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!
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.
Let’s look at how easy it is to make this tasty casserole at home.
How to Make Ground Turkey Cauliflower Casserole – Step by Step
One of the things I love about this recipe is how quick and simple it is to throw together. Here’s an overview of what you’ll do:
Step 1. Cook ground turkey in a skillet until browned.
Step 2. Add riced cauliflower, broth, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and seasonings. Stir to combine.
Step 3. Transfer mixture to a casserole dish and top with extra cheese.
Step 4. Bake until hot and bubbly.
Step 5. Serve and enjoy!
Now let’s go through each step in a bit more detail.
Step 1: Cook the Ground Turkey
First, cook 1 pound of lean ground turkey in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Cook until the turkey is completely browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Once cooked, drain excess grease from the pan if needed. Then move the cooked turkey to one side of the skillet.
Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients
Next, add the remaining casserole ingredients to the skillet:
- 4 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
- 1⁄2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 4 oz. cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp each garlic powder and onion powder
- Salt and pepper
Stir everything together, allowing the cream cheese to melt into the broth. Cook for 2-3 minutes just until heated through.
You want the cauliflower rice to stay crisp at this stage.
Step 3. Transfer to Casserole Dish
Now transfer the mixture to a greased 9×9 casserole dish. Smooth the top evenly.
Top with 1⁄2 cup extra shredded cheese. I like to use a combo of cheddar and mozzarella.
This cheese will melt into a crispy, golden brown topping as it bakes.
Step 4. Bake Until Hot and Bubbly
Pop the casserole dish into the oven and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
The cheese topping should be bubbly and lightly browned when it’s done.
Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. The cauliflower rice will continue to soften as it sits.
Step 5. Time to Enjoy Your Creation!
Now just scoop out servings of your cheesy ground turkey cauliflower casserole and enjoy!
It’s delightful paired with a fresh side salad or steamed veggies.
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. Or try finely chopped cauliflower florets.
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Cook the ground turkey thoroughly until nicely browned. This builds lots of 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. I like using paprika or Italian seasoning.
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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. There are lots of ways to switch it up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Here are some fun variations to try:
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Use ground chicken or ground beef instead of turkey.
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Swap in broccoli rice, quinoa, or chickpea pasta for the cauliflower.
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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.
As you can see, the possibilities are endless! Feel free to get creative and make this casserole your own.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to be a meal on its own. But here are some tasty items to serve on the side:
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Fresh green salad or roasted veggies
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Garlic bread or rolls
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Rice, cauliflower rice, or low-carb noodles
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Fruit salad
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Roasted sweet potatoes
A crisp green salad is one of my favorites. The fresh greens balance out the richness of the cheesy casserole perfectly.
Storing and Freezing Leftovers
Like many casseroles, ground turkey cauliflower casserole reheats beautifully. Here are some tips for leftovers:
Refrigerating: Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot.
Freezing: Let cool completely, then divide into portions in freezer bags or containers. It will keep in the freezer for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat.
Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place individual portions in ramekins or on a sheet pan, and cover with foil. Heat until warmed through, 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat in the microwave.
With these easy storage tips, you can enjoy this tasty casserole all week long!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about making ground turkey cauliflower casserole:
What kind of ground turkey should I use?
I recommend using 90% lean or leaner ground turkey for this recipe. Avoid ground turkey that is labeled just “ground turkey” as this often has skin and is higher in fat.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use certified gluten-free broth and make sure to use brands of cream cheese and shredded cheese that are labeled gluten-free.
Can I prep this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the entire raw casserole up to 2 days in advance. Keep refrigerated until ready to bake. Allow a little extra baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
Can I substitute the cauliflower rice?
Feel free to use broccoli rice,
