Im always on the lookout for new dinner ideas with ground turkey because lets be real, feeding three teenagers every night is a full time job. They are always hungry and always asking, “What is for dinner?” I need something that is super simple but still tasty enough that they actually eat it. That is why I love trying out easy ground turkey recipes for dinner and quick ground turkey recipes that dont take forever to make.

This Million Dollar Ground Turkey Casserole is one of those go-to dishes that fits right in with my list of easy meals with ground turkey, easy recipes ground turkey, and simple ground turkey recipes. It is creamy, cheesy, and filling – everything a hungry teen wants – but still feels a little fancy. Its also one of those good fall recipes for dinner that warms you up on a chilly night and makes the whole house smell amazing.
If you are like me and always asking yourself what to cook with turkey ground meat or looking for what to make with ground turkey, this casserole is a lifesaver. It is perfect for ground turkey meal ideas, ground turkey recipes, meals to make with ground turkey, meals with ground turkey, and all those turkey ground meat recipes you keep saving but never actually make. Its one of those ground turkey dinner ideas that you will come back to again and again because its just that good.
Whenever I want something quick, easy, and filling, this is one of my top supper ideas with ground turkey and things to make with ground turkey. It checks all the boxes for a crowd pleasing meal that even picky eaters will go for. Plus, its made with ingredients I always have on hand so I dont have to stress about what’s in the fridge. If you are searching for ground turkey meals, easy ground turkey recipes, or recipes using ground turkey, you definitely gotta try this one! It is honestly a game changer.
Ingredients
Here is what you need to make this cheesy, creamy, comforting dish:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken if you prefer)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite kind)
- 2 cups cooked pasta (like penne or rotini)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, but it adds nice flavor)
- 1/4 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs (for topping if you want a crispy finish)
Optional add-ins:
- 1 cup frozen peas or spinach for some extra veggies
- A little hot sauce if you like it spicy
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the ground turkey

In a big pan, cook the ground turkey over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic. Stir everything together until the turkey is fully cooked and the onions are soft. It smells sooo good at this point.
Step 2 – Mix everything in a big bowl

Turn off the heat and let the turkey cool for a minute. Then add the soup, sour cream, cheese, pasta, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix it all together until everything is coated and creamy. If you are adding peas or spinach, mix them in now.
Step 3 – Put it in a casserole dish

Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out so it is even on top. Sprinkle extra cheese and crushed crackers on top if you like it crunchy and cheesy.
Step 4 – Bake it until bubbly

Preheat the oven to 350 F (175 C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes or until it is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden.
Step 5 – Let it rest
Take the casserole out of the oven and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve. Trust me – letting it rest makes a big difference.
Step 6 – Serve and enjoy
Scoop out big portions and serve it warm. Watch how fast it disappears at the table. My kids always go crazy for this dish and so do I. It is creamy, cheesy, and full of goodness.
This Million Dollar Ground Turkey Casserole is a winner every time. It saves me when I have a million things to do and still want to make something everyone loves. Its one of those meals you keep going back to because it tastes amazing but is super simple. You can make it in under an hour and feel like you did something special for your family without stress. Give it a try and see how much your whole family enjoys it!
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
Yes! I sometimes swap it out when I dont have turkey on hand. It makes it a little heavier but still super tasty. Just cook it the same way and you are good to go.
Can I add more veggies?
For sure! I always throw in frozen peas, spinach, or even bell peppers when I have them. My kids barely notice and I feel like I am sneaking in some extra goodness.
What kind of pasta works best?
Any pasta you like really. I usually use penne or rotini because they hold the sauce well. But macaroni or shells work great too. Just cook it till it is soft but not mushy.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! I like to mix everything and keep it in the fridge for a few hours before baking. It makes life easier, especially on busy school nights when I have a million things to do.
How long will leftovers last?
If we are lucky, leftovers last 2 to 3 days in the fridge. I reheat it in the microwave or oven and it still tastes amazing. Sometimes I even freeze portions for later!
Million Dollar Ground Turkey Casserole – Recipe Card

Million Dollar Ground Turkey Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small onion , finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz (or cream of chicken)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 cups cooked pasta like penne or rotini
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika optional, but it adds nice flavor
- 1/4 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs optional topping
Optional add-ins:
- 1 cup frozen peas, spinach, or other veggies
- A little hot sauce if you like it spicy
Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the turkey
- In a big pan, cook the ground turkey over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic. Stir everything together until the turkey is fully cooked and the onions are soft. It smells sooo good!
Step 2 – Mix it all up
- Turn off the heat and let it cool for a minute. Add the soup, sour cream, cheese, pasta, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix everything together until it is creamy and well coated. Add veggies now if you are using any.
Step 3 – Put it in a dish
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly. Top with more cheese and crushed crackers if you like it extra cheesy and crunchy.
Step 4 – Bake it
- Preheat your oven to 350 F (175 C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until it is hot and bubbly and the top is melted and golden.
Step 5 – Let it rest
- Take it out of the oven and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. It helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve.
Step 6 – Serve and enjoy
- Scoop out portions and serve warm. Watch how fast it disappears at the table!
Notes
Tips
- Use full-fat sour cream and cheese for the richest flavor.
- Adding frozen veggies is an easy way to sneak in some extra nutrition.
- Letting it rest after baking makes serving easier and the casserole tastes even better.
- This dish reheats well, so you can make extra and save it for later.
Variations
- Spicy version: Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes before baking for a little kick.
- Different pasta: Use shells, macaroni, or even rice for variety.
- No dairy option: Try dairy-free sour cream and cheese if needed – it will still taste creamy and comforting.
- Vegetable boost: Toss in cooked broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
This Million Dollar Ground Turkey Casserole is one of those recipes I always go back to when I need new dinner ideas with ground turkey that are easy and tasty. Its one of the best easy ground turkey recipes for dinner because it comes together so quick and everyone actually eats it – even my picky teenagers! I love how its one of those easy meals with ground turkey and easy recipes ground turkey that I can make when I am short on time but still want something filling.
Its perfect for good fall recipes for dinner or just any night when you need ground turkey recipes that feel cozy but are simple to cook. If you are always asking what to cook with turkey ground meat or looking for what to make with ground turkey, this casserole is definitely a lifesaver. Its one of those ground turkey meal ideas and meals to make with ground turkey that you can rely on over and over.
When you need meals with ground turkey, quick ground turkey recipes, or recipes using ground turkey that dont take forever, this is one you gotta try. Its also one of those simple ground turkey recipes and supper ideas with ground turkey that keeps my family happy and my kitchen stress free. There are so many things to make with ground turkey, and this is one of my favorites from turkey ground meat recipes, ground turkey dinner ideas, ground turkey meals, and easy ground turkey recipes.
Whenever I need something fast, comforting, and kid-approved, this casserole is always on my list of what to make with ground turkey. Trust me, once you make it, it will be one of those go-to meals you keep coming back to again and again. Give it a try and see how much easier dinnertime can be!
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