OAMC (Once-A-Month Cooking) is the perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or meal-prep enthusiasts. Featuring tender ground turkey, gooey melted cheddar cheese, and a medley of rotini pasta and vibrant peas and carrots, this comforting casserole is smothered in a rich, homemade cheese sauce that's irresistibly smooth. A hint of garlic and onion add depth, while a dash of paprika makes for a deliciously smoky garnish. This freezer-friendly recipe comes together in under an hour, making it a family-friendly dinner solution that's as practical as it is satisfying. Whether baked fresh or pulled from the freezer, it delivers wholesome goodness in every bite!
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until it is browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then set it aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook for about 1 minute until the flour is lightly golden.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, cooking until the sauce thickens and starts to bubble.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked ground turkey, rotini pasta, peas and carrots, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If desired, sprinkle paprika on top for added color.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and bubbly on the edges.
Let the bake cool slightly before serving. If freezing, allow it to cool completely before wrapping securely and storing in the freezer.
Serving size | (2355.3g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 3231.7 |
Total Fat 140.3g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 75.2g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.9g | |
Cholesterol 649.7mg | 0% |
Sodium 4136.9mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 285.4g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 20.6g | 0% |
Total Sugars 29.9g | |
Protein 205.7g | 0% |
Vitamin D 159.8IU | 0% |
Calcium 2081.6mg | 0% |
Iron 17.6mg | 0% |
Potassium 1807.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories